June 1st is right around the corner, and with it comes the beginning of the 2023 Hurricane Season. We invite you to look through some of the information below as you begin to plan and prepare for whatever storms we may see this year.

We are no stranger to hurricanes here in North Carolina. Hugo, Fran, Floyd, Matthew, Florence; just some of the storms that have had an impact on our community in some way or another. We never know when the next storm will strike, so go ahead and begin preparing for it NOW.

Below are a series of videos and graphics we have put together to help you think about how you can prepare for whatever storms may come this year. Click each of the videos to watch them, and when you are ready for the next one, continue scrolling down to the next video.

 

Introduction to Hurricane Preparedness Week

 

In the following videos, we will discuss things that will help you prepare for whatever storms we might face:

• The Risks Hurricanes Bring
• How to Make a Go Bag
• Knowing Where to Go if You Need to Evacuate
• Checking Up on Your Insurance
• How to Put Together Your Plan
• Connecting with Others
• Preparing Your Home

 

 

Know Your Risks

 

Hurricanes can cause some damage, and not just at the coast. Just like any severe storm, hurricanes bring with them all kinds of weather risks that can damage property or injure people.

Some risks that come along with hurricanes are:

• Strong Winds
• Tornadoes
• Flash Flooding & Rainfall
• Rip Currents
• Storm Surge

 

 

Putting Together a Go Bag

 

It is important to have the supplies you need easily accessible. We recommend everyone have an emergency kit or a Go Bag. Pack a bag full of the things you need for at least 3 days. Include items like:

• Water
• Non-Perishable Food
• Battery Powered or Hand Crank Radio
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlights
• Extra Batteries
• First Aid Kits
• Medication
• Spare Glasses
• Phone & Charger
• Important Documents
• Whistle
• Cash
• Can Opener
• Hygiene Products
• Moist Towelettes
• Toilet Paper
• Garbage Bags
• Matches
• Disposable Poncho
• Extra Clothing/Shoes
• Entertainment Items

 

 

Know Where to Go

 

If you are in a high risk area, a hurricane may make for situations that require you to leave your home. Here are some tips to think about as you plan and prepare where you will go.

Things to consider as you plan where you will go:

• Find a place nearby & a place out of town to go if you need to leave home
• Listen to authorities. If you are ordered to leave home, do so safely
• Make a Go Bag to take if you need to leave home
• Don't forget your pets when planning where you will go. Take them with you when you do go

 

 

Check Up on Your Insurance

 

Hurricanes bring with them wind, rain, and possible flooding, which can do major damage to life and property. We recommend that you make sure property is protected.

Get an Insurance Check Up:

• Contact your agency to see what your policy covers & if you need to update it
• Remember that standard homeowners insurance DOES NOT cover flooding
• Consider other property you may need to insure
• Keep a copy of your insurance documents in your Go Bag

Note: Flood insurance requries a 30-day waiting period before taking effect. If you are trying to obtain flood insurance, do so BEFORE hurricane season begins.

 

 

Putting Together a Written Plan

 

Hurricane season begins on June 1st. To make sure you have the time you need to prepare and are not under as much pressure, prepare BEFORE the storm. Start your planning NOW!

A blank Family Emergency Plan can be found on our website at: https://www.johnstonnc.com/emerserv/em/emfiles/FamilyEmergencyPlan.pdf

You can find hurricane preparedness materials for kids at:

As you Plan

• Consider your households needs
• Collect info on available resources
• Connect with family, friends, and neighbors
• Prepare for all types of emergencies
• Practice your plan, gather supplies, and ensure everyone in your household has a copy of your contact info and plan

 

 

Have You Reached Out to Others?

 

When a disaster strikes, we often rely on one another to prepare or recover. Make sure to include others in your plan as you prepare for storms and other emergencies.

Who to include in your plan:

• Reach out to neighbors and see how you can help them prepare
• Help elderly neighbors and family before, during, and after a storm
• Check up on others after a storm and help them recover
• Don't forget your pets when planning where you will go. Take them with you when you do go

 

Preparing Your Home

 

If a hurricane is heading your way, there are some measures you will need to take to strengthen your home and brace it for the storm. Prepare well BEFORE a storm reaches you.

Prepare your home for a hurricane:

• Secure and tie down outdoor objects
• Cut back or trim trees, especially if they have dead or large limbs that could cause damage
• Move your vehicles to a safe location, either to higher ground or into a garage or carport

 

Outro

 

Thank you for joining us. We hope that this information has helped you as you begin your preparations for Hurricane Season. Remember, hurricane season begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th, but it is possible for storms to occur outside of that window. 

Don't wait until a storm is in the forecast, go ahead and begin your preparation NOW!