RALEIGH – The State of North Carolina's new emergency preparedness website is now available in Spanish.  The ReadyNC.org website was launched in May during Hurricane Preparedness Week.  The website is now online in Spanish as well and is available at ListoNC.org or ReadyNC.org.

“People who've lived in North Carolina for any period of time have likely experienced a hurricane, ice storm or flood that has disrupted their lives in some way, but many of the state's newest residents are not familiar with these events,” said Bryan Beatty, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control & Public Safety (CCPS).  “Last week's terrorism threat is another reminder of why we need everyone who lives and works in North Carolina to be prepared for all types of emergencies, and this website will give them the information they need to do that.”

CCPS developed the website and is conducting a public awareness campaign during the 2006 hurricane season aimed at urging people to prepare for emergencies.  With North Carolina being the second most hurricane prone state after Florida, residents need to have their family disaster plans and kits ready in case they have to evacuate or take shelter in their homes.

“Natural disasters cause disruption in the normal systems that we depend on for everyday living: electricity, phones, transportation, schools, and services like gas stations and grocery stores,” said Doug Hoell, Director of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management.  “If people can be prepared for those disruptions so that they can take care of themselves for several days, then emergency responders can concentrate on those people who are in life-threatening situations until the systems return to normal.”

The ReadyNC.org website includes links on such things as emergency planning for families, seniors, the disabled and pets; first aid; home safety; power outages; how to evacuate and shelter-in-place; and where people can go for local assistance and volunteer opportunities.  The site also includes information on the types of severe weather that impact North Carolina, as well as tips for dealing with terrorism, radiation and contagious diseases. 

Fifteen billboards advertising the new ReadyNC campaign and website are located across North Carolina.  The billboards will stay up through the 2006 hurricane season, which ends November 30th.  The billboards are located in or near Benson, Burgaw, Charlotte, Clinton, Dunn, Goldsboro, Hendersonville, Hickory, La Grange, Plymouth, Princeton, Washington, Wilmington (2), and Wilson. Most of them are in the eastern part of the state since that area is most likely to be hit by a hurricane.

The billboards read “Got bottled water? Canned food? Evacuation plan? Prepare Now!”  The campaign logo is an outline of the state with the words “Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Be Involved – ReadyNC.org.” The phrases are also part of the website and direct readers to which portions of the website will help them with emergency planning, building an emergency supplies kit, and seeking out volunteer opportunities and local assistance.

The campaign is being paid for with U.S. Homeland Security grant funds assigned to the N.C. Citizen Corps program.  Citizen Corps is a network of state, local and tribal councils whose mission is to encourage every citizen to participate in making communities better prepared to respond to emergencies through education, training, and volunteer service.

“North Carolina Citizen Corps is very pleased to be part of this campaign,” said Faye Stone, Deputy Executive Director of the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, located in the Governor's Office.  “Our goal is to get every person in North Carolina involved in emergency preparedness either by having their own plans in order, or by volunteering to help their community when a crisis occurs.  We are all much stronger when we work together.”

CCPS and Citizen Corps are working with a committee of the N.C. Emergency Management Association (NCEMA) to enhance public education efforts using the ReadyNC.org/ListoNC.org website as a basis for expansion.  Posters and bumper stickers are being produced which will be distributed to county emergency management agencies later this summer.  The agencies also hope to expand the state's preparedness message in future years with outreach to private industry, amateur and professional sport teams and personalities, non-profit organizations, and other government agencies.