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Manatee County in Florida locks down: shelters shut doors, emergency service unavailable

Manatee County administrator Dr. Scott Hopes announced Wednesday that all first responders have been evacuated.

Credit: Kristina Blokhin - stock.adobe.c

Hurricane evacuation shelter blue sign on road and seat belt buckle up it's the law text with arrow direction in Naples, Florida during day

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Manatee County Government announced Wednesday at 10:38 a.m. that the county is in lockdown ahead of Hurricane Ian's imminent landfall.

According to a Twitter post from the county, all shelters have shut their doors and emergency services will not be available until the storm subsides.

County administrator Dr. Scott Hopes stressed in a press briefing the importance of sheltering in place for safety.

"The time to shelter is now," Hopes said.

Hurricane Ian Update: Manatee County is locked down. All shelters and EOC have shut their doors in advance of Ian. First responders are also locking down as the storm moves over the area. Emergency response will not be available until the storm subsides: https://t.co/dfylrZDqw7
— Manatee County Government (@ManateeGov) September 28, 2022

Hopes said law enforcement have already evacuated the county islands. He also warned the public of the post-storm fallout, including downed power lines, fallen trees and flooding.

Hopes stated residents should not leave their homes even after the storm has passed on account of the aforementioned dangers. The county will inform residents when it is safe to leave the shelter.

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