North Carolina-- Just in time for Tropical Storm number two Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed May 27 - June 2 as Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Hurricane season officially begins June 1 but this weekend the Carolina coasts is experience a second Tropical Storm. Last week it was, Alberto and this weekend Beryl is making his mark.
The Governor is urging North Carolinians to develop family emergency plans and supplies kits.
"Hurricane Irene reminded us all just how destructive even smaller storms can be for our families, businesses and communities," Perdue said. "Taking time now to prepare or update your emergency plans and kits can provide peace of mind, as well as give you the tools you need to survive the hurricane and recover from it."
Last Fall, Irene struck North Carolina's coast as a Category 1 - the weakest level hurricane, yet the system caused the worst flooding that many of the Inner Banks counties have seen in nearly a century. Flood levels ranged from two feet above ground level in Aurora to three and one half feet in Belhaven and Oriental and more than five feet above ground in the communities of Stonewall and Mesic. Not even Hurricane Floyd in 1999, which was the state's costliest natural disaster, produced that much flooding for many inland counties.
What should you have for emergencies during a natural disaster:
Emergency kits that contain enough non-perishable food and a gallon of water per person per day to last three to seven days.
The kit should also include the following essentials:
- Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag
- First-aid kit
- Weather radio and batteries
- Supply of prescription medicines
- Bedding
- Changes of clothes
- Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
- Cash or checkbook
- Pet supplies including food, water, leashes, bedding, muzzle and vaccination records
People should stay informed during a storm by keeping a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information and should know evacuation routes in their community. They also need to heed the warnings of state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so.
Residents can evacuate their homes with their small, domestic pets to specially designated pet-friendly shelters. Pet shelters will be equipped with pet crates, but people should bring feeding dishes, food and water, immunization papers and other pet supplies.
For more information click on ready nc.
Office of NC Governor