Tag Archive for: #hurricanematthew

VGCC SkillsUSA students donate bottled water to hurricane victims

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Criminal Justice Technology students at Vance-Granville Community College recently conducted a bottled water drive through the college chapter of SkillsUSA. The service project was designed to assist fellow North Carolinians who suffered shortages of clean water as a result of Hurricane Matthew.

VGCC students worked in partnership with the Henderson Police Department, which was collecting bottled water along with several other local law enforcement agencies throughout the state. HPD officers picked up the 47 donated cases of water from the students on Nov. 3.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA chapters help students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations excel. Founded in 1965 as V.I.C.A. (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), SkillsUSA has served more than 12 million members in its history. Today, the organization has more than 360,000 students and instructors as members nationwide.

The SkillsUSA chapter provides VGCC students with opportunities for leadership, professional development, community service and social activities. Students in a number of different curriculum programs at VGCC are eligible to join.

For more information on the VGCC Criminal Justice program, contact program head William Clements at clementsw@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3242.

VGCC Radiography students collect supplies for Hurricane Matthew victims

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Students in the Radiography program at Vance-Granville Community College recently answered a call to help those who were devastated by Hurricane Matthew, collecting a massive amount of supplies for the victims in North and South Carolina.

VGCC Radiography clinical coordinator/instructor Stacey Soles arranged a partnership with Black’s Tire & Auto Service, which has 38 locations from Raleigh to Florence, South Carolina, and was founded in her home county of Columbus. The company was encouraging residents of its service area to collect supplies, which its employees would then pick up and deliver directly to those in need. Among the items being sought were diapers, children’s toys, bottled water, cleaning supplies, toiletries, non-perishable food, new t-shirts, socks and undergarments.

Students set up drop-off points on all four of the college’s campuses, in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. Then, on Oct. 20, Black’s Tire & Auto Service picked up the donations at the South Campus, where the Radiography program is located. Students and faculty members loaded the supplies onto the truck sent by the company, which was quickly filled, and a second truck was called. Even that truck could not hold all of the donations, so Soles took some in her own vehicle to the company’s Raleigh location.

Black’s Tire & Auto Service later delivered the items to people in Fair Bluff, N.C., and Nichols, S.C., both of which experienced extensive flooding from the hurricane.

“The Radiography students and program faculty would like to extend our thanks to everyone who helped make the hurricane relief drive a success,” Soles said. “We were overwhelmed with the generous outpouring of support from our fellow faculty, staff, students and members of the community, including several businesses around our South Campus.”

Based at VGCC’s South Campus between Creedmoor and Butner, the two-year Radiography degree program prepares graduates to be radiographers, skilled health care professionals who use radiation to produce images of the human body. For more information on Radiography, contact Dean of Health Sciences Angela Thomas at (252) 738-3397.

Feeding NC Livestock could be an Issue this winter

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Flooding in eastern North Carolina and drought in western counties has state agricultural officials concerned about feeding livestock and horses this winter. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is utilizing a website, www.ncagr.gov/hayalert, to help livestock and horse owners in sourcing hay.

The Hay Alert website was first launched during the drought in 2002 and used again in 2007. It is similar to Craigslist, in which users can post hay for sale or hay wanted ads. The department will not be involved in the transaction beyond hosting the website.

“We’re trying to help farmers meet the needs for livestock and horses this winter,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Earlier this fall, we expected to have eastern hay to fill the void in the west, but the flood has ruined so much of the eastern crop. We encourage farmers to go ahead and start securing their hay for the winter.”

Farmers are encouraged to work with their local cooperative extension agent to set up a winter feed plan. They are also reminded that many areas of North Carolina are under quarantine for plant pests and care should be taken to not introduce pests into new areas. Check with the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division for guidance if moving hay from a quarantine area to a non-quarantine area.

Be safe when cleaning up debris from Hurricane Matthew

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As North Carolina residents begin to clean up in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the N.C. Forest Service is encouraging them to remember to be careful when burning debris.

The current situation has many roads closed due to flooding and other issues. This, combined with emergency response resources being heavily engaged in other areas, including more than 100 N.C. Forest Service personnel, means getting help to deal with an escaped burn may be difficult.

