5/8/18
Alamance County Government
Contact: Debbie Hatfield, EM Coordinator Debbie.Hatfield@alamance-nc.com
Alamance County Urges Residents to Update Emergency Plans and Kits May 13-19 is North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week
Alamance County Emergency Management encourages residents to plan now for hurricanes by updating their emergency plans and supply kits. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November.
“Tropical storms and hurricanes can devastate homes and communities,” Debbie Hatfield, Emergency Management Coordinator said. “No county is safe when it comes to severe winds, flooding and damage that these storms can bring. But, by planning ahead we can mitigate some of the damage and better prepare our communities.”
To encourage residents to prepare, Governor Roy Cooper has declared May 13-19 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Alamance County residents should take this time to review and practice their emergency plans.
“Preparing now before hurricane season begins, could make all the difference,” said Hatfied. “Making sure your family knows what to do, where to go and who to contact when disaster strikes will give you the peace of mind needed to survive a storm.”
Alamance County Emergency Management urges Alamance County families and businesses to write down their plan and gather important documents, such as copy of driver’s license, insurance policies, medicals records, and bank account statements, and put them somewhere they can quickly access in case of emergency. Assemble an emergency supplies kit that includes enough non-perishable food and water to last each family member three to seven days.
Other essential items include:
- 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, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records
Make sure to review and update homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies to ensure they include coverage for damage, natural disasters and flood insurance.
Alamance County residents should stay informed during severe weather by using a battery- powered radio for weather and evacuation information and should know evacuation routes in their community. When asked to evacuate, residents should leave the area immediately.
“Our County has come a long way in preparing for severe weather, but that doesn’t mean a storm won’t devastate our communities,” said Debbie Hatfield, “It only takes one storm to cause severe damage and planning ahead is the best way to prepare for the dangerous threats hurricane and tropical storms bring.”
More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found on the ReadyNC mobile app and online at www.ReadyNC.org.
