As State Prepares For Hurricane Matthew, Residents Are Urged To Do The Same

Justin Pryor,

CHARLOTTE, NC — Governor McCrory issues a statement urging North Carolina residents to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Matthew.

In a release the Governor recommends the following steps be taken to ensure you and your family are prepared:

1. Determine if you are in a storm surge zone:
Residents living in storm surge zones may be ordered to evacuate. Evacuation zones will be identified by local emergency managers through the news media. You also should know if your home is located in a flood plain. These areas suffer from heavy rains associated with hurricanes. Visit ncfloodmaps.com to determine if you are in a flood zone.
2. Gather supplies and prepare an emergency kit:
To prepare for a hurricane or any disaster, it is best to have an emergency kit available. This kit should contain nonperishable food, water (one gallon/person/day) and clothing to sustain each family member for three to seven days. The kit should include a flashlight, radio and spare batteries. Blankets, rain gear and appropriate footwear also are recommended. Special considerations must be made for the young or disabled. Remember to include baby food and medicines as appropriate. In addition, the kit should include photo copies of important family documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies. A complete checklist of items for your emergency kit can be found here.
3. Fuel cars, obtain cash and secure important documents:
Residents should fill their cars with gasoline and have enough cash on hand to last a week in case they are ordered to evacuate. During power-outages, gas stations and ATM machines do not work. It is also important to secure original copies of documents in a waterproof container in case of flooding.
4. Obtain supplies to protect the home:
If residents are ordered to evacuate, there will be little time to protect their homes from the storm. Supplies, such as lumber and shutters, should be purchased now, and window casing pre-drilled. Homeowners should clear their property of all debris that could damage buildings in strong winds. Cars should be stored in the garage.

“With each subsequent forecast, the impacts to our state appear to be more substantial,” cautioned Governor McCrory. “I cannot stress enough how critical it is that all of our residents in central and eastern North Carolina begin preparations for their families and homes. For those residents in the eastern parts of the state, it is especially critical that you update your emergency supply kits in case you need to evacuate and always follow the directions of your local emergency officials.”

Duke Energy says they are also continuing to monitor Hurricane Matthew’s path and are preparing for the impacts it could have on North Carolina.

Officials with Duke Energy say they have already put together a detailed storm response plan, and are in the process of checking equipment, supplies, and inventories so that materials are readily available to make repairs and restore power outages should they occur.

The company is also reminding customers to make their own preparations before Matthew hits. Officials recommend having an emergency kit ready that includes items like flashlights with extra batteries, a portable radio with extra batteries, first-aid kit, canned or packaged food that can be prepared without cooking or refrigeration, several days’ supply of drinking water, portable and fully charged cell phone charger, and any prescription medications you may require.

Officials also say you should charge all electronic devices and have an alternative plan should you need to evacuate or experience an extended power outage.

Electrical emergencies such as downed lines or poles should be immediately reported to Duke Energy by calling Duke Energy Carolinas at 800-769-3766 or Duke Energy Progress at 800-419-6356. Customers can also visit Duke-Energy.com for updated outage information.

66 counties in North Carolina are currently under a State of Emergency for Hurricane Matthew, including nearby Anson and Richmond Counties. For a complete list of counties click here.