“While it’s hard to believe with as much rain has Hurricane Mathew brought to the state, grass and twigs can, and will, dry out quickly and become fuel for a fire,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “It’s also important to remember that it is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.”

There are many factors to consider before burning debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents considering debris burning to contact their local county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize the safety to people, property and the forest.

The Forest Service urges people to follow these tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at ncforestservice.gov.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contained in a screened receptacle, away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
  • These same tips hold true for campfires and barbeques as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. When soaked; stir the coals and soak them again. Be sure they are out cold and carefully feel to be sure they are extinguished. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
  • Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires.

For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, log onto ncforestservice.gov.

Hurricane Matthew inflicts significant damage on N.C. agriculture

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The flood water hasn’t receded yet, but initial reports show that North Carolina’s agricultural industries took a beating from Hurricane Matthew. State ag officials do not have damage estimates, but the 48 counties affected by the storm are some of North Carolina’s largest ag counties.

“The eastern counties represent 71 percent of the state’s total farm cash receipts,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “While lots of crops were harvested before the storm, many crops, such as soybeans, sweet potatoes, peanuts and cotton, were just in the early stages of harvest.”

The 48 counties accounted for more than $9.6 billion of the $13.5 billion in farm cash receipts in 2014.

In addition to crops, Eastern North Carolina also has a large poultry and swine population. Initial reports show that 1.9 million birds, mostly broiler chickens, have died as a result of the storm. However, considering the extent of the flooding, State Veterinarian Doug Meckes expects that number to rise. North Carolina growers raise more than 800 million birds each year.

Veterinary officials and the department’s Environmental Programs Division staff are working with growers on proper disposal of the birds. Troxler requested and was granted a $6 million grant from FEMA to purchase carbon material to compost the carcasses and mitigate the potential public health risk. Composting is the preferred method of disposal as it reduces leeching of farm waste, reduces pest and disease issues and prevents odor issues. The finished compost can then be used for agricultural purposes. Farms have begun requesting carbon materials and deliveries began today.

The hog industry did a good job preparing for this event and taking proactive measures to reduce populations or move hogs to higher ground. As of press time, there are limited reports of swine deaths and no known hog lagoon breaches. NCDA&CS is not the regulatory agency that oversees hog lagoons.

“The industry learned a lot since Hurricane Floyd in 1999,” said Troxler. Many hog farms in the 100-year flood plain were closed through a swine buyout program overseen by our Soil and Water Conservation Division.”

Farmers needing assistance can call the Ag Emergency Hotline at 1-866-645-9403. The department is operating the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Midday Thursday Matthew Update Henderson-Vance

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Midday Thursday Matthew Update Henderson-Vance

Brian Short is the Director of Emergency Operations for Vance County.  Short has provided emergency preparedness teams and local media the latest from the National Weather Service on Hurricane Matthew.

Short wrote in an email, “Attached is the latest weather synopsis from the NWS on HurricaneMatthew — click here. As you can see, our wind gusts are expected to be very light with rainfall amounts of approximately 3 inches over the course of the next few days (not in a short period of time).

“While all eyes are fixed on Florida, our attention remains focused closer to home. Though we do not anticipate needing to implement any sort of emergency protective measures, those avenues remain open to us. We have been continually coordinating with our local and state public safety and response partners and are poised to change that posture quickly if it should be required.

“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to continue to monitor this system as it approaches our coast. Large hurricanes such as this one are very unpredictable so we should in no way let our guard down. We will continue to keep everyone informed throughout the coming days.”

For more, visit https://www.weather.gov/rah/.

Event Update for the Masonic Homecoming Festival Starting on Friday

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Masonic Homecoming Festival Modifications Due to Hurricane Matthew

As of 12pm, October 5, 2016 – In light of the impending weather events and the uncertainty of its impacts on the 2016 Masonic Homecoming Festival, MHCO officials, Alumni Representatives, and members of the Masonic Grand Lodge and Shrine Temples of North Carolina met to discuss those changes that needed to be made to ensure the safety of all participating and attending this year’s events.  Based on this meeting the following changes to the schedule of events have been made:

The Shrine Parade for Saturday Morning has been cancelled.

