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, Governor Roy Cooper has declared May 9-15 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Forsyth County residents should take this time to review and practice their emergency plans, said Emergency Management Director August Vernon. 

“Take the time to practice your emergency plan so everyone knows where to go and who to contact when disaster strikes,” Vernon said. “Make sure all of the information in the plan is up to date and talk to your neighbors about their plans, especially those who may need assistance such as senior citizens. Discuss how you can assist one another so everyone is safe.” 

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. 

“By being prepared for a hurricane, tropical storm, or any disaster, you’re helping to protect you and your family as well as our first responders,” Vernon said. If you know a storm such as a hurricane is coming, you can also 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 http://www.readyforsyth.org/  or www.ReadyNC.org. Please take a moment to “like” ReadyForsyth on Facebook and Twitter to receive the most recently updated information.