Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

National Weather Service

Hurricane Preparedness Week: High Winds & Insurance Coverage

/by

-Information courtesy Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

THIS WEEK IS NORTH CAROLINA’S HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

All week long, the National Weather Service will issue informative messages to help you prepare for the hurricane season. Today’s topics include high winds and secure an insurance check-up.

High Winds

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speed at the indicated time. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and property. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous and require preventive measures.

It is important that you know your hurricane warning terminology – the difference between watches and warning:

• Hurricane Warning: An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

• Hurricane Watch: An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

• Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

• Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible somewhere within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

Keep in mind that even tropical storm force winds of less than 74 mph are capable of tossing around debris and causing damage similar to that seen in inland areas during Hurricane Fran especially in the Raleigh area. For this reason, you should seek shelter from the wind in a sturdy building as the hurricane moves inland and before the onset of tropical storm force winds. Tropical storm force winds usually strike hours ahead of the actual hurricane’s eye. For this reason, many emergency officials typically have evacuations completed and personnel sheltered before the onset of tropical storm force winds.

Hurricane-force winds can easily destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and items left outside become flying missiles in high wind. Falling trees cause extensive damage to power lines, towers and underground water lines. This can cause extended disruptions of utility services and you need roofing contractors to fix things. Damaging hurricane force winds can be just as devastating as tornadoes.

You can protect windows by installing hurricane shutters or prepare 5/8 inch plywood panels. Garage doors are also very susceptible to high wind and fail frequently in tropical storms and hurricanes when wind gusts exceed 70 mph. Reinforcing garage doors with affordable braces significantly increase structural integrity.

Things you can do before a storm threatens include assessing your home’s landscaping and assess the threat from falling trees. Trim back any dead limbs as well as large overhanging branches. Pick up all loose objects around the house including lawn furniture, grills, and potted plants. Lastly, have a plan of where to seek shelter in your home if high wind threatens you. Talk with your family and let everyone know where your predetermined safe room is in your home. Interior hallways, closets and bathrooms are the safest locations. Always stay away from windows and exterior doors.

Secure an Insurance Check-up

Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Finally, know where your insurance documents and contact information are located, and be sure to take them with you if you have to evacuate.

For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit the following web sites: • https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare • https://www.readync.org.

Battling Cancer: Pancake Supper Benefiting Teresa & Cameron Fuqua

/by

The City of Henderson Operations Center, 900 South Beckford Dr. in Henderson, will be the site of a pancake dinner on Friday, May 24, 2019, from 4 until 7 p.m.

Plates are $7 for all-you-can-eat. All proceeds benefit Teresa and Cameron Fuqua, a mother-son team battling cancer.

Thanks for your support!

(This is not a paid advertisement)

City of Henderson Logo

Bypass of Untreated Wastewater Enters Red Bud Creek

/by

-Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC

Bypass of Untreated Wastewater

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 2,100 gallons of untreated water on May 3, 2019, due to grease in the sewer main. This occurred on the Henderson Country Club golf course. The overflow entered Red Bud Creek.

North Carolina General Statute Article 21, Chapter 143-215.1C requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Services ORC, Joey Long, Jr. at 252-226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6117.

National Weather Service

It’s North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. Are You Ready?

/by

-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!!!

City of Henderson Logo

Henderson’s Public Safety, Public Works Committees to Meet May 9

/by

-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

The Henderson City Council’s Public Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 10 a.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Fire and IT services.

The Henderson City Council’s Public Works Committee will meet on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 11 a.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss stormwater issues.

The public is welcome to observe.

U.S. Department of Justice

DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day Declared Big Success

/by

-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces the results of the DEA April 27, 2019, 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Nationwide, DEA, along with their law enforcement partners collected nearly 469 tons of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. In the Eastern District of North Carolina, approximately 7,229.92 pounds were collected and 8,968 pounds were collected statewide.

“Across the country and here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, we are facing a real and dangerous threat from opioids and other prescription drugs,” said United States Attorney Higdon. “We have unprecedented levels of addiction, frightening numbers of overdoses, and an alarming number of deaths because of the over-prescription and improper use of these drugs. This requires each of us to work to solve it. By properly disposing of prescription medication we do not need, we can reduce the risk that these drugs will fall into the wrong hands.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.

Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 26, 2019.

For complete results of the recently concluded Spring Take Back Day visit www.DEATakeBack.com. If you missed the Take Back Day click here https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1 to locate an authorized collector in your area.

D.R.E.A.M. Fashion Show to be Held at E.M. Rollins

/by

-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Come out and support D.R.E.A.M. (Diverse Roles in Entertainment Arts and Music) 4th Annual Fashion Show being held on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 6 p.m. at E.M. Rollins Elementary School Auditorium.

Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for all school-age children.

For more information, contact Crystal Allen at 252.431.6091 or callen@ci.henders.nc.us.

 

Faith Dove

Dickies Grove Missionary Baptist Invites Public to ‘Ladies in Hats’ Program

/by

Brims, Berets, Buckets, Pillbox and Derbies

Dickies Grove Missionary Baptist Church will hold a “Ladies in Hats” program on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at 3 p.m.

Music will be rendered by the Kinches Chapel Christian Church male choir of Franklinton, NC.

Rev. Dr. Jeanette B. Floyd and the congregation invite you to enjoy an afternoon of praise, fellowship and fashion.

The church is located at 2996 Faulkner Town Road in Henderson, NC.

Maria Parham Health to Host Relay for Life ‘Fun Day’ Event

/by

-Information courtesy Kimberly Smith, Interim Director – Cancer Center, Maria Parham Health

Come out and enjoy “Relay Fun Day” at Maria Parham Health on Friday, May 10, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will be located in the parking lot behind Maria Parham’s Cancer Center.

Join us for some great food trucks, vendors, bake sale, silent auction and more with proceeds going to Relay for Life (bring cash; some vendors may take credit). The silent auction will be held in the auditorium.

Vendors include Chick-Fil-A, Pelican SnoBalls, Chewly Delicious, PIZZA, Backyard BBQ, The Wandering Dog, Homemade Treats, Color Street Nails, Paparazzi Jewelry, Lularoe, Thirty One and Young Living.

Don’t miss the Charles Boyd Chevrolet GIVEAWAYS!!

VGCC Community Band to Perform at McGregor Hall, Raleigh Rd Outdoor Theatre

/by

The Community Band of Vance-Granville Community College will perform a spring concert on Monday, May 6, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson. Admission is free.

The band will also perform a Memorial weekend performance at Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, 3336 Raleigh Rd in Henderson, on Saturday, May 25 at 6 p.m. The concert will be performed prior to the showing of that evening’s feature film.

The Vance-Granville Community Band offers free membership to area musicians. The band rehearses on Monday nights from 7 until 9 p.m. during the academic year at the Main Campus in Henderson. If you are interested in joining, please contact Brian Miller at bmiller9302@vgcc.edu.

Above, the Vance-Granville Community Band performs under the direction of Brian Miller in this file photo from its May 2017 concert in McGregor Hall. (VGCC Photo)