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.

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) is advising citizens to exercise extreme caution to avoid becoming further victimized by scam artists posing as legitimate contractors. The NCLBGC reminds citizens that licensed general contractors have passed an examination, met the financial requirements, and completed continuing education courses required for being a licensed general contractor in the State of North Carolina.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this year’s hurricane season is expected to be near-normal, which is a change from the previous seven years when above-normal activity was predicted. The outlook for the season indicates a 40% chance of a near-normal season. NOAA anticipates a total of 12 to 17 named storms during the season, with 5 to 9 of them potentially developing into hurricanes. The hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak season typically occurring between August and October.

“We’ve seen that natural disasters lead to an increase in individuals posing as legitimate licensed contractors in an effort to prey upon vulnerable citizens,” said C. Frank Wiesner, Executive Director, NCLBGC.  “Individuals who hire unlicensed contractors are putting themselves at great financial risk.”

The NCLBCG reminds North Carolinians of the following:

• Any project quoted at $30,000 or more requires a valid NC general contractors license.
• Projects less than $30,000 do not require a license. However, hiring a NC licensed general contractor may offer security in knowing that you have contracted with a general contractor who is authorized to perform work in NC. Ask for proof that the contractor is licensed. The NCLBGC does not recognize licenses or issued by other states or countries. Citizens can verify if the contractor is properly licensed by 1) searching on the NCLBGC’s website at www.nclbgc.org; 

2) calling the NCLBGC at (800) 220-7185; or 3) downloading the Board’s free mobile app for Apple and Android devices by entering “NCLBGC SEARCH” in the search feature.

• Be wary of door-to-door repair solicitations or people who demand deposits or payments in cash.
• Contact your insurance company for guidance before beginning any work. Do not make a large deposit or upfront payment in full. Require a written contract that details the work to be done, materials to be used, a payment schedule that is based on completion of work and a timeline for work to be completed. A licensed general contractor is required to list their license number on all contracts.
• Do not make payments before work specified on the payment schedule is completed.
• Do not make payments for any work not specified in the contract unless it has been submitted and approved in writing by you before the additional work begins.
• Request a Certificate of Insurance from the contractor and verify it is valid by contacting the party who issued it.
• Contact the local permitting office or inspections department to determine if permits are required to assure building code compliance. If permits are required, confirm with the permit office that the contractor has acquired them before construction begins.
• Before making final payment, evaluate the completed work and require the contractor to confirm that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid to eliminate potential liens on your property.
• Contact local law enforcement if you suspect you are being scammed by a contractor.
• Contact the NC Attorney General’s office if you suspect you are being price gouged by the contractor at https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/price-gouging/ or call toll free within North Carolina at (877)-5-NO-SCAM or (877)-566-7226.

The NCLBGC is the state agency that issues licenses to approximately 30,000 licensed general contractors in North Carolina. Additional information is available at www.nclbgc.org or by calling (800) 220-7185 or (919) 571-4183.

NWS officials are reminding all residents in Atlantic Coast states to be prepared at home.

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

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) warns of an emerging scam aimed at Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) beneficiaries. In just four days, 650 EBT cards have been directly compromised, and a staggering 7,000+ cards may be at risk.

Here’s the lowdown:

• Scammers are contacting FNS beneficiaries via calls or texts, prying for personal information and PINs, leading to unauthorized withdrawals.
• To safeguard beneficiaries, all potentially affected cards have been canceled, with replacements in transit (please allow 3-7 business days for delivery).
• A reimbursement process for stolen electronic benefits starts on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Affected users must fill out the “Affidavit For Stolen Benefits” (DSS-8644) and submit it to their county DSS agency to reclaim lost benefits.

Important: Never share your EBT card details or PIN if contacted by email or text. Official agencies like NCDHHS or county DSS will never request such info via these methods.

For a safer EBT experience:

1. Regularly monitor your account for suspicious activity at www.ebtedge.com, the EBT Edge app, or call 1-888-622-7328.
2. Examine store card machines for any unusual devices.
3. Report stolen benefits to the police.
4. Lost your card? Get a free replacement via the EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328. (Note: The new card won’t have funds from the old one).
5. Set a complex PIN and avoid easy sequences like 1234.
6. Suspect foul play? Freeze your EBT card immediately to halt unauthorized purchases.
7. Regularly refresh your PIN and restrict out-of-state or online transactions via EBT Edge tools.

NCDHHS is urging all residents to stay vigilant and safeguard your information.