RALEIGH, NC — Governor Roy Cooper issued a State of Emergency Friday evening as Tropical Storm Florence continues to strengthen in the Atlantic Ocean in route to the East Coast.
“While it’s still too early to know the storm’s path, we know we have to be prepared,” says Governor Cooper. “During harvest, time is of the essence. Action today can avoid losses due to Florence.”
In addition to the State of Emergency declaration, Cooper also waived transportation rules Friday by signing Executive Order 52, which will help expedite harvest and transport of crops for North Carolina farmers.
According to a release, state emergency management officials are already joining local and federal agencies in preparing for Florence’s possible impact. Governor Cooper also warns residents to make their own preparations before the storm arrives.
NC Emergency Management has provided the following quick tips to help prepare for a possible tropical storm or hurricane:
- Build an emergency kit.
- Make a family communications plan.
- Know the routes you need to leave your home (evacuation routes). Locate your local emergency shelters.
- Closely watch/listen to the weather reports. Listen every hour as a storm nears.
- Put fuel in all vehicles and withdraw some cash from the bank. Gas stations and ATMs may be closed after a hurricane.
- If authorities ask you to leave, do so quickly.
