CENTRAL FLORIDA — Marion, Sumter, Lake and Orange counties have opened emergency shelters for residents who have special needs or are unsure about the safety of their homes or whether they will be able to access their homes during Hurricane Helene.

Orange County opened three shelters Thursday for individuals needing to evacuate or seek shelter from Hurricane Helene. Shelters are pet-friendly. ID cards are not required to enter shelters.

A general population shelter can be found at Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. LYNX will provide free service to shelter locations.

Two shelters for individuals with special or other medical needs also are available at the West Orange Rec Center, 309 SW Crown Point Road in Winter Garden and at the Goldenrod Rec Center, 4863 N Goldenrod Road in Winter Park. Orange County residents requiring a special needs/medical shelter, please call 311 or 407-836-3111.

Orange County residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can chat online, download the OCFL 311 app, or register at www.ocfl.net/psn, to ensure access to resources and transportation.

Items that individuals should bring with them to the Orange County shelters include a three-day supply of water and food, clothing and bedding, personal items, toiletries, prescription and non-prescription medications, important papers, an identification card and medical information card, items to entertain you and a mobile phone charger, if needed.

Lake County opened a shelter for those who need accommodations during the storm at Leesburg Elementary School, 2229 South St. in Leesburg).  As of now, the shelter is anticipated to close at 7 a.m. on Friday so that students can resume classes. This is a general-population, pet-friendly, and special needs shelter. Be sure to bring all necessary supplies — including food, water, medication, bedding and a pet carrier or crate if bringing a pet.

Lunch and dinner will be available for those staying at the shelter.

In Marion County, West Port High School opened as an emergency shelter on Wednesday, Sept. 25, officials announced Tuesday.

People with special needs may begin arriving at 2 p.m.

Members of the general community may seek shelter beginning at 4 p.m.

West Port High, located at 3733 SW 80th Ave. in Ocala, will also serve as the only shelter announced so far where people can bring their pets with them.

Sumter County will open two shelters at 7 a.m. Thursday, one for the general population and one for residents with special needs.

The general population shelter is at Sumter Fairgrounds, 7620 State Road 471 in Webster. More general population shelters will open as needed. Residents who live in mobile homes, recreational vehicles, manufactured or modular homes, or who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas, or who do not feel safe staying alone are urged to go to a shelter.

Wildwood Community Center at 6500 Powell Road is a special-needs shelter.

All Sumter shelters are pet friendly, so officials urge residents to bring their pets with them.

Sex offenders are prohibited from entering general population or special-needs shelters. They must report to the sheriff at the Sumter County Jail for any sheltering needs.

Sumter shelters do not provide cots, blankets or other bedding. Bring those items with you, as well as an identification such as a driver's license; food and water; medications; baby supplies; toiletries; items to entertain you and all pet supplies needed. Do not bring alcohol or illegal drugs.

To stay informed, go to the Sumter County website.