In anticipation of the approach of Hurricane Matthew, Bladen County Emergency Management has issued the following information. At this moment, plans are to open four shelters in Bladen County on Friday. These are located at; East Bladen High School, West Bladen High School, Bladen Lakes Elementary, and the East Arcadia BCC campus, 1741 E Arcadia Rd, Riegelwood, NC.
If you plan to go to the shelters, please be sure to bring the following with you;
*Medicines/ Medical Supplies/ Bottled Water
*Ready to Use Baby Formula/Milk/ Snacks/Treats
*Canned Foods/Can Opener/ Diapers/Wipes
*Toilet Paper
*Feminine Products/ Flashlight/ Batteries
*Soap (liquid)
*Paper Towels
*Tissue/ Toothbrush/Toothpaste/ Brush/Comb/Pillow/Blanket
*2-3 Days Change of Clothes/ Dentures/Dental Adhesive /Glasses/Contacts
*Hearing Aids/ Radio
*First Aid Supplies
*Air Mattress/Sleeping Bag/ Reading Material/Games
Please be sure that any food that you plan to bring is prepackaged, no home cooked foods are allowed.
Any persons requiring medical equipment such as oxygen tanks or compressors should bring them to the shelter. Please check your oxygen tanks to ensure you have enough to last for at least three days. Persons having special medical needs must be accompanied by a caregiver. Those needing transportation to the shelters should contact the Bladen County EOC, as transportation may not be able to operate if winds become to strong.
If you plan to stay at home please prepare an emergency kit. Directions for preparing a kit can be found at readync.org. Please make you have additional fuel for your generator. Remember to never run a generator inside.
If evacuating, please do so early before the storm arrives.
After the storm passes, please be alert for downed trees and powerlines.
Stay tuned to your local media channels, and follow the storm on social media at #MatthewNC, #ncwx, #Bladenwx.
The pet shelter will be located at West Bladen High School.
Times for the shelters to open will be determined and posted later this week.
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