POLK COUNTY, Fla. -- Nonprofits across the Tampa Bay area were busy preparing for Hurricane Dorian on Friday.
From the Salvation Army to a homeless shelter in Polk County, staff with these organizations told ABC Action News they were ready to serve anybody in need.
HURRICANE CENTER | ABC Action News Hurricane Center
"We're expecting unusually high numbers of evacuees taking shelter here. Not only homeless people, but anyone in the area who feels their home may be unsafe or insecure during the storm,” Erin Martinez, director of development for Talbot House Ministries, said.
According to Martinez, staff members were preparing to possibly house a couple hundred people.
"Polk County is expected to receive the brunt of this storm, so we're preparing. We've got plenty of food and water and medical supplies available," Martinez said.
Hurricane Shelters: County by County list of open shelters in the Tampa Bay area
Meanwhile, Salvation Army teams were also busy getting supplies and equipment in place across the state.
They expected to have more than 30 mobile feeding units; capable of serving 500 to 1,500 meals per day—just in case.
"Hurricane Dorian is a safety issue and I think that we do need to take the threat seriously," Martinez said.
