Dear Citizens,

North Carolina is the second state most prone to hurricanes. Those citizens who have been around for several years are all too aware of the devastation a tropical storm or hurricane can cause in any part of our state.

Ten years ago, Hurricane Floyd flooded inland counties all the way to Interstate 95 and beyond. Two thirds of our state had major disaster declarations. In 1996, Fran cut a path of destruction into Raleigh and the Triad. Five years ago, Francis and Ivan caused devastating flash floods in the mountains that killed a dozen people. And last year tropical storms Fay and Hanna reminded us that most of the time the worst damage comes from flooding after the storm, not the high winds during the storm.

This year's forecast predicts nine to 14 named storms, with one to three major hurricanes possible. The truth is it doesn't matter what has been predicted in terms of numbers. It only takes one hurricane to significantly impact our state. We need no other reason to get prepared for the upcoming season which runs from June to November.

Every family needs to have enough food, water and personal hygiene items to live on their own for at least three days; I recommend you prepare for seven days or more. Know where you will go if you must evacuate, have a point of contact out-of-state for family members to call if they get separated and include your pets in your plans (many shelters now accept pets).

If you are aware of functionally or medically fragile persons in your community, help them with the development of a plan for their safety. Local emergency management agencies are good points of contact; their phone number is in the local phone book under government agencies.  

            Sincerely,

            Doug Hoell            
            Director of Emergency Management