RALEIGH
May 5, 2017
With many communities still recovering from Hurricane Matthew, Governor Roy Cooper today reminded North Carolinians to get ready for another hurricane season.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and to encourage residents to prepare, Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed May 7-13 as Hurricane Preparedness Week.
“Last fall, North Carolinians experienced first-hand the life-changing devastation of Hurricane Matthew, and we know from experience that any storm should be taken seriously,” said Gov. Cooper. “Now is the time to get ready to protect your home and family from the next hurricane.”
Hurricane Matthew hit North Carolina October 8-9, 2016 as a Category I storm. The deadly storm caused an estimated $4.8 billion in damage and displaced tens of thousands of families and businesses.
Governor Cooper said work began earlier this year to develop resiliency plans for each of the 50 counties that received a federal disaster declaration following Matthew. The plans will develop strategies and actions to reduce future impacts from flooding events.
“Our local communities are leading by example in emergency preparedness and I urge families and businesses to do the same,” Gov. Cooper said.
History indicates that families and communities who are better prepared for hurricanes and other disasters recover more quickly than those who are not. Cooper urged families to use this week to discuss their emergency plans, review their homeowners and renters insurance policies, and update their emergency supplies.
An emergency supply kit should contain enough supplies not just to get through the storm, but for the potentially lengthy aftermath. Make sure to have enough non-perishable food and water to last each family member three to seven days. Other essential items include:
- Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag
- First-aid kit
- Weather radio and batteries
- Prescription medicines
- Sleeping bag or blankets
- Changes of clothes
- Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
- Cash
- Pet supplies including food, water, leashes, bedding, muzzle and vaccination records
During storms, people should stay tuned into a trusted local news source and keep a battery-powered radio nearby for weather and evacuation information. They also need to heed the warnings of state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so.
“North Carolina is a proven leader in emergency response, but each storm is different, and impacts can vary,” said Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “It’s critical that people prepare themselves and their families now for emergencies. As so many families experienced last fall, during those first few days after disaster strikes you may be on your own until responders can reach you and essential services can be restored.”
Hooks reiterated that the most dangerous threat from hurricanes and tropical storms is flooding and storm surge. The storm doesn’t even have to be classified as a tropical system to cause serious damage, he said.
More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found on ReadyNC mobile app and online at ReadyNC.org.