All other activities are being held as previously scheduled.  For a full list of activities and changes as well as any additional updates, please visit the MHCO website at www.mhc-oxford.org or our Facebook page.  You can also listen to the following radio stations for further updates – US 98.3 FM and WIZS 1450 AM.

The Home extends its thanks to the City of Oxford Police Department, Granville County Sheriff’s Department, Granville Emergency Management, the Oxford Orphanage/MHCO Alumni Association, our Shrine Temples of NC, and all those locally and throughout the state who have volunteered their time, resources, and support for this year’s festival.  We apologize for any inconvenience these changes have caused, but again must focus on the safety and comfort of our participants and guests, both in Oxford and across North Carolina.

Matthew Update: Central NC including Henderson/Vance

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MATTHEW UPDATE WEDNESDAY MORNING:

Brian Short is the Director of Emergency Operations for Vance County.  When events such as the potential impacts of bad weather and other public safety issues arise, Short sends out information to local preparedness teams, public service agencies and to the media.

Short wrote in an email this morning, “As you can see from the attached briefing packet from the NWS, our anticipated impact from Hurricane Matthew has lessened considerably overnight. At this point we are continuing to monitor the storm and will react accordingly if anything should change but as it stands now it does seem to be primarily a coastal event.

“I would like to emphasize that this change in no way means we are out of the woods. The storm is still far enough away that anything could change so please continue to keep a close eye on it. I encourage everyone to continue their preparation efforts just in case until we know with greater certainty what the path of the hurricane will be.

“We will continue to keep everyone informed.”

For details for your specific area, including all watches, warnings, and advisories…

•Northeast NC: https://weather.gov/akq
•Eastern NC: https://weather.gov/mhx
•Southeast NC: https://weather.gov/ilm
•Central NC: https://weather.gov/rah
•Northwest NC (& mountains): https://weather.gov/rnk
•Southwest NC (& mountains): https://weather.gov/gsp
•Cherokee and Clay Counties: https://weather.gov/mrx

For specific hour-by-hour forecast details and trends for your exact location, please visit https://forecast.weather.gov/gridpoint.php?site=rah&TypeDefault=graphical

This link will include hour-by-hour forecasts for temperature, wind, wind gusts, wind chill, precipitation chance, etc.

Hurricane Matthew Update For Henderson Area

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Brian Short is the Director of Emergency Operations for Vance County.  When events such as the potential impacts of bad weather and other public safety issues arise, Short sends out information to local preparedness teams, public service agencies and to the media.

About 1:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, October 4, Short sent the following email and included WIZS News.  His email included two attachments:  NWS briefing and a list of recommended family preparedness items.  Please click the two links just above to view those items and read the body of his message below.

Short said, “Hurricane Matthew continues to slowly make its way towards the US coast. While the track has changed to some extent over the course of the past two days, the current path depicts a NC impact. Presently, this is believed to be predominantly a coastal event, however some of the effects will be felt as far inland as Vance County.

“At the moment our forecast calls for gusty winds and a heavy rains, however if the westward shift that we have seen throughout the day today continues our situation could get substantially worse.

“We began our formal preparation efforts today and will further escalate them over the coming days as the track becomes more defined. We have also begun to talk about implementing additional emergency protective measures but again we will make final decision on those over the course of the coming days.

“Please see the attached from the NWS regarding the latest information on Hurricane Matthew. Additionally, we have included a comprehensive list of family preparedness items that we recommend each person have on hand in the event of an impact. For the most part, these are items that people generally have in their homes anyway, but it is a good idea to locate them and to put them together ahead of time in case they are needed.

“We will continue to forward along additional information as it is received.”

For details for your specific area, including all watches, warnings, and advisories…

•Northeast NC: https://weather.gov/akq
•Eastern NC: https://weather.gov/mhx
•Southeast NC: https://weather.gov/ilm
•Central NC: https://weather.gov/rah
•Northwest NC (& mountains): https://weather.gov/rnk
•Southwest NC (& mountains): https://weather.gov/gsp
•Cherokee and Clay Counties: https://weather.gov/mrx

For specific hour-by-hour forecast details and trends for your exact location, please visit https://forecast.weather.gov/gridpoint.php?site=rah&TypeDefault=graphical

This link will include hour-by-hour forecasts for temperature, wind, wind gusts, wind chill, precipitation chance, etc.