“We've been fairly fortunate in recent years with relatively minor damage, but we must not become complacent,” said Doug Hoell, director for the state's emergency management division. “Folks in this part of the state especially remember the devastation from Hurricane Floyd ten years ago. We're going to do everything we can to ensure we are prepared.”

Staff from the N.C. Emergency Management Eastern Branch and county emergency management directors will hold a one-day hurricane exercise at the state's emergency management office in Kinston. Employees from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Red Cross, State Highway Patrol, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, N.C. Department of Transportation and the National Weather Service offices in Raleigh, Wilmington and Newport also will participate in the exercise.

Hoell reminded citizens that they also need to do their part by putting together emergency supply kits, then making and rehearsing plans for where to go and what to do if a hurricane threatens the state.

“It is vital that citizens prepare themselves and their families for emergencies so they can be safe on their own for the first few days after a storm,” Hoell explained. “That allows police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service crews to help those in life threatening situations first.”

State government officials are practicing what they preach, Hoell said. Last month, the governor spent the day with her staff, cabinet officials and state emergency management employees discussing and rehearsing the roles and responsibilities of each agency during a disaster.

Hoell also encouraged North Carolinians to review and update their homeowners' insurance policy to make sure it includes coverage for accidental damage and natural disasters and, if necessary, flood insurance.

Citizens should stay informed during a storm by keeping a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information and should know evacuation routes in their community. People need to heed the warnings of state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so.

For more information on how to assemble an emergency kit or prepare for any type of emergency, visit www.ReadyNC.org. ####