North Carolina Recognizes Hurricane Preparedness Week | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

State Urges Residents to Update Emergency Kits and Plans

    Raleigh, N.C.     As North Carolinians begin making summer plans, Governor Pat McCrory has declared May 15-21 as Hurricane Preparedness Week to remind residents to update their emergency plans and supply kits. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November.

    "We have been fortunate in recent years to escape significant impacts from major storms," said Governor McCrory. "However, it only takes one tropical storm to cause disastrous results. Now is the time to plan, prepare and stay informed; these steps can help you recover much quicker after a storm."

    Storms have impacted the state as early as May (Tropical Storm Ana brushed across eastern North Carolina on May 10, 2015) and as late as November, but peak hurricane season is mid-August through mid-October.

    The governor urged families to discuss their emergency plans and assemble or update their supply kits. Emergency kits should contain enough non-perishable food and water to last three to seven days. Officials recommend one gallon of water per person per day.

    Other essential items include:

• Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag
• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Supply of prescription medicines
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash or checkbook
• Pet supplies including food, water, leashes, bedding, muzzle and vaccination records
• A plan for anyone in your care who is not able to help themselves

    Residents are also encouraged to review and update their homeowners' or renters' insurance policies now to make sure they include coverage for accidental damage, natural disasters and, if necessary, flood insurance.

    People should stay informed during a storm by keeping a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information and should know evacuation routes in their community. They also need to heed the warnings of state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so.

    Small, domestic pets can be evacuated with their owners as there are specially designated pet-friendly shelters. Pet shelters will be equipped with pet crates, but people should bring feeding dishes, food and water, immunization papers and other pet supplies.

    "North Carolina has proven itself as a leader in emergency response, but each storm is different, and impacts can vary," said Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry. "Don't wait; it's critical that people prepare themselves and their families for emergencies. During those first few days after disaster strikes you may be on your own until responders can reach you and essential services can be restored."

    Perry added that the most dangerous threat from hurricanes and tropical storms is flooding and storm surge. The storm does not have to be classified as a tropical system to cause serious damage, he said.

    More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found on the ReadyNC mobile app and online at ReadyNC.org.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov