Charleston residents scramble to prepare for Matthew
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WTVD) -- Hurricane Matthew is expected to make a direct hit near Charleston, South Carolina. Matthew could skim just off the coast, but even the slightest deviation could bring the eye of the storm onshore.
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley gave another dire warning to people along the coast there Friday. She said more than 300,000 people have evacuated. Not everyone is heeding the governor's warning, though.
READ MORE ABOUT HURRICANE MATTHEW HERE.
Dave Ellis lives in a North Charleston neighborhood of Park Circle.
Ellis posted a video to Facebook giving his tips for hurricane preparedness, as he, his wife, and his parents are staying put during the storm.
Ellis said he feels comfortable because his house withstood Hurricane Hugo, and his neighborhood is on higher ground than downtown Charleston. He says because of that, and because he has elderly neighbors, he feels responsible to make sure everyone stays safe.
"I kind of feel like I'm in a position to be more prepared in case they need some help," Ellis told ABC11. "Somebody's got to look out for them as well."
So Dave filled sandbags to help keep out any storm surge or flooding. He and his dad cut down a big tree in the yard so it can't fall on the house.
He put everything that was in the yard inside. Items that couldn't be taken inside were chained down. He filled a barrel with water and bought what may have been one of the last generators in Charleston. He's never been through a hurricane, but he believes he's ready for Hurricane Matthew.
"I might be making a huge mistake and if the next one comes, I might be one of the ones who get out of here first," Ellis shared. "But we have a lot of people who are concerned about us and sending us good vibes down here."
