Dublin, Ga. – The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin is preparing to assist with emergency response during Hurricane Matthew.

The medical center and its clinics will remain open and observe regular hours, with the exception of the Brunswick VA clinic, which is closed until Tuesday, Oct. 11, at which time it is expected to resume normal operations.

The Dublin VA will begin sheltering veterans, their families, and staff from coastal areas who do not have access to other shelter beginning at 5 p.m. today, and will establish an evacuee welcome center. VA Police and volunteers will be on-hand for traffic direction and to assist evacuees in reaching the welcome area. Family pets will be sheltered if they are crated, food is provided by their owners, and documentation of current immunization is provided.

After 5 p.m., the medical center’s back gate will be closed to ensure efficient traffic direction and access to the medical center will be limited to the front gate entrance at Veterans Blvd. on U.S. Highway 80.

Evacuees and other affected persons are encouraged to monitor their local news and social media sites for updates, including the Dublin VA Medical Center Facebook page and internet site.