-Information courtesy Kristen King, Clerk to the Board, Franklin County
ReadyNC.org has information about planning and preparing for emergencies plus specifics on the types of disasters and what to do during recovery. The app will also include shelter information if/when they are opened.
To locate the app, search ReadyNC or visit https://readync.org/EN/index.html.
Updated Monday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m.
WIZS will be bringing you updates on Hurricane Florence as new information is received. Please check the WIZS website, Facebook page and listen live to WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM for updates throughout the week. Information is provided courtesy Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations.
Confidence continues to increase that Hurricane Florence will have a significant impact on NC.
Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations continues to monitor the storm very closely and we are actively making plans to implement emergency protective measures such as sheltering and the issuance of a local State of Emergency should it become necessary.
We are continuing to coordinate with local and State response partners and will be participating in a series of conference calls with State Emergency Management over the coming days.
Make no mistake, this is a storm that all of us should take VERY seriously. The time to prepare for this storm is at hand if you have not already begun. Below is a list of recommended family preparedness items that we strongly recommend everyone has on hand prior to the storm’s impact. Remember, it could take as long as 72 hours for help to reach you if our impact is significant and damage is widespread.
Remember to monitor the storm’s progress closely as it heads our way and do not take its approach lightly. We will continue to forward along additional updates as they are received.
Recommended Family Preparedness Items
The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supplies kit is well before you will ever need it. Most people already have these items around the house and it is a matter of assembling them now before an evacuation or State of Emergency order is issued. Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.
Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather up the following items and place them in your kit:
Essentials
Sanitation Supplies
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Updated Monday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
As most of you are aware, Tropical Storm Florence is making its way across the Atlantic with the overwhelming majority of the forecast models bringing it in our direction the middle of the week. Additionally, it is forecast to be a major Hurricane at the time of landfall. Normally at this stage of a tropical system’s approach, we are largely watching it and will begin making decisions and initiating our preparedness activities as it gets a little closer. However, with the models essentially lining up as they are it only makes sense to accelerate some of our efforts.
NC Emergency Management will begin conducting conference calls on Monday with all the counties in our area if our situation does not improve prior to that point.
Our office will also begin our planning efforts on Monday and will be coordinating with our local and state response partners as the week goes on. Even as far away as the storm currently is, given the relative certainty of the forecast tracks, we are advising everyone to begin some basic preparedness activities of their own.
Remember, even if Florence does not pay us a visit, the Atlantic basin is alive with activity at present with system after system lining up. The National Weather Service will be issuing storm updates through the day and every day until the storm is no longer a threat. We will forward those updates along as they are received. Remember the time to prepare is now.
Updated Friday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.
Florence, churning out in the Atlantic, has weakened to tropical storm status but is expected to gain strength again over the weekend.
According to Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations, local residents need to keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for inclement weather.
“Some of the current models are showing Tropical Storm Florence could have an Eastern US impact towards the end of next week, but it is still too early to call,” said Short. “We will keep an eye on it moving forward and will continue to push out additional updates as they are received.”
The National Weather Service has released a list of five things that you need to know now:
1) It’s too early to predict exactly where Florence will move beyond early next week.
2) Concerns for at least some effects on the U.S. are growing, but it is far too early to give specifics.
3) It is never too early to PREPARE! What should be in your hurricane kit? https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
4) Know your risk! Find out if you live in a flood zone or if your home would be unsafe during a hurricane.
5) Be cautious of the information you see on social media. Avoid sources that create hype or promise forecasts beyond the limits of current science.
-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy
Based on NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft observations, Hurricane Florence is now a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. Further intensification will occur over the next 24-36 hours and the forecast calls for Florence to remain a category 4 hurricane until landfall. We anticipate significant widespread outages from a storm of this magnitude based on current projected tracks. Historical data and our company experience show that complete restoration from a major hurricane could take multiple days to several weeks depending on the extent of the actual damage, resources available and conditions following the storm such as flooding.
