Governor Cooper has just declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Idalia making landfall.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Idalia will be bringing tropical storm force winds, flash flooding, and severe thunderstorms to the Charlotte region on Wednesday afternoon.
“We are continuing to monitor Idalia’s course and its potential impacts on our state and it’s critical to make sure we are fully prepared,” said Governor Cooper in a press release. “It is important for North Carolinians to gather emergency kits and prepare for the storm before it’s too late. We also want to make sure our farmers are able to protect their crops.”
The Governor and state officials advise the following tips to make sure people are personally prepared:
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on a cell phone and download a weather app.
- Have an emergency plan. Know where to go if there’s a need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort.
- In case of a power outage, make sure to have the following emergency items stocked in your home;
- Car charger for cell phones and other devices
- Clean drinking water (recommended 1 gallon per person per day, minimum three days)
- Flashlights
- Batteries: Extra batteries for all of your devices
- Weather radio/clock
- Non-perishable food
- First aid kit
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown.
You can check out ReadyNC.gov for additional info on how to be prepared.
