Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Below is a list, and a couple links with some added information, to help you, your family and businesses prepare.

According to the National Weather Service, a tropical storm or hurricane will make direct landfall on North Carolina’s coast about once every two years. While Hurricane Matthew didn’t make landfall in our state, the Category 1 hurricane wreaked havoc on half of North Carolina’ counties. The potential for another storm is always possible and preparing now is the best way to protect your family.

“North Carolina Emergency Management, local and state officials work closely to ensure our state is prepared and can recover from disasters,” said Sprayberry. “Residents need to do their part to ensure safety for themselves and their families.”

NC Cooperative Disaster Information    https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu

Be Ready

State emergency officials urge individuals and families to update their plans and kits now and stay tuned to local weather throughout the summer.

1. Make an emergency plan, then practice it with your family. Write down the evacuation routes you may need.

2. Build – or update – an emergency supply kit and have it ready to go with enough non-perishable food and bottled water (1 gallon per person per day) to last three to seven days. Kits should also include:

• Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag
• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Cash
• Bedding
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, muzzle, leashes and vaccination records

  3. Prepare and strengthen your home from tropical storms.

• Trim trees around your home to prevent damage from broken branches
• Bring loose outdoor items inside, such as patio furniture.
• Secure all doors on your property
• Move your car inside a garage or to another secure location

Also, call your insurance company and make sure they include coverage for accidental damage and natural disasters. Remember, standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flooding. Take action now if you are at risk and need a separate flood insurance policy; typically there is a 30-day waiting period. Keep your insurance documents and contact information with your emergency kit in case of evacuation. Homeowners with flood insurance are among those who recovered the fastest from Hurricane Matthew.

Stay informed during severe weather. Tune into a trusted local news source and keep a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information. Be aware of evacuation routes in your community and if told to evacuate by state and local officials, do so immediately.

Storm Surge and Evacuation Planning

• Storm surge is one of the greatest potentials for loss of life related to a hurricane.
• Storm surge is simply water pushed toward the shore by the force of winds swirling around the storm.
• Hurricane storm tide is when the normal tide and the storm surge combine and creates highers water levels impacting roads, homes, and critical infrastructure.
• Storm surge can travel several miles inland and several hundred miles of coastline.
• Storm surge can also affect our sounds, rivers, creeks and other tributaries.

High winds and secure an insurance check-up.

It is important to understand Hurricane classifications and terminology as shown below as they can help you make the best safety decisions for your family.

Hurricane force winds can easily destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and items left outside become flying missiles in high wind. Falling trees cause extensive damage to power lines, towers and underground water lines. This can cause extended disruptions of utility services. Damaging hurricane force winds can be just as devastating as tornadoes.

Things to do before a hurricane include assessing landscaping for possible threats of falling trees, trim dead limbs, and secure all loose objects including lawn furniture, grills, and potted plants.

Have an evacuation plan ready in case needed and predetermine a safe room on the interior of your home with no windows. These could include a hallway, closet, or a bathroom.

Secure an insurance check-up. Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

Finally, know where your insurance documents and contact information are located, and be sure to take them with you if you must evacuate.

Helpful Information

Take charge of your preparedness! More information can be found at:

• National Weather Service
• ReadyNC