2016 North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week

It Only Takes One.
May 15-21 is North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week

North Carolina summers…toes in the sand, fresh local produce, bike rides and summer camps. These are a few of the memories North Carolinians will make as June kicks off the summer season. While this time of year is wonderful, it only takes one tropical storm or hurricane to cause devastating, long-term impacts.

Randolph County Emergency Management urges residents to use Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 15-21, to update their emergency plans and kits before storms strike.

June is the official beginning of summer and the beginning of hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, but most hurricanes strike the East and Gulf Coasts between mid-August and mid-October.

Tropical storms and hurricanes bring damaging winds, heavy rains, flooding and even tornadoes. In coastal areas, hurricanes can cause rip currents and storm surge. In the foothills and mountains, these tropical storms can spur dangerous landslides and mudslides.

Since hurricanes have impacted every part of North Carolina, it’s important for everyone to have a plan in place before a storm threatens. Randolph County Emergency Management urges residents to make a plan and put together an emergency supply kit to provide the tools needed to survive the storm and recover from it.

Families should have their emergency kit ready to go at all times with enough non-perishable food and bottled water (1 gallon per person per day) to last three to seven days. Kits also should include:

  • Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag
  • First-aid kit
  • Weather radio and batteries
  • Supply of prescription medicines
  • Bedding
  • 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 those under your care who are unable to help themselves

Stay informed during severe weather using a battery-powered radio for weather and emergency information.

Be sure to review and update your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies to make sure they include coverage for accidental damage, natural disasters and, if necessary, flood insurance.

More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found at www.ReadyNC.org. Emergency officials also urge residents to get the free ReadyNC mobile app, which provides real-time weather and traffic conditions for all parts of North Carolina.