State emergency management officials are reminding North Carolinians to stay tuned to local media and NOAA weather radios today as heavy rains and strong winds move across the state.
A powerful cold front is expected to produce some heavy showers, as well as strong and potentially damaging wind gusts. Wind advisories are already in place for nearly the entire state until early Thursday morning.
“Our emergency managers at the state and local level have been working with meteorologists and are closely monitoring the weather,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Kieran Shanahan. “They are an experienced team and ready to respond to any emergencies.”
Shanahan recommended that people take a few minutes to put away those items around the yard that could become flying objects. Trash cans, lawn furniture, children’s toys or other such items that could be picked up by strong wind gusts should be placed inside, under the deck or up against the house.
Meteorologists advise that residents may see damaging wind gusts without lightning and thunder.
The American Red Cross also urges people to prepare as the storm will threaten eastern North Carolina.
“Disasters can happen anytime, it’s important that everyone has a plan,” said Victoria Kling, Response Manager, for the Eastern NC Region of the American Red Cross. “Simple steps such as talking with your family about what to do if there is an emergency and building a preparedness kit can offer peace of mind when faced with emergency situations.”
Responding during a thunderstorm
Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors. The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from window.
Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.
Other Ways to Get Ready
The Red Cross has several programs to help people, businesses, schools and communities be better prepared.
American Red Cross Hurricane App for iPhone or Android smart phones helps people create a plan, share it with household members and over social networks.
A Family Disaster Plan Template is available at www.redcross.org.
Be Red Cross Ready is an online tutorial that teaches people to be ready for emergencies.
Red Cross Ready Rating is a free, web-based membership program that measures how ready businesses, organizations and schools are to deal with emergencies and helps them improve their readiness level.
The Ready When the Time Comes program trains employees from businesses so they can be used as a community-based volunteer force when disaster strikes.
Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training courses provide participants with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed.
People can visit redcross.org for information on what to do before, during and after emergencies and disasters.
