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 30.
“While many are focused on staying healthy and safe during this time, we also want to remind our residents how to prepare for a hurricane and mitigate damage to your home or business,” said Debbie Hatfield, Alamance County Emergency Management Director. “When residents have a plan and a survival kit it goes a long way to help our county preparedness and protect our first responders.”
To encourage residents to prepare, Governor Roy Cooper has declared May 3-9 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Alamance County residents should take this time to review and practice their emergency plans. “Your emergency plan should include where to go and who to contact when disaster strikes,” says Hatfield. “Make sure to take the time to practice your plan so your family and loved ones know what to do. You should also talk to your neighbors about their plans, especially those who may need assistance such as senior citizens. Discuss how you can assist one another so everyone is safe.”
Residents are urged to take the time 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 an 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.
“Being prepared for severe weather doesn’t mean that we won’t suffer from damage, but it does improve our chances for surviving and recovering quicker from a storm,” says Hatfield.
More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found online at www.ReadyNC.org.
