Governor McCrory Declares September As Preparedness Month | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C.     As students and educators return to school and the peak of hurricane season nears, Governor Pat McCrory is encouraging individuals, families, schools and businesses to review their emergency plans and update their supply kits. The governor has also declared September as North Carolina Preparedness Month.

    "This year marks the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Irene and the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Fran, yet we keenly remember the devastation caused by these powerful storms," Governor McCrory said. "Having simple emergency plans and basic supplies in place will help you survive storms and recover faster, whether it is from hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fires or winter storms."

    Last year alone, the state experienced nine tornadoes, 432 severe thunderstorms, 110 hailstorms with at least one-inch hail, 133 incidents of flash flooding and several winter storms that caused power outages and dangerous driving conditions.

    "By their very nature, emergencies are unpredictable," Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry said. "The easiest, most economical way to protect your family or business is to plan ahead, practice and discuss your emergency plans, know the risks you face and gather supplies. Doing so now will help you stay calm and react accordingly when faced with an emergency."

    Natural disasters can strike at any time, so it is imperative that everyone know what to do and where to go when danger strikes.

    Several landmark storms have impacted North Carolina during the late summer months providing lessons that have strengthened the state's emergency response plan for years to come.

    On Aug. 27, 2011, Hurricane Irene struck near Cape Lookout sending two to four foot storm surge along much of the Outer Banks and up to 15 feet of storm surge along portions of the Pamlico Sound. Seven people died as a result of the Category 1 hurricane that flooded more than 270 roads, caused 660,000 power outages and left behind more than $686 million in property and agricultural damages. More than one-third of the state's counties qualified for federal financial assistance to help them recover.

    As the strongest hurricane to strike the state in the past half century, Hurricane Fran made landfall near Cape Fear on Sept. 6, 1996 as a Category 3 storm. Fran was still a Category 1 storm as it marched across the Piedmont, dumping nearly nine inches of rain on the Triangle. Twenty-four North Carolinians lost their lives due to the hurricane. For the first time in state history, the governor declared a state of emergency for all 100 counties. Storm damages in North Carolina totaled $5.2 billion and more than half of the state's counties qualified for federal recovery assistance.

    "Since each emergency is unique, we learn something from every event that enhances our state's resiliency," said Mike Sprayberry, state Emergency Management director. "Fran showed us the importance of having uniformly trained and equipped swift water rescue teams. Since Irene, we've implemented new programs that speed the disaster assessment process and also have developed stronger partnerships with the private sector to help communities recover quicker."

    For more information on how to ensure your family is disaster ready, go to ReadyNC.org or download the free ReadyNC app, which features real-time weather, traffic and shelter information.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov