Darlington County Emergency Management, South Carolina Department of Social Services, and American Red Cross will be opening three additional shelters in preparation of Hurricane Florence on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 4 pm. Locations will be Hartsville Middle School, Lamar High School, and Rosenwald Elementary Middle School. This will be in addition the shelter at Darlington Middle School that is already open.

We recognize the need for many people to have a safe place to stay while the storm passes through our area. We want to ensure they have time to prepare their homes before going to the shelter. We also want to recognize the value in offering people shelter in their communities.

These facilities will not be staffed and able to receive shelter occupants until 4 pm. The shelters will be located at

• Darlington Middle School, 150 Pinedale Drive, Darlington,
• Hartsville Middle School, 1427 14^th Street, Hartsville,
• Lamar High School, 216 N. Darlington Avenue, Lamar, and
• Rosenwald Elementary Middle School, 508 S. Church Street, Society Hill.

Evacuees should pack the following essential items in anticipation of a potentially prolonged evacuation period: required medications, adequate clothing, and essential personal items. Residents going to evacuation shelters should bring their own blankets, pillows, cots, and special food items if they are on restricted diets.

Individuals and families should plan to board pets with veterinarians, kennels, or other facilities in non-vulnerable areas. Pets are not allowed inside Red Cross evacuation shelters.

For additional information on how Darlington County is preparing for Hurricane Florence, stay tuned to @DCEmergencyManagement on Facebook and local media stations.