UPDATED: Shelter Set to Open for Tropical Storm Debby

Published on August 08, 2024

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN SAMPSON

SHELTER SET TO OPEN FOR TROPICAL STORM DEBBY

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATED INFORMATION

 

Emergency Shelter Location Update

Sampson County, NC 5:00 PM, August 8th, 2024 – Due to the current circumstances, the emergency shelter will be relocated from Clinton High School to Fisher Drive Adult Day Care, effective at 7:00 PM tonight, August 8, 2024. This is a proactive measure for better addressing the evolving situation.

 

Fisher Drive Adult Day Care Address: 210 Fisher Dr, Clinton, NC 28328

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Sampson County, NC, 3:00 PM, August 7, 2024 – As of 8:00 AM today, officials have declared a State of Emergency in Sampson County in preparation for conditions associated with Tropical Storm Debby. Due to heavy rains and flood risks, the Sampson County plan for an emergency shelter will be implemented.

 

An Emergency Shelter will be opened at the following location, effective 12:00 PM, Thursday, August 8, 2024:

 

Clinton High School                    340 Indian Town Rd, Clinton, NC 28328

 

 

Officials with the Sampson County Department of Social Services and the Sampson County Health Department, along with other county departments, will man the shelter. County and municipal law enforcement will provide security.

 

County officials state that though shelters are being opened, space is limited. If safe shelter is available with family and friends, please use that option first. Shelters are recommended for those in substandard homes or mobile homes, especially residents along the Black River in the Clear Run and Ivanhoe Communities.

 

All people coming to a shelter are asked to bring bedding, medicines, food (especially baby foods and baby supplies), personal hygiene items, and flashlights. A caregiver should accompany those people with special medical needs. Firearms and alcoholic beverages are forbidden; law enforcement will retain the right to search bags brought into the shelter as a safety precaution.

 

Pets are not allowed in general population shelters. The County will operate a pet shelter for dogs or cats belonging to those persons evacuating their residence or seeking refuge in a county shelter. The pet shelter is located at the Sampson County Sampson County Animal Shelter; 168 Agriculture Place, Clinton, NC 28328.

Sampson County Animal Shelter will start accepting animals at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 8, 2024.

  • Pet owners are responsible for the transportation of their pet(s) to the shelter.
  • Pet owners should provide their ID when checking in. Please bring the pets in a kennel/carrier and must provide proof of current vaccinations upon registration of pet at the shelter. If the animal is out of date or never had a rabies vaccine; one will be given prior to them entering the shelter at the cost of the owner. The cost will be $10 per vaccine, cash only with the exact change. The Animal Shelter will provide rabies tags when return to pick up the animal.
  • Pet owners need to provide food if their pet(s) is on a special diet; if not, pet(s) will get fed by the brand the County Animal Shelter uses. 
  • Please let the staff know when checking in if their pet(s) is animal aggressive so that staff can house them properly.  
  • If the animals are on medication, please provide that medication along with instructions. 

Pet owners may also wish to consider sheltering their pets at animal hospitals, kennels or other safe shelters.

 

Transportation to the shelter is available to those in need starting from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Thursday, August 8th, 2024, at the staging area at Union High School.

 

For those who shelter at home, now is the time to check your 3-day emergency kit that each household should maintain in case of any emergency.  Generally, these items include:

 

Essentials

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

 

Additional Emergency Supplies

 

  • Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
  • Prescription medications. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler's checks
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

 

 

 

For media inquiries, please direct all requests to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) via email at sampsoncountypio@sampsonnc.com or by phone at 910-592-8996.

Web: www.sampsoncountync.gov

Find us on Facebook: Sampson County Government | Clinton NC | Facebook

 

 

About Sampson County Government

Sampson County Government is dedicated to serving its residents with transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Sampson County strives to enhance the quality of life and ensure public safety for all.

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For the full shelter opening press release in pdf document, please review it here.

Shelter-Opening-2024.pdf(PDF, 185KB)

 

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