TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay counties opened shelters as a precaution ahead of Nicole's expected impacts in the region. Hillsborough County's emergency storm shelter at Erwin Technical College began welcoming people at noon Wednesday. No evacuations have been ordered for the county.

"The shelter is aimed for people that have no other place to go," said shelter manager Julio Granda. "If you could stay with a friend, you should."

Granda said the shelter could be a good option for are those who depend on electricity to power medical equipment or those who live in trailers.

"I live in a travel trailer, and I lost a travel trailer in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The wind blew it over and flipped me in it. So, I'm leaving it parked over there, and I'm going to stay in the shelter," said David Ellender of how his past experience with hurricanes influenced his decision to stay in the shelter.

Granda said anyone who does come to the shelter should bring anything they'll need during their stay. While he said the section for people with special medical needs does have cots, those in the general population should bring something to sleep on, along with prescriptions and other necessities.

Pets are also accepted at the shelter. Anyone coming to the shelter with a pet should bring a carrier that allows the pet to stand and move around, proof of current rabies vaccination and a license for dogs and cats, and supplies like food, water, litter, treats, cleaning supplies, and medications. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. 

A spokesperson for Hillsborough County said as of 9 p.m. Wednesday night, there were 34 people at the shelter.

"Even though this is mostly a precautionary measure, it is wonderful to know that the department of health and the county, as well as all the community partners that work together, are able to come together, bring the resources and time, and take a shelter from non-operational to operational 48 hours later," said Ryan L. Terry, public information officer for the Florida Dept. of Health in Hillsborough County.

The Hillsborough shelter is located at 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave. Granda said it would remain open until any high winds die down.

Pasco County also opened the Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter at 11161 Denton Ave. in Hudson. That county also encourages residents to consider staying with friends or family before coming to the shelter. Pasco is not accepting new special needs registrations, and transportation won't be provided to the shelter.