Vance County Cooperative Extension Report – Hurricane Preparation
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Tag Archive for: #hurricanepreparedness
It’s North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. Are You Ready?
-Information courtesy Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 of each year and ends on November 30. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms. The National Hurricane Center issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather.
May 5 through May 11, 2019, is Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina, as well as nationally. 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.
The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be slightly below average due to a relatively high likelihood of a weak El Nino coupled with slightly lower sea surface temperatures, according to a report released by Colorado State University. Their predictions for this season include 13 named storms, with 5 becoming hurricanes and 2 expected to become major hurricanes of category 3 status or higher.
Forecasters at North Carolina State University are forecasting a near average season with similar expectations and a range of 13 to 16 names storms.
“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of hurricane season,” said Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations for Vance County. Keep in mind that it only takes one storm to cause significant impact. 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 could potentially take outside help that long 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.”
In the event that a storm should threaten our area, the Vance County Emergency Operations staff will use all available means to get important information out and will keep the public informed of our preparedness activities. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on severe weather and coordination activities.
Smartphone users can also download a free app from ReadyNC.org. This app provides a great deal of information regarding storm preparedness as well as current road conditions, local weather, power outages and storm shelters that are open just to name a few. Follow the link below to get this free app.
https://www.readync.org/EN/DOWNLOADAPP.html
For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather, including hurricanes, visit our website at: https://www.vancecounty.org/em.
While you’re there, be sure to visit our community alert and notification section to sign up for CODE RED, our emergency alert system. NOTE: if you have a landline phone you are most likely already in the CODE RED system. Please add your cell phone if you would like to receive real-time local alerts on your mobile phone or device.
You may also visit Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook or call our office at 252-438-8264 for more information.
The 2019 tropical storm names for the Atlantic region include Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastian, Tanya, Van and Wendy.
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. 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!!!
Warren County Irma Preparedness
— courtesy Warren County Government, Robert Davie
Hurricane Irma is just off the coast of Florida as a category 5 with possible impacts to Warren County by early next week as a wind and rain event. Warren County Governmental Departments continue to monitor Hurricane Irma and its path and all sheltering staff have been placed on stand-by. If conditions warrant, a shelter will be opened as needed.
Warren County officials urge residents to responsibly plan to survive the storm by keeping a minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water per person. More information for preparing emergency kits can be found at www.ReadyNC.org.
Warren County officials also encourage residents to check local media outlets, social media and www.ReadyNC.org for updates as weather conditions worsen. Residents may also sign up to the Warren Emergency Notification System from the Warren County web site at www.warrencountync.com or directly at: https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/722FDAD749F7.
Emergency Supplies-Family Preparedness Items (Irma)
Hurricane Irma’s potential to affect the local area will remain unclear a while longer. However, it is not too soon to scout around and make a list of what you may want and need in case emergency supplies and family preparedness items are needed.
In a morning email to local officials and local preparedness teams, the Director of Emergency Operations for Henderson – Vance County, Brian Short, provided the list of items seen below.
Short said, “Let me be clear, I am in no way saying that everyone should run out now and buy everything on the list, however people should begin looking around the house to see which of these items they already have and be thinking about what they may need. We will continue to keep everyone informed and will forward along additional information as it is received.”
Short said, “…we simply should not ignore the potential of this system and we should not wait until the last minute to prepare.”
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, water tight 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!!!
Hurricane Preparedness 2017
— courtesy Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
“The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season is Underway. Are you prepared?”
The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st of each year and ends on November 30th. 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.
Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms. The National Hurricane Center issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather.
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be more active than historical averages with regard to the number of named storms, according to the latest forecasts released by Colorado State University, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project outlook headed by Dr. Phil Klotzbach updated its forecast Thursday, calling for an above- average number of named storms with 14 expected. CSU forecasts an average number of hurricanes this year, with six expected in the Atlantic Basin. A below- average number of major hurricanes – two – is also anticipated.
