ROCKINGHAM – As Hurricane Florence continues her track towards the east coast and closer to NC, now is the time for all Richmond County residents to prepare for the effects of this storm.
The hurricane could make landfall, probably in the vicinity of Wilmington as projected by most meteorological models, by Thursday evening into the early morning hours on Friday.
This storm has the potential to produce strong, gusty winds and heavy rains.
This could result in localized flooding and also for down trees that could result in power outages.
County residents should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least 72 hours or three days.
Some basic preparedness tips would be:
· Have a minimum of a gallon of water for each person in your household per day.
· Keep foods that don’t require cooking or heating available to eat.
· If you power does go out, please do NOT call 9-1-1. Call your service provide Duke Energy Progress at 1-800-419-6345 or Pee Dee Electric at 1-800-693-0190.
· Make sure that you have a battery powered radio and extra batteries.
· Your cell phone with charger.
· Flashlight with extra batteries.
· Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel. Some things you can do to prepare your home for this storm: · Remove items from your porch. Store outside furniture in a building as well as toys and others items that could become flying debris during high winds.
· Reinforce your garage doors so that high winds will not cause them to collapse.
· Secure your pets.
· Make sure you have plenty of gas in your car in case you are required to leave.
Don’t go out during the storm unless it is an emergency.
Another important tip to think about is do not drive through flooded roadways.
Think “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” and find an alternate route to your destination.
It only takes an inch of water to move a vehicle.
Richmond County does not anticipate opening shelters before the storm.
Should shelters become necessary, information will be put out through local media, to include local newspapers, television, Facebook and other outlets as necessary.
Richmond County residents should also consider downloading the ReadyNC app through Google Play or through Apple.
This app will provide great tips as well as important information such as road closures and conditions, shelter openings, local weather, power outages and evacuations.
This app is free to download.
For more tips on emergency preparedness, go to FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/
Richmond County Emergency Services Emergency Management and Communications 200 Industrial Park Drive Rockingham, NC 28379 910-997-8238 (Office) 910-997-8233 (Fax)
Editor’s note: It is the policy of the Richmond Observer to print news release material in its original format, as it was received, with minimal, if any, editorial adjustments.
