This month Governor Josh Stein is providing tips as North Carolina recognizes September as Preparedness Month. Media outlets are invited to publish the column below from Governor Stein.
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September is Preparedness Month in North Carolina, a time to remind ourselves that being ready for a natural disaster happens long before a storm is on the horizon. Preparedness is a shared responsibility, one that begins with families, neighborhoods, and communities taking a few simple steps before an emergency occurs.
North Carolina knows all too well why preparation matters. Our state experiences severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and increasingly, unprecedented heat. Coastal communities keep their alerts on to find out which roads near them have flooded again. Flash flooding drenches rush hour commutes throughout the state. And seasonal storms continue to strike as families across western North Carolina continue recovering from Hurricane Helene, which hit hard in September 2024.
We cannot predict exactly what the next disaster will be or when it will strike, but we can decide how prepared we will be when it does.
Build an Emergency Kit
The time to put an emergency kit together is well before the storm is coming. We have all seen grocery store shelves go bare when a major storm is approaching. Planning ahead means you will not have to compete for supplies at the last minute.
Every household should aim to have enough supplies for three to five days. Your kit should include water and nonperishable food, medications, baby food, and other necessities your family may need. A solar- or battery-powered radio can help you stay informed if the power goes out.
It’s also important to create an emergency document kit. Keep important financial documents, identification, and emergency contacts together in a place where the kit is easy to grab if you need to evacuate.
Make a Family Plan
Every family should know what to do if disaster strikes. Talk with your loved ones about your evacuation plan: How will you get to safety? Where will you meet if you become separated? How will you stay in touch?
Do not assume your cellphone will always be available. If you do not have your loved ones’ phone numbers memorized, consider printing them and keeping them with your emergency documents so you can still reach them if your phone battery runs out.
Your plan should also account for those who may need additional assistance, including older adults and people who cannot help themselves. And do not forget supplies and transportation for your pets or livestock. Their safety should be part of your emergency plan, too.
Prepare Your Home
A little preparation at home can make a real difference. Know how to shut off your utilities, including electricity, gas, and water, if necessary.
Make a list of your important personal belongings and take photos of them. Having a record of your possessions can be invaluable if your property is damaged or destroyed and you need to file an insurance claim.
Stay Informed and Help One Another
Preparedness does not end with a stocked emergency kit and a family plan. Stay informed about threats in your area and know where to turn for reliable information. North Carolina Emergency Management provides preparedness resources through a ReadyNC mobile app and website, including information in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
Being prepared not only helps you and your families, but your neighbors too. When people are ready in the event of a disaster, first responders can focus on helping the people who need help most. Checking on a neighbor, helping an older family member make a plan, or simply sharing reliable preparedness information ensures that we all stay safe through the storm.
We all hope the next hurricane, tornado, severe thunderstorm, or ice storm passes us by. But let’s not take any chances. Let’s get prepared — it could make all the difference if disaster strikes. Together, we can weather the storm.