GOV. PERDUE PROCLAIMS MAY 24-30 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK
Governor, cabinet and emergency management officials participating in May 28 hurricane exercise

RALEIGH – Gov. Bev Perdue today reminded citizens that 2009 marks the 10th anniversary of the state's costliest and most destructive storm as she proclaimed May 24-30 Hurricane Preparedness Week. On Sept. 16, 1999, Hurricane Floyd struck our state leaving behind 52 deaths and $6 billion in damages. Hurricane season officially begins June 1.

“In North Carolina we understand from experience the power and destruction of hurricanes. With hurricane season approaching, I ask us all to be prepared,” said Gov. Perdue. “I urge all families, businesses and local governments to check your emergency plans and emergency kits before any disaster strikes.”

To ensure that the state is prepared to respond to a disaster, Gov. Perdue, cabinet officials and state emergency management officials will conduct a simulation exercise, rehearsing the roles and responsibilities of each agency during a disaster. The exercise will be held in the Emergency Operations Center, Administration Building, 116 W. Jones St. (Media are invited to the final 30 minutes of the exercise beginning at 12:30 p.m., and a news briefing will follow in the EOC at 1 p.m.)

North Carolina ranks second only to Florida in vulnerability to hurricanes. Citizens are urged to assemble emergency supply kits, then make and rehearse plans for where to go and what to do if a hurricane threatens the state.

Secretary Reuben Young of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety said it is “vital that people prepare themselves and their families for emergencies so they can be safe on their own for the first few days after a storm.”

Law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical service crews need to direct resources and response efforts to life-threatening situations first, he said.

Citizens are also encouraged to review and update their homeowners' insurance policies to make sure they include coverage for accidental damage and natural disasters and, if necessary, flood insurance.

Families should have an emergency plan and emergency supplies kit ready to go at all times. The kit should contain enough non-perishable food and a gallon of water per person per day to last three to seven days. The kit should also include the following essentials:

· Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag

· First-aid kit

· Weather radio and batteries

· Supply of prescription medicines

· Bedding

· Changes of clothes

· Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant

· Cash or checkbook

· Pet supplies including food, water, leashes, bedding, muzzle and vaccination records

People 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. They also need to heed the warnings of state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so.

Citizens can evacuate their homes with their small, domestic pets to specially designated pet-friendly shelters. Pet shelters will be equipped with pet crates, but people should bring feeding dishes, food and water, immunization papers and other pet supplies.

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