MARION, SC (WBTW) – As Matthew approaches the coast, several in the Pee Dee are seeking shelter, concerned about the threat of high winds and flooding.
“You wanna try to be safe,” said Charles Davis. Davis, who lives in Centenary, said he and his sister wanted to make sure they were well away from their home when Hurricane Matthew roared into town.
Davis is familiar with falling trees during storms near his home, so he wanted to be sure his family had somewhere else to stay.
“Those trees sit on top of the root and they easily break and stuff so they’ll fall on top of your house,” Davis explained.
Davis and many others found that safe place at Creek Bridge High School. The shelter opened at 9 a.m. on Friday morning, and since then has seen a steady flow of families looking for somewhere to ride out the storm.
“It’s safe here,” said Margaret Brunson, the Red Cross shelter manager at Creek Bridge High School’s shelter. She said it’s important to her to make sure others feel safe.
“It’s always a good thing to be able to help people,” said Brunson. “These people are living in probably mobile homes and at least by coming here they feel safer.”
Josh, who’s family lives in Gresham said he’s along for the ride, though he questions how dangerous Hurricane Matthew will end up being.
“My mom told me to pack my bags and everything,” Josh said. “I don’t think it’s for nothing, but I think it’s with good reason.”
For now, those here have food and a warm place to stay–and hope for the best.
“I just hope it doesn’t turn out bad you know, and that everybody gets safe.”
Officials are warning if you live in a low-lying area that is prone to flood, you need to strongly consider evacuating either to higher ground or one one of the county’s two shelters at Creek Bridge or Marion High School.
