One Death in North Carolina Attributed to Hurricane Irma | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

Water System Workers Headed to Florida to Help With Irma Repairs

    RALEIGH: Hurricane Irma and its aftermath have resulted in one North Carolina death.

    A Henderson County medical examiner has determined that an Edneyville man died Tuesday from carbon monoxide poisoning. The man was using a generator to power his home after severe weather knocked out electricity in the area. Local authorities have not yet released the victim's name.

    This is the first death in North Carolina related to Hurricane Irma.

    "Kristin and I are saddened by this news and send our deepest sympathies to the victim's family and friends," Governor Cooper said.

    He encouraged any North Carolinians using generators to be sure to follow all safety guidelines.

    "When the power goes out generators can be a lifesaver, but used without good ventilation generators can be deadly," Gov. Cooper said. "If you have a generator, please make sure you operate it safely."

    Generators, gas and charcoal grills and propane stoves should always be used outdoors and away from windows, doors and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. More tips are available from the NC Department of Health and Human Services:

    https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/avoid-deadly-carbon-monoxide-operating-generators-charcoal-grills-outdoors

    As of 3:30, approximately 2,200 North Carolinians remain without power following Irma.

    Help from North Carolina Headed to Florida

    A team of municipal water system workers from North Carolina is heading to the Florida Keys to help restore water service after Hurricane Irma.

    Six water system employees from the City of Jacksonville and Onslow County departed today with trucks, equipment and supplies. They will spend the next 11 days working to repair water line breaks between Key Largo and Key West. The team is provided through NC WaterWARN, a network of water utilities helping each other respond to emergencies, and is being deployed through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) in response to a request from the state of Florida.

    In addition, one NC Emergency Management employee has deployed to New Jersey to serve on a team that will coordinate relief resources from other states that are moving into the Caribbean islands.

    "North Carolina knows what it's like to recover from a hurricane, and we stand ready to help Florida as needed," Gov. Gooper said.

    Tracking Hurricane Jose

    State and local emergency managers continue to keep an eye on the track of Hurricane Jose in the Atlantic. While Jose is not expected to make landfall, the storm will cause dangerous surf and rip currents along the North Carolina coast through the weekend and early next week. Beach visitors should be especially careful and avoid swimming in the ocean during rough seas.

    Behind Jose, two other systems are developing in the Atlantic that will bear watching over the coming week.

    "This is the peak of Atlantic hurricane season and everyone needs to remain aware and prepared," said state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry.

    Visit ReadyNC.org and download the ReadyNC app on your smartphone to stay informed and to learn how to prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov