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

• 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

Sanitation Supplies

• Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos
• Large trash cans
• Bar soap, shampoo and liquid detergent
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Toilet paper
• Household bleach
• Rubber gloves
• Don’t forget your pets when getting prepared!!!

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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.