HURRICANE EARL: Pamlico preps for storm, will open shelter at 1 p.m.

BAYBORO — Pamlico County declared a state of emergency Thursday in preparation for Hurricane Earl, and ordered a voluntary evacuation.

The county will opened its lone emergency shelter at Pamlico Community College.

Trinity Smith, the Pamlico County Animal Control officer, said there are rules for animal owners bringing pets to the emergency shelter. Owners must bring rabies vaccination certificate, travel kennel or appropriate cage, collar with an I.D. and rabies tag, leash, bowls, food, litter box and litter and any required medications. All supplies should be labeled with owner’s name and contact information.

Owners must stay at the shelter with the animals. For shelter questions, call 252-745-3203 or 252-670-6129.

County Manager Tim Buck said county offices closed at 1 p.m. and there will be a three-hour delay opening Friday morning.

Buck and the county’s hurricane control group — himself, EMS Director David Spruill and Commissioners Ann Holton, Paul Delamar III and Jimmy Spain — activated the county Emergency Operating Center in the law enforcement center Thursday afternoon.

He said a mass notification of the voluntary evacuation and shelter opening was sent to about 6,000 telephone listings in the county data bank.

There is also information and updates on the county Web site at co.pamlico.nc.us. It contains local advisories, National Weather Service briefings, a link to the public school system’s Web site, animal control information and links to FEMA.

Buck and county officials were to bracing for 50 to 60 mph winds and a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet. 

Charlie Hall can be contacted at 252-635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com.