Just before the start of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, Governor Roy Cooper has urged North Carolinians to prepare for hurricane season. His pleas came during the 30 April to 06 May 2023 Hurricane Preparedness Week.
The governor alluded to the devastating impacts that severe tropical weather can have on communities across the North Carolina state. He said that the best way to prepare is have a family emergency plan and emergency kit. Although these may appear to be small steps, the governor believes that they can bring big relief for people during the storm and help them to recover quickly after the storm.
North Carolina Emergency Management Director, Will Ray, added that being prepared also includes practicing your emergency plans. This is beneficial because everyone in the household “will be comfortable with their role in the plan.” Emergency plans should include how and where to evacuate, a meeting place and important phone numbers.
Governor Cooper also encouraged North Carolina residents to take out flood insurance policies. This is because flooding protection is not part of renters’ and homeowners’ insurance policies. Residents should also review and update their policies to ensure that they are up to date and are adequate.
North Carolina is still recovering from several storms that affected the state over the past few years. The list of storms includes Hurricane Ian (2022), Tropical Storm Fred (2021), Hurricane Isaias and Hurricane Eta (2020), Hurricane Dorian (2019), Hurricane Florence, Tropical Storm Michael, Tropical Storm Alberto (2018) and Hurricane Matthew (2016).
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the North Carolina Emergency Management Agency organise and manage emergency planning and hurricane preparedness in the North Carolina state. Residents in the state can obtain resources from the North Carolina Emergency Management website.
Image: FEMA – High Flood Waters in North Carolina After Hurricane Matthew
