Which shelters are still open and do they have enough room for more people?

As Hurricane Matthew batters the Florida coast and makes its way to the Lowcountry, Red Cross regional communications officer Jennifer Heisler said about 800 people are bracing for the storm Friday morning at four different American Red Cross Shelters in Colleton, Hampton and Jasper County.

But as the day goes on and the Category 3 storm fast approaches, Heisler said they expect more evacuees at the shelters.

“We know from past experience that not everyone leaves when the governor orders (an) evacuation,” she said.

Heisler said the four available shelters for Lowcountry residents could accommodate up to 2,600 people.

In the calm before the storm, Heisler said she has visited some of the shelters and for many, it felt like a waiting game.

“You could tell that people were worried,” she said. “They’re not sure what they’re going to return to...Our staff is doing everything we can to make them feel...comfortable.”

Heisler said the shelters were receiving more cots and blankets — something the Red Cross traditionally doesn’t supply for storms — since many visitors have been staying there for a couple days. She said many of the evacuees have been assisting the Red Cross staff, even helping unload cots and blankets and set them up for those who were physically unable to.

Meteorologists, government officials and law enforcement expect the damage from the storm to be extensive and life-threatening, especially for Beaufort and Hilton Head Island.

Gov. Nikki warned South Carolinians at 11 a.m. this morning that Daufauskie will be underwater. So far, the hurricane has killed more than 400 people in the Caribbean.

If you’re worried about the safety of the shelter, Heisler has assured The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette that these shelters have been inspected to meet Red Cross standards and will be able to withstand a Category 5 storm if it comes to that.

The American Red Cross has also provided a list of items you should bring with you to the shelter, but Heisler said the shelters are also prepared to meet several needs of visitors; Cots, blankets, comfort kits with personal hygiene products, a generator hookup, supplies and plenty of food and water are available at the shelters.

Heisler said visitors should bring blankets and pillows to keep themselves comfortable, something entertaining like an iPad or tablet, medication, important paperwork, change of clothes and cellphone chargers.

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, shelters will remain open for as long as they are needed, Heisler said, and there are currently no closing times for shelters.

“We encourage (people) to leave,” she said. “Please come to one of our Red Cross shelters...We’re going to take care of them and their families until the storm passes.”

Below is a list of the open shelters for Lowcountry residents and visitors:

Colleton County

Colleton County Middle School, 1739 Mighty Cougar Dr, Walterboro.

Hampton County

Estill High and Middle School, 1450 Columbia Hwy North, Estill.

Hampton Elementary School, 505 S Hoover Street, Hampton.

Jasper County

Ridgeland North Campus, 250 Jaguar Trail, Ridgeland.

This story was originally published October 7, 2016 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Which shelters are still open and do they have enough room for more people?."