ROCKINGHAM – As part of the ongoing mission of the Richmond Observer to provide expansive coverage of current events, we offer the following news release from State Representative Ken Goodman:
Please take appropriate steps right now to protect yourself, your family and your property from the potential impact of Hurricane Florence. Pay attention to local weather advisories and tune into local news media outlets for bulletins and information on the hurricane.
During this storm, I will suspend my campaign activities until the storm passes.
Now is the time to focus on preparations for a storm that could be bigger than anything we have ever seen.
Let us pray for our wellbeing. Let us pray for those brave men and women who are working on the front lines to serve our citizens.
Put in place now plans in the event of major power outages and flooding in low-lying areas. Your safety is paramount. Please do not take this storm for granted, prepare now.
North Carolina is in the bull’s eye of Hurricane Florence, a strong and life-threatening storm. We face three threats from this storm: ocean surge along the coast, strong winds, and inland flooding from heavy rain.
This storm is a threat well beyond the coast, so inland counties need to be ready as well.
The State of NC is ready for this storm. Gov. Cooper has asked the President for a disaster declaration, so we can get federal help as soon as possible. He also declared a state of emergency, so we can get trucks and equipment where we need it and farmers can get their crops out of the fields.
North Carolina has experienced emergency responders already hard at work, making sure we have people, fuel and shelters ready. They are coordinating with county and federal officials, utilities are more.
The NC National Guard is activated, State Emergency Operations Center activated with all partners on site. The NC Department of Transportation is readying equipment to clear and repair roads. The NC Department of Health and Human Services are working with counties to make health centers and shelters ready.
Evacuations are beginning. In North Carolina, evacuations are local decisions because local officials know their communities best. Now is the time for North Carolinians to get ready for the storm. Review your emergency plans and gather your supplies. Follow forecasts closely and be prepared to evacuate if you need to. For more information on how to prepare, download the Ready NC app and follow NC Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook.
