The Calm Before the Storm

Hurricane season for the Atlantic coast officially started on June 1 and it will run until November 30. North Carolina is one of the leading states for overall damage from hurricanes, with impacts often extending far beyond the coast.

Researchers are predicting two to three major hurricanes for our area this season and we urge you to be proactive with emergency plans and preparing your home kit before weather turns bleak.

Here are some simple things you can do now to prepare:

• Create an emergency kit that includes:
  • Important documents sealed in a watertight plastic bag
  • Cash
  • Enough non-perishable food and bottled water for at least three days
  • First-aid kit and any necessary prescription medicines
  • Battery powered radio
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Extra clothes and blankets
  • Food and other supplies for pets (if applicable)
• Connect with EnergyUnited on social media to stay informed of weather and outages. (Facebook, Twitter)
• Monitor weather changes via radio to remain up to date on changes in your area.
• Bring all outdoor furniture, lawn accessories and potted plants indoors
• Plan ahead for family members who require extra attention e.g. infants, the elderly, and those with special medical needs.
• Have a plan to move yourself and your family to an alternate location in case evacuation is necessary or you experience an extended power outage.
• A traditional analog phone does not require electricity, making it a good way to stay connected to others.

For more information on how to prepare visit FEMA’s website and as always, report an outage as soon as it happens.