In Indian River County, emergency officials are keeping a close eye on the hurricane’s track, urging locals to be ready for anything.
Tuesday, many families and businesses were putting up their shutters and making their last minute preparations.
“I think this is the worst one I’ve ever been in due to the fact of the uncertainty,” said Dan Culumber, the owner of The Jaycee Park Seaside Grill in Vero Beach.
He’s owned the beachside restaurant for 25 years and has been through a few hurricanes, but Matthew has him watching closely.
“We cut back on the help, [we] probably won’t be open on Friday,” said Culumber.
Officials at the county’s Emergency Operations Center say they’re keeping a close on the storm, preparing for what ever impact could come.
“We’re urging everyone to really watch this one carefully,” said Etta LoPresti, Indian River County’s Emergency Management Coordinator.
EOC officials have been monitoring Matthew since last week. They are communicating with several agencies across the county and state. The center is heading into a partial activation Wednesday and a full activation by Thursday.
“I want our residents to take this very seriously because it’s dangerous and powerful and everyone needs to watch this one.”
The county has at least 3 shelters on standby. In addition, it has a pet-friendly shelter and a shelter for those with special needs.