CITIZENS URGED TO MONITOR WEATHER REPORTS THIS WEEKEND: Family Emergency Supply Kits A Good Idea

For Release: Immediate
Date: September 12, 2003

Renee Hoffman
NC CCPS Public Affairs Director
919-733-5027
(Ext. 231)

CITIZENS URGED TO MONITOR WEATHER REPORTS THIS WEEKEND:
Family Emergency Supply Kits A Good Idea

RALEIGH – Although Hurricane Isabel is several hundred miles out in the Atlantic, if the storm continues to follow its current path, it is expected to threaten the East Coast of the United States late next week. While long-range models and projections are uncertain, North Carolinians are advised to assemble family emergency supply kits in anticipation that the storm may affect the state in some way.

"We won’t know until early next week what the probabilities for a landfall in North Carolina might be, but it always pays to be ready," said Bryan Beatty, secretary of N.C. Crime Control and Public Safety. "We urge all citizens to pay close attention to weather reports this weekend and to go ahead and get their emergency kits and communications plans together."

The N.C. Division of Emergency Management has been tracking Isabel for several days. A decision will be made on Monday whether to activate the State Emergency Response Team. In the meantime, citizens should prepare by assembling or updating their emergency supply kits this weekend. If the storm affects the state, having emergency kits ready will make evacuation and recovery easier.

Start with an easy to carry, water tight 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 or with 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

Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos

Bar soap and liquid detergent

Shampoo

Toothpaste and toothbrushes

Feminine hygiene supplies

Toilet paper

Household bleach

Rubber gloves

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.

Families should make sure they have an emergency communications plan in place so they’ll know how to contact one another if they become separated. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-state contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Be sure every member of the family knows the phone number and has coins or a pre-paid phone card to call the emergency contact.

More information on hurricane preparedness and storm tracking is available on the N.C. Emergency Management website at http://www.ncem.org. Click on "Hurricane Status."

###

CCPS Home

Back to News Release List