BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Time is running out for Brevard County families to find a safe place to stay during Hurricane Matthew.
Dozens of public shelters opened their doors Wednesday, and workers at the shelter are urging people not to wait until the last minute.
People who need the shelter may go in and reserve a spot, then come and go as they please.
Nearly 100 shelters have opened on the eastern side of Florida.
[ What to do before you leave: Hurricane Matthew evacuation guide and shelter locations ]
The shelters will help people like Dawn Wells and Betty Nicholas of Brevard County off the streets.
“We don’t know a whole lot about it, so we’re not quite sure which way to go yet. So everybody’s just looking for shelter, that’s the main thing,” said Wells.
The Red Cross will fill the shelters with cots, but anyone going to a shelter needs to bring their own blankets and pillows.
Some food and water will be provided, too, although they recommended coming with your own food and drinks to last at least three days.
“Here they have entertainment, they have other people to keep an eye on children, they have children activities, and that’s important as well. It helps keep spirits up,” said Wells.
Anyone with special needs can contact Brevard County Emergency for assistance for information on relocating to a safe place.
A new law allows concealed carry of guns for people under mandatory evacuations, but those guns are not allowed inside the shelters.
The guns would have to be left in a car.
Shelters won't let sex offenders stay--there's a location in Titusville setup specifically for anyone convicted of a sex crime.