For more information on the preparedness and response efforts of MTW District Health Department, shelter information, emergency plans, or community education, contact Miranda Keel at (252)-793-1663.

Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30)

Plan.

You and your family members may not be in the same place when an emergency happens. It is important to plan ahead and talk about what you will do before, during and after an emergency. You need to talk about how will you get to a safe place, get in touch with each other and get back to each other.

Your plan should contain:

  • Phone numbers of a pre-assigned contact person for family members to call
  • Where to find information on shelters (television, radio, this website)
  • How to be safe if you stay in your home during an emergency
  • What to do with your pets
  • Thoughts about any older adults or those with functional needs in the home

Mold your plans for your family’s needs. Think about creating a group of neighbors, friends or family to help each other in emergencies. Talk how that group can help each other connect, care for children, pets or other needs.

Knowing how you will respond to an emergency at home, school or work will help you remain calm, think clearly and react well.

Being ready helps you and your family. It also lowers the workload of fire fighters, police and emergency medical workers.

Download your family emergency plan here.

Prepare.

The time to put an emergency kit together is BEFORE a disaster strikes.

An emergency kit is a container of items your family may need in or after an emergency. Most of the items can be found in your house. It is important to put them in one place. Be sure every family member knows where the kit is kept.

You need to put enough water, food and supplies in your kit for three to seven day for each person and pet. You may be on your own for hours or even days after a disaster. Being ready for an emergency helps you and your family to survive. It also allows police, fire fighters and emergency medical workers to help those who need it most.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  • Cash or traveler’s checks and change
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Add these items for Hurricane Season 2021 to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

  • Face coverings / masks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sanitizing wipes

Stay informed.

Emergency messages are sent by state and local governments and the National Weather Service via television, radio, weather radios, social media and alerts on cellular phones.  Make sure you have a way to monitor severe weather conditions and receive emergency alerts at all times. 

Emergency Alert System

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts emergency messges via radio and TV.  Participation by radio and TV stations is voluntary, but organizations that join the EAS must agree to the follow rules in the North Carolina Emergency Alert System Plan.

Broadcast stations also join in required weekly and monthly tests to show they can send EAS messages to their viewers and listeners. Messages can be sent at the national, state or local levels. Most of the time, the system is used on a regional level for weather emergencies. It can also be used on a statewide level for monthly tests or child abduction alerts.

NOAA Weather Radio

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) airs constant weather information to specially designed NOAA weather radios. The information comes from local National Weather Service offices. The NOAA radios give timely, correct details weather threats that may be near a certain area. You can buy NOAA weather radios at local electronics stores. These radios are key tools to being ready for emergencies.

Know Your Zone

Twenty coastal counties have established predetermined evacuation zones to simplify the coastal evacuation process in the event of an emergency. Everyone living or vacationing in North Carolina’s coastal areas should Know Your Zone.

To find your zone, click here.