Speaking of resources, Duke Energy has a detailed storm response plan, which is based on information from our meteorologist, and power restoration crews are now preparing to travel. We are also procuring materials and supplies and staffing plans are underway. Additionally, each power plant has a storm prep checklist that helps ensure we take the appropriate protective actions. At our coal ash plants, we have already been taking steps to prepare our ash basin and cooling pond sites for Hurricane Florence.
As we review our plan and safety protocols, it’s important to note that our crews cannot restore power in bucket trucks during high winds. Heavy rains could lead to flooding which further impacts damage assessment and restoration. Duke Energy is encouraging customers to be prepared for multi-day outages as Hurricane Florence rapidly intensifies and pushes towards the North Carolina coast.
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities and long-term care businesses should be prepared with their own, individual facility emergency plans and to take the necessary actions to ensure the safety of their patients in the event that they are without power. Again, if the forecast holds true, this will likely be a multi-day – possibly multi-week – restoration effort, and we will not be able to include them in a priority restoration plan.
We have several options for our customers to stay informed and report an outage:
* Access outage maps online at www.duke-energy.com/outages
* Customers can text OUT to 58801 to report an outage from their mobile phone. Be sure to use the mobile phone associated with your account.
* Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800-769-3766 for Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800-419-6356 for Duke Energy Progress customers.
* For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/duke.energy).
-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce’s “Focus” newsletter – July/August 2018
September is National Preparedness Month. For small business owners, being prepared can mean the difference between staying in business or not following a disaster. The Small Business Administration can assist your business from the planning stages to recovery. Below are the steps they list for Emergency Preparedness. These are each covered at a more in-depth level on the SBA website at www.SBA.gov.
Disaster Planning
Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures successful, yet many owners fail to properly plan and prepare for disaster situations. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, an estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster. You can protect your business by identifying the risks associated with natural and man-made disasters, and by creating a plan for action should a disaster strike. By keeping those plans updated, you can help ensure the survival of your business. A great place to start is the SBA’s Small Business Disaster Preparedness Guide on the web.
Disaster Assistance
Disaster can strike at any time, and even the most prepared businesses can be adversely impacted. If your business has been impacted by a disaster, the SBA can help by providing disaster assistance.
Disaster Cleanup
Taking the proper cleanup precautions means you can get back to business sooner. Explore some important tips and advice to help you get back on your feet safely.
SBA’s Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan
This plan lays out an overall plan for the Disaster Loan Program, both for smaller scale events when ODA resources easily meet demand and for larger scale ones requiring greater participation from all agency resources.
State Government Information
State governments relay pertinent information to businesses affected by disasters and offer a number of services to help businesses prepare and recover from disasters. Learn more about your state.
-Information courtesy the September 2018 Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Newsletter
Jeffrey Strickland is a relative newcomer to the volunteer ranks at Rebuilding Hope. A resident of the Inez community in Warren County, he began lending a helping hand at RHI in May.
Jeffrey Strickland was named Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Volunteer in the Spotlight for September. (Photo: Rebuilding Hope)
Jeffrey, a graduate of Dillard Road Academy, says he learned about the opportunity at RHI through one of his mother’s coworkers. The coworker is also a volunteer.
Jeffrey, like most RHI volunteers, helps with the annual Servants on Site and pitches in at the warehouse wherever he’s needed. “Ministry work is a good thing to do,” he says of his decision to volunteer. “Helping communities around the area is rewarding.”
Jeffrey’s hobbies and leisure time activities include woodworking, hunting and fishing, or, he says, “anything outdoors.” A member of Centerville Baptist Church, he serves in the worship services by running the soundboard.
Jeffrey is the son of Greg and Donna Smith and David Strickland. He has a sister, Makayla.
— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Kathleen “Rose” Deering, President~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook
You’re invited to the Chamber of Commerce of Warren County’s free Business After Hours event on Thursday, September 13, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. This seasonal event, sponsored by members of the Chamber, will be held at the historic Jacob Holt House in Warrenton.
Hors-d’oeuvres, wine, beer and soft drinks will be served. Please RSVP by email to info@warren-chamber.org by September 7.
