News Flash

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to plan now for hurricane season by updating their emergency plans and supply kits. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November. 

To encourage residents to prepare, the National Weather Service has declared April 30 - May 6 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Forsyth County residents should take this time to review and practice their emergency plans, said Emergency Management Director August Vernon. 

“Do what’s right to protect you and your family and get prepared for severe weather such as a hurricane or any disaster,” Vernon said. “Preparedness begins by having an emergency plan and an emergency kit, which will provide for you and your loves ones for up to a week. They are not complicated to create, just visit ReadyNC.gov. You can download a plan template and there’s a list of items to include in your kit.”

You and your family should also take the time to practice your emergency plan so everyone knows where to go and who to contact when disaster strikes. Make sure all of the information is up to date and talk to your neighbors about their plans, especially those who may need assistance, such as senior citizens.

Families and businesses should write down their emergency plan and gather important documents, such as copies of driver’s licenses, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account statements, and put them somewhere where they can be quickly accessed in case of an emergency. 

Emergency supply kits should contain enough non-perishable food and water to last each family member three to seven days. Other essential items include: 

•    First-aid kit 

•    Weather radio and batteries 

•    Prescription medicines 

•    Sleeping bag or blankets 

•    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 

•    Face masks and hand sanitizer

Forsyth County residents should stay informed during severe weather by using a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information, and should know evacuation routes in their community. When asked to evacuate, residents should leave the area immediately, Vernon said. 

“You’ll not only be protecting yourself, but also emergency responders who may have to risk their lives to save you if you don’t evacuate,” Vernon said.

Once your plan and kit are up to date, take the time to mitigate damage to your home or business by taking some commonsense measures, such as trimming trees, covering windows, securing loose outdoor items and more.

More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found online at ReadyForsyth.org or ReadyNC.gov. Please take a moment to “like” ReadyForsyth on Facebook and Twitter to receive the most recently updated information.