Brunswick County issues State of Emergency, voluntary evacuation; shelters to open

BOLIVIA, N.C. — Brunswick County has declared a State of Emergency, which will take effect at 6 a.m. Friday. In conjunction, Brunswick County has also issued a voluntary evacuation as of 8 a.m. for residents in unincorporated low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Shelters will open at 8 a.m. at West Brunswick High School (550 Whiteville Rd., Shallotte), North Brunswick High School (114 Scorpion Drive, Leland) and South Brunswick High School (100 Cougar Road, Boiling Spring Lakes). Residents evacuating to a shelter should bring identification, any needed medications, any needed items like glasses or diapers, clothing for 3-7 days, pillows, toiletries, chargers for cell phones, and books, games or cards. Residents should bring sheets or bedding, and cots and air mattresses if available. Alcohol, illegal substances, and weapons are not permitted.

Those evacuating can find a map of shelters in Brunswick County at www.brunswickcountync.gov/map, or find a map of all open shelters in North Carolina in the free Ready NC app (downloadable at https://readync.org/EN/DOWNLOADAPP.html).

Dogs and cats are accepted at the West Brunswick High School shelter, but not the North Brunswick High School or South Brunswick High School shelters. Owners must stay at the shelter as well, and should bring documentation of rabies vaccines, food, any medicines, and any other items necessary for your pets. Residents who are evacuating may also take pets to the Brunswick County Animal Shelter. Animals must be reclaimed within three days of the State of Emergency being lifted.

Brunswick County is likely to see significant rainfall from Hurricane Matthew. Grounds are already saturated from recent rainfall. All residents should be prepared for significant rainfall and the potential for ponding, flooding, and flash floods. Residents should remember not to attempt to drive through roads that have standing or running water over them.