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Broward Authorities Remind Residents That Shelters Cannot Accomodate Mattresses Or Fridges

Kyra Gurney
/
Miami Herald
South Florida shelters have seen a high influx of people looking refuge before Hurricane Irma.

If you’re headed to a shelter in Broward County: leave your king-size mattress and mini-refrigerator at home.

That was the message from Mayor Barbara Sharief on Saturday morning, who said some of the county’s shelters have filled up quickly because people have brought items with them that are larger than their allotted spots in school gyms and cafeterias.

More than 14,000 people have taken shelter in Broward county schools ahead of Hurricane Irma. All but two of the 21 shelters are nearly at capacity or full. The county will continue to open more, if needed.

She encouraged any remaining evacuees to go to two new shelters opened this morning: Lakeside Elementary School in Pembroke Pines, which accepts pets, and Coconut Palm Elementary in Miramar.

The mayor said she is encouraged people have sought refuge rather than stay in their homes in areas that are likely to experience strong winds and storm surge.

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