Here’s What You Need To Know

NC 2-1-1:

All NC residents can dial 2-1-1 to reach a trained call specialist who can help them find shelters and learn evacuation routes, find help with storm clean-up, locate food, water and ice, learn about volunteer needs and more. The service is available 24/7 and is available in English and Spanish. Visit NC211.org.

Ready NC:

Visit ReadyNC.org for information on how to prepare for the storm. Download their free app to learn weather conditions, traffic conditions, shelters, evacuations, and more.

Hurricane Resources:

• National Hurricane Center Storm Tracking
  
• National Hurricane Center Preparedness
  
• NC Disaster Information Center
• Preparedness Tips for People With Disabilities
• Preparedness Tips for Pets and Animals
• County Emergency Management Agencies and Alerts

Road Closures:

• Triangle Region
• Fayetteville Vicinity Region
• Rural Piedmont Region
• Southern Coastal Region
• Incidents by County

Power Outage Information:

Get important contact information for power companies across North Carolina.

Shelters:

• DHHS: View open shelters
• FEMA: Find shelters (once they have opened) by texting “SHELTER” and a zip code to 4FEMA (43362).
  For example, for the Wilmington, N.C. area you would text to 43362: SHELTER 28401 (Wilmington’s zip code).
• Red Cross Shelters: View a list at redcross.org/shelter.
• Orange County: Residents can text OCStorm to 888-777 to get updates about shelters, road closures and more.

Make a Disaster Kit:

Prepare for the storm by creating a Disaster Kit or making an emergency plan.

Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Some items to prepare are:

• Water: Buy plenty of bottled water to keep on hand or fill your own bottles. One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food: Stock up on nonperishable food such as canned foods, peanut butter, granola bars. At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Be sure to have a manual can opener as well.
• Food Prep: Keep Charcoal, Wood (for the fireplace) or Gas (for a gas grill) on hand in case of power outages.
• Ice: Freeze a gallon jug of water to keep your refrigerator or freezer cool in the case of a power outage. Can’t find water jugs? Fill gallon ziplock bags and freeze them. Not only will your food stay cool, you can drink the water too!
• Clothing and Bedding: Remember that your air conditioner or furnace may be out if the power is out. Have appropriate clothing and bedding available for high or low temperatures.
• First Aid Kit: Make sure your First Aid Kit is easily accessible and stocked.
• Batteries: Stock up on batteries for radios and flashlights.
• Flashlights and Matches
• Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
• Whistle: To signal for help.
• Tools: Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities
• Medications: Have prescription medications available. Gather non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives as well.

Learn more on Disaster Kits via ReadyNC.org or via NC Disaster Information Center