The Moore County Department of Public Safety announced Friday morning that an emergency public shelter will open Friday afternoon at the Moore County Sports Complex in Carthage.
The shelter is scheduled to open at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at the sports complex located at 155 Hillcrest Park Lane. It is being operated by the Moore County Department of Social Services, the Moore County Health Department, and the American Red Cross.
The department notes that the shelter is intended as a last resort and will provide only basic accommodations, including a safe, dry environment, sleeping cots, and limited meal service.
Children under 18, except emancipated minors, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when entering and staying at the shelter.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms, and weapons of any kind are prohibited. Law enforcement personnel will be on site and have the authority to search bags and confiscate prohibited items upon entry.
Residents planning to use the shelter are encouraged to bring personal medications, blankets, special dietary foods or formulas, and a limited supply of nonperishable food for personal use.
Officials added that the facility is not equipped to serve medically fragile individuals and cannot accommodate those requiring advanced or continuous medical care.
Residents arriving with animals are asked to notify staff immediately and bring leashes or carriers, food, medications, and vaccination records. Cats and dogs will be accommodated in the Animal Services climate-controlled Companion Animal Support Trailer, located on-site or nearby. All pet owners must follow staff instructions to ensure safety, sanitation, and public health.
Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are permitted in the shelter.
For more information, residents may contact Moore County Emergency Services or the Department of Social Services.
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Information via Moore County Department of Public Safety. Feature photo via National Weather Service.Â
