Tag Archive for: #hurricanedorian

U.S. Department of Justice

Dept. of Justice Reminds Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times.

The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters.

The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.

“In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian the affected communities and citizens of Eastern North Carolina should be on guard against disaster fraud schemes,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “As FEMA and other federal, state, and local relief agencies work tirelessly to support those who have suffered losses as the result of this natural disaster, we can be certain that criminals will target those impacted and attempt to profit from the suffering of others. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting and stopping this type of fraud. Through the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to aggressively prosecute the offenders.”

While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need.

Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include FEMA fraud, identity theft, contractor fraud, charity fraud and impersonation of government officials.

The NCDF reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims and before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims.

The public is also reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster.

Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Dorian, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.

Tips should be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov, and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.

Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement from United States Attorney Higdon here.

Within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Deputy Criminal Chief Felice Corpening serves as the Disaster Fraud Coordinator. Working with the NCDF and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, Deputy Criminal Chief Corpening oversees the federal prosecution and investigation of disaster fraud matters impacting Eastern North Carolina.

Violations of North Carolina state disaster fraud laws are handled by the North Carolina Department of Justice’s (NCDOJ) Consumer Protection Division. The NCDOJ Consumer Protection Division may be contacted at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226) or by visiting www.ncdoj.gov/complaint.

Storm and Emergency Info and MUSIC

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WE ARE HERE UNTIL THE STORM IS GONE. AND OUR MIX OF INFORMATION AND MUSIC IS JUST RIGHT. TUNE IN FOR SOME TOP-HIT COUNTRY, BEACH AND POP/ROCK OLDIES. CALL 492-3001 IF YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE A SONG REQUEST OR TELL US ABOUT CONDITIONS IN YOUR AREA. PLUS, STAY TUNED FOR A FULL DAY OF REGULAR PROGRAMMING ON FRIDAY.

WE ARE HERE UNTIL THE STORM IS GONE. AND OUR MIX OF INFORMATION AND MUSIC IS JUST RIGHT. TUNE IN FOR SOME TOP-HIT COUNTRY, BEACH AND POP/ROCK OLDIES. CALL 492-3001 IF YOU’D LIKE TO MAKE A SONG REQUEST OR TELL US ABOUT CONDITIONS IN YOUR AREA. PLUS, STAY TUNED FOR A FULL DAY OF REGULAR PROGRAMMING ON FRIDAY.

Facebook – fb.com/wizsradio

Listen Live – player.listenlive.co/53101/en

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Reports First Storm Outages, Provides Important Reminders

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Please check the WIZS website, Facebook page and listen live to WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM for storm updates. The latest briefing from the National Weather Service can be found any time by clicking here.

-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy

We are beginning to see the first storm-related outages this afternoon as Hurricane Dorian storm bands reach our state. And while we aren’t expecting hurricane force winds locally, we do anticipate severe weather conditions which will lead to outages.

Across the state, we are still projecting as many as 700,000 customers or more could experience extended outages from this storm.

How to see outages in your area

See the outage map at www.duke-energy.com/outages.

You can view outages in a few ways. On all devices, you can use the search bar to find a specific address or location.

When looking at the map, you will see circle icons of varying sizes indicating the location and number of customers without power. One outage on the map could represent multiple homes and businesses. Pan the map and select a circle to zoom in on your location.

Or you can select the zoom (+/-) in the lower right corner of the map, and then use the mouse to drag left, right, up or down to navigate to the location you want to view. Or, you can select the zoom (+/-) in the lower right corner of the map, and then use the mouse to drag left, right, up or down to navigate to the location you want to view.

On a mobile device, use the pinch open gesture to zoom in and the pinch close gesture to zoom out, and then use the drag gesture to move the outage map to the desired location.

Email and text communication

We have been sharing prepare messages and updates with customers who have email addresses registered with us. In addition, a text message was sent today to customers who do not have an email on file with us:

“Duke Energy Storm: Dorian is bringing high winds & excessive rainfall to parts of our state. Prepare for dangerous conditions & extended outages. Our crews are nearby and ready to move as soon as conditions allow.  Visit https://duk.us/06 for latest info. Heed all warnings and stay safe. Text STOP to cancel.”

