MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County will open a public shelter at Town Creek Middle School in Winnabow on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m.
Brunswick County is opening this shelter out of an abundance of caution based on expected conditions from Tropical Storm Debby, including life-threatening flash flooding and rainfall amounts of 10 to 15 inches throughout the week. Brunswick County is sharing updates concerning Debby including the latest weather details from the National Weather Service in Wilmington at brunswickcountync.gov/debby.
You are encouraged to bring enough clothing, medication, toiletries, pet food, and other essential items for three or more days. More details on what to expect at a public shelter and recommended items to bring are listed below and at brunswickcountync.gov/shelters.
Shelter Location & Details
- Place: Town Creek Middle School
- Address: 6370 Lake Park Dr. SE, Winnabow, NC 28479
- Status: Opens Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 9 a.m.
- Pets Allowed: Domestic cats and dogs only
- Questions/Contact: For questions about shelters, contact Emergency Management at 910.253.5383 or email emergency.management@brunswickcountync.gov
Brunswick County Emergency Management continues to monitor the storm and will assess if additional shelter needs are necessary in the future.
Shelter space will be limited and should be only considered as a last resort. If you prefer not to stay at your residence during the storm, you are encouraged to find alternative, safer locations to shelter if possible, such as with family, friends, or a more inland location away from this area.
Brunswick County is not aware of any mandatory evacuations at this time. Brunswick County Chairman Randy Thompson declared a state of emergency as of Aug. 6 at 8:30 a.m., which includes a voluntary evacuation of low-lying and flood-prone areas of the unincorporated area of Brunswick County.
If you live within a town or city, you are encouraged to contact your municipality or visit their website to verify if there is a state of emergency and/or a voluntary or mandatory evacuation for your area. Find a list of municipal websites at brunswickcountync.gov/municipalities.
What to Expect at a Public Shelter
Area public shelters are emergency shelters for individuals who do not have another place to go. Shelter volunteers do their best to make you comfortable, but a shelter is a temporary place of safety and cannot provide the comforts of home. Stay with friends or relatives if possible. See full details at brunswickcountync.gov/shelters.
Meals
- Ready-to-eat meal kits and bottled water is available to shelter guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Individuals are encouraged to bring their own pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, like canned meats, granola bars, peanut butter, instant soup, cereals, dried fruit, powdered milk, etc.
Beds
- Each individual will be assigned to a dedicated sleeping cot
- Individuals are encouraged to bring their own preferred blanket, sleeping bag, and/or pillow
- One individual per sleeping cot at all times
- A select number of cots are available for individuals with mobility issues
Pets
Only domestic cats and dogs are permitted in public shelters. Pets are only allowed accepted at the shelter if the owner is also staying at the shelter; individuals cannot drop off pets at the shelter without attending themselves. You are responsible for finding accommodations for other types of pets in the event of a hurricane.
Domestic cats and dogs are only allowed in specific, designated public shelters for health and space reasons, and are housed in separate locations at those shelters.
Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:
- Proper identification, including collar and rabies tag
- Proper identification on all belongings
- A carrier
- A leash
- An ample supply of food, water, and food bowls
- Any necessary medications
- Specific care instructions
- Newspapers or trash bags for clean-up
Recommended Items to Bring to a Shelter
- Blankets and pillows (there are some available at the shelter, but you are encouraged to bring your own)
- Medications you take every day (make sure you have enough for 3 or more days depending on the size and possible impact of the storm)
- If you use oxygen, bring extra oxygen tanks (enough for 3 or more days depending on the size and possible impact of the storm)
- Several days of clothing
- Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb/brush, etc.
- Any special dietary items
- Pet food and supplies (bowls, cages, leashes, etc.)
- Baby supplies: Diapers, formula, etc. (enough for 3 or more days depending on the size and possible impact of the storm/event)
- Cards, games, books to pass the time
- If you need a caregiver, a caregiver must accompany you to the shelter. Shelter staff will try to assist but are not able to provide ongoing one on one care.
- Eat before you arrive. Meals may not be available during the first 24 hours. Bring snacks.
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol and drugs
- Weapons
- Mattress or Air Mattress (space is limited)
- Chairs or other furniture
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Media Inquiries
Community members with questions about shelters should contact Emergency Management at 910.253.5383 or email emergency.management@brunswickcountync.gov.
For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.
Stay Informed