Governor Proclaims North Carolina Preparedness Month 2021

WHEREAS, all North Carolinians should be prepared for natural and man-made disasters as well as disease outbreaks; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina has traditionally seen a high activity of tornadoes and other severe weather; in 2020 the state experienced 48 tornado touchdowns, 247 flood incidents, and 609 severe thunderstorms with damaging wind and hail, all of which resulted in more than $27.5 million in damages statewide; and

WHEREAS, last year the National Weather Service in North Carolina issued 312 tornado warnings and 1,450 severe thunderstorm warnings, with an average warning time of 19 minutes; and issued 451 flash flood warnings, with an average warning time of 60 minutes; and

WHEREAS, Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Ocean Isle Beach on August 3, 2020, causing major flooding in several communities; four deaths were attributed to the storm that spurred several tornadoes, damaged water supply lines, roads, and bridges, and knocked out power to more than 375,000 homes and businesses; and

WHEREAS, homeowners and small businesses suffered damage from a 5.1 magnitude earthquake centered near Sparta in Alleghany County on August 9, 2020; the earthquake impacted 500 structures, including 38 homes and five businesses that suffered heavy damage; and

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency to coordinate the state’s response and protective actions to address the COVID-19 public health emergency and provide for the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors to North Carolina, and

WHEREAS, all North Carolinians need to prepare for future pandemics, such as the resurgence of COVID-19; and every community, business, family, and individual in North Carolina must be ready for natural and man-made disasters including tornadoes, flooding, and hurricanes that might disrupt normal daily activities; and

WHEREAS, all North Carolinians can take a few simple steps – making a family disaster plan, creating an emergency supply kit, and staying informed – to help make preparedness a personal responsibility and improved health a priority in every community; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina’s ReadyNC.org website is available in both English and Spanish, and includes preparedness videos in American Sign Language, to help all residents with their emergency preparedness plans;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim August, 2021, as the “NORTH CAROLINA PREPAREDNESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.