 Outage reporting  

Customers who experience an outage during the storm can report it by:

Visiting duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.

Texting OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).

Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800.419.6356.

For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy). See the outage map at www.duke-energy.com/outages.

Important reminders

The following tips can help you and your family stay safe if the power goes out:

  • Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines.
  • Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of the storm to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well.
  • Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs or evacuation is required.
  • Pet owners should make arrangements to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets; friends’ or family members’ homes; or pet-friendly hotels.
  • Report all power line hazards using the following phone numbers:
  • Duke Energy Carolinas customers – 800.769.3766
  • Duke Energy Progress customers – 800.419.6356
  • Please do not use 911 to report a downed power line unless it is a life-threatening emergency. If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car and dial 911. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.Click here for a video demonstration and to read more about safety around power lines.
National Weather Service

Local Dorian Effects to Begin Late Thursday, Significant Impact Not Expected

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Information courtesy Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

Please check the WIZS website, Facebook page and listen live to WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM for storm updates. The latest briefing from the National Weather Service can be found any time by clicking here.

Hurricane Dorian is now expected to maintain its category 2 status as it approaches our coast. Additionally, the Tropical Storm Warnings have been extended inland to now include Franklin and Wake County.

If the current track and timing of the storm hold true, we should begin to feel the effects of the storm late Thursday afternoon and evening. At the height of the storm we can expect periods of heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 35 mph that could cause isolated downed trees, blocked roadways and power outages, but overall our impact is not expected to be severe.

Vance County and the City of Henderson remain under a local State of Emergency and will continue to be as long as needed.

At this time, we do not plan to implement any additional emergency protective measures and do not feel that our impact will be significant enough to open any emergency shelters.

The 911 center will be overstaffed throughout the event just in case there is a surge of emergency calls.

Please like and follow us on Facebook – Vance County Emergency Operations – to stay informed on current preparedness efforts and other storm related information.

National Weather Service

Hurricane Dorian Updates – Sept. 3; County & City Issue State of Emergency

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Information courtesy Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

Please check the WIZS website, Facebook page and listen live to WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM for storm updates throughout the week. The latest briefing from the National Weather Service can be found any time by clicking here.

Hurricane Dorian has begun making its northerly turn and is headed our way. The storm has decreased now down to a category 2 but is still expected to track very close to our coast as a category 2 storm.

As of now, we can still expect wind gusts of 15 – 35 mph and periods of heavy rain. Localized urban and flash flooding is also likely. Isolated downed trees and power outages are also possible. Presently, we should begin to feel the storm’s effect late Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning. Rainy and windy conditions will likely be present throughout the day Thursday and into Thursday night. By mid-day Friday, the storm should have moved on.

The local Vance County Emergency Operations Center will partially activate with EM staff only as of 9 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday). We will also escalate to a readiness level of 1 at that time.

Today, we conducted a local officials briefing at 11 a.m. in the EOC to lay out our local response posture and we will continue to coordinate with our local response agencies over the coming days.

We will also continue to have daily conference calls with State EM, the National Weather Service and other State agencies throughout the week as well.

We continue to recommend that our residents begin basic storm preparation activities of their own if they have not already done so.

At this time we do not believe our level of impact will require the opening of a shelter. If that changes, we will utilize our Code Red community alert and notification system and social media to get the information out to our citizens.

We will be issuing a local Proclamation of a State of Emergency for the City of Henderson and Vance County as of 5 p.m. today. Presently, there are no public restrictions in place, however a curfew could be implemented if travel becomes hazardous due to fallen trees, blocked roads or downed power lines.

Please keep in mind, if you should experience a power loss, it could take several days to get it restored depending on our level of impact. We encourage those of you that do not have an alternative power source available to charge your personal devices (phones, laptops, etc.) and, in particular, those devices that provide a life sustaining function for you, such as a portable oxygen concentrator.

Please remember that 911 is for emergencies only. We will be overstaffed for the event, but our telecommunicators will likely be extremely busy handling emergency calls. Processing nonemergency calls could delay help getting to a person with a true emergency.

Please like and follow us on Facebook – Vance County Emergency Operations – to stay informed on current preparedness efforts and other storm related information.