This is a wonderful opportunity to network with other businesses. There will be raffle tickets available for a chance to win a free dinner at one of our wonderful restaurants!
(This is not a paid advertisement)
— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Kathleen “Rose” Deering, President~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook
The Town of Warrenton will hold a family movie night on Saturday, September 1, 2018, starting at 8:15 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main St., Warrenton. Disney’s “A Wrinkle In Time” (rated PG) will be the featured presentation.
Admission is free; popcorn and refreshments will be for sale. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of family fun.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Mike Waters
Warrenton, NC – Marquis Davis pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon with the Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, in the 2015 murder of Michael Pressley in Warren County. The acts occurred in the early morning hours of August 9, 2015, when six men from Oxford, including Michael Pressley and Jerry Henderson, traveled to the Connect 25 nightclub in Warren County.
As the six men were leaving Connect 25, they were fired upon by individuals traveling in a GMC Sierra truck driven by Marquis Davis and also occupied by Kadeem Grooms, Darren Alston and Montrell Davis. Michael Pressley, a passenger in a Chevy Tahoe, was shot and died as a result of his wounds. Jerry Henderson, the driver of the Chevy Tahoe, was shot in the back and was treated for his injuries at Maria Parham Hospital.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight, Jr. sentenced Mr. Davis to 157-201 months active in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. This case was scheduled for trial the week of September 4, 2018, in Warren County Criminal Superior Court, however, the plea was entered in Vance County Criminal Case Management Court on Thursday, August 23, 2018. Darren Alston and Montrell Davis previously plead in the matter, and Kadeem Grooms was convicted by a Warren County jury of First Degree Murder and related charges during the week of April 30, 2018.
This matter was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Several members of the NC National Guard were on WIZS’ Town Talk program Thursday to discuss the requirements and process of becoming a “citizen-soldier” in the reserve branch of the U.S. Army.
According to Master Sergeant Key, a team leader out of the Raleigh/Cary area, the majority of young men and women who enlist in the National Guard serve in a reserve capacity consisting of service one weekend a month and annual training two weeks during the summer.
This schedule gives the recruit the flexibility to pursue college studies while receiving federal tuition assistance up to $4,000 per year. The Reserve Montgomery GI Bill will also pay approximately $373 per month to full-time college students.
Those who have already received a college degree may qualify for the student loan program for repayment up to $50,000 of total debt amount. They will also receive opos debt help along with the loan for easier repayments.
Potential recruits must pass an aptitude test, a physical and have limited law violations. Once passed, initial recruits participate in a Recruit Sustainment Program one weekend a month to prepare for success in the Army’s 10-week Basic Training.
The second phase of the initial training is referred to as Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and involves learning a specific job skill.
The National Guard is currently offering up to $20,000 in enlistment bonuses for specific jobs including transportation specialist, engineer, military police, artillery and supplies specialist.
Fully-trained soldiers in the National Guard have the distinction of being able to return to their own hometown to serve. “What is unique about the National Guard is that those that complete their training return to their own community where they serve in a traditional guard setting as a citizen-soldier,” said Key.
The National Guard has a dual-obligation to the state and to the Federal Government. “As far as the state mission, we could be called to respond to hurricanes, floods, other natural disasters and civil unrest. The governor could call us into action to support our local community and state,” Key said.
“The federal component is tied to the U.S. Army, if they needed assistance with missions overseas, they could call on the NC National Guard.”
Each state and U.S. territory has a National Guard, with the NC branch being 10,000 soldiers strong. For more information, please contact the local recruiter at (919) 622-1327 or visit the NC National Guard website.
The Warren County Wildcats 8u Softball Team will hold a fundraiser at 220 Seafood Restaurant on Monday, August 27, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m.
$7.00 per plate. Eat in or take out.
Dinner includes fried trout, french fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies. Drink included for eat-in only. Glad to serve walk-ins.
Proceeds to benefit the Warren County Wildcats 8u Softball Team.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
