VALDOSTA, GA (WTXL) - The American Red Cross has announced that it has opened 6 shelters in Georgia in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew's arrival.
The non-profit organization is urging people directly in the path of Hurricane Matthew to get prepared for its arrival early. They said that they opened 6 shelters on Wednesday.
“This is a powerful storm and people should get ready now,” said Chris Baker, Disaster Officer for Georgia’s Red Cross. “If someone is asked to evacuate, they should leave. We’re collaborating with our local emergency partners and will have shelters available where they can escape the dangers of the storm.”
The shelters open all over Georgia are as follows:
- Bibb County: Hephzibah Children's Home (6601 Zebulon Rd., Macon, GA 31220) opens at 7 p.m.
- Colquitt County: First Baptist Church (400 Main St., Moultrie, GA 31768) opens at 7 p.m.
- Emanuel County: Swainsboro Rec. Dept. (632 McLeod Bridge Rd., Swainsboro, GA 30401) opens at 9 p.m.
- Lowndes County: Park Avenue Methodist Church (100 E. Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602) opens at 7 p.m.
- Peach County: Peach County Fire Station 6 (1770 U.S. Hwy. 341, Fort Valley, GA 31030) opens at 7 p.m.
- Richmond County: Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church (1330 Monte Sano Ave., Augusta, Ga 30904) opens at 6 p.m.
They ask that anyone coming to stay at the shelter bring any prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items.
The organization said people should also include any special items for children such as diapers, formula and toys, and items needed by family members with unique needs.