The 30-year historical average (1981-2010) for the Atlantic Basin is 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. A major hurricane is of Category 3 strength or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
NOAA issued its forecast at the end of May, 2017 and it called for:
- Eleven to 17 named storms – including April’s Tropical Storm Arlene.
- Five to nine of which would become hurricanes.
- Two to four of which would become major hurricanes.
The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2017 is as follows:
Number of Named Storms: 11 – 17
Number of Hurricanes: 5 – 9
Number of Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 2 – 4
“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season.” said Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations for Vance County. Keep in mind that it only takes one storm to cause significant impact. 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 that long 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.”
In the event that a storm should threaten our area, The Vance County Emergency Operations staff will get important out and information will keep the public informed of our preparedness activities. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on severe weather and coordination activities.
Smart phone users can also download a free app from ReadyNC.org. This app provides a great deal of information regarding storm preparedness as well as current road conditions, local weather, power outages and storm shelters that are open just to name a few. Follow the link below to get this free app.
https://www.readync.org/EN/DOWNLOADAPP.html
For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather including hurricanes visit our visit our website at:
https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/emergency-operations/
While you’re there, be sure to visit our community alert and notification section to sign up for CODE RED, our emergency alert system. NOTE: if you have a land line phone you are most likely already in the CODE RED system. Please add your cell phone if you would like to receive real time local alerts on your mobile phone or device.
Or visit Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook
You can also call our office at 252-438-8264 for more information
2017 Tropical Storm Names for the Atlantic Region
Arlene Brett Cindy Don Emily Franklin Gert Harvey Irma Jose Katia Lee Maria Nate Ophelia Philippe Rina Sean Tammy Vince Whitney
Attached is a detailed list of general preparedness items that are recommended to have on hand going into hurricane season.
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, water tight 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!!!
Matthew Update: Central NC including Henderson/Vance
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
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.
Hurricane Preparedness 2016
Note: You can always return to this article by entering Hurricane Preparedness in the WIZS.com search box. Information provided by Brian Short, Director – Vance County Emergency Operations.
“The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season is about to begin. Are you prepared?”
The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st of each year and ends on November 30th. 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.
May 15th through May 21st has been designated National Hurricane Preparedness Week for 2016. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is once again promoting a “Weather Ready Nation”.
Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms. The National Hurricane Center issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather.
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 year according to Hurricane Experts.
“We anticipate that the 2016 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have approximately average activity. The current weakening El Niño is likely to transition to either neutral or La Niña conditions by the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. While the tropical Atlantic is relatively warm, the far North Atlantic is quite cold, potentially indicative of a negative phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation. We anticipate a near-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean. As is the case with all hurricane seasons, residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted. The tropical and subtropical Atlantic are also quite cool at present. We anticipate a below-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted,” said Dr. William M. Gray, Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University.
The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2016 is as follows:
| Number of Named Storms: | 13 |
| Number of Hurricanes: | 6 |
| Number of Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): | 4 |
While the prediction for the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season is “Average,” the prediction for this season does show a notable increase over last year.
“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season,” said Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations for Vance County. Keep in mind that it only takes one storm to cause significant impact. 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 that long 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.”
In the event that a storm should threaten our area, The Vance County Emergency Operations staff will get important information out and will keep the public informed of our preparedness activities. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on severe weather and coordination activities.
Smart phone users can also download a free app from ReadyNC.org. This app provides a great deal of information regarding storm preparedness as well as current road conditions, local weather, power outages and storm shelters that are open just to name a few. Follow the link below to get this free app.
https://www.readync.org/EN/DOWNLOADAPP.html
For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather including hurricanes visit our website at:
https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/emergency-operations/
While you’re there, be sure to visit our community alert and notification section to sign up for CODE RED, our emergency alert and notification system. NOTE: if you have a land line phone you are most likely already in the CODE RED system. Please add your cell phone if you would like to receive real time alerts on your mobile phone or device.
Or visit Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook
You can also call our office at 252-438-8264
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, water tight 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!!!