-Press Release, Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

The week of May 13 through May 19 has been designated as Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina for 2018.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 of each year and ends on November 30. Though the official start of the season has not yet arrived, we already have activity in the Caribbean. The Vance County Office of Emergency Operations wants to make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever this season brings our way.

Each year, Dr. William Gray and his team at Colorado State University produce a report that contains information on the projected outlook for the upcoming season. This year is forecast to be an average to slightly above average year according to Hurricane Experts.

The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2018 is as follows:

Number of Named Storms: 14

Number of Hurricanes: 7

Number of Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 3

“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season.” Keep in mind that communities and individuals are expected to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) following the impact of a hurricane. “If the impact is severe enough, it may potentially take outside help three (3) days to get here,” Short said. “By taking the time to gather up a few basic necessities now, you will enable your family to weather the storm and the aftermath until help can arrive.”

For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather visit the National Weather Service website at https://www.erh.noaa.gov/rah/ or visit our state site for emergency information including severe weather preparedness: https://readync.org/EN/Index.html.

2018 Tropical Storm names for the Atlantic Region include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Issac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie and William.

Recommended Family Preparedness Items

The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supply 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.

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  Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)  Water purification kit or bleach  First aid kit and first aid book  Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup & cereals, etc.  Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices  Non-electric can opener  Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel  Blanket or sleeping bag per person  Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries  Flashlight and extra batteries  Essential medications  Extra pair of eyeglasses  Extra house and car keys  Fire extinguisher – ABC-type  Food, water, leash and carrier for pets  Cash and change  Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes  Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos  Large trash cans  Bar soap and liquid detergent  Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes  Feminine hygiene supplies  Toilet paper  Household bleach  Rubber gloves

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.