Living in and around Raleigh, North Carolina, we know the distinct advantage of four seasons, great schools, tremendous food and retail options, vast cultural opportunities, and entertainment choices to fit the criteria of over 2,000,000 people. As the capital city, our community is known for being the heart of the state of North Carolina, and continued economic growth sets us on a path of a very bright tomorrow. Geographically, we are also privileged to lie in the middle of a state where to the west, we find the Great Smoky Mountains, where adventure and history is welcoming us around every turn. Then, on the east coast, we have beautiful beaches and full access to the grandeur of the Atlantic Ocean. All things considered, living in Raleigh brings fun, learning, and endless opportunity.
UNTIL THE SUMMER, WHEN HURRICANE SEASON ARRIVES!
Hurricane season officially began June 1st, as it does every year, and ends November 30th. When a hurricane starts brewing in the Atlantic, North Carolina residents move into high alert – Or do we? We know the threats that come along with these fierce and powerful hurricanes:
Wind speeds that can reach well over 100 miles per hour
These points are just the tip of the iceberg. Long time North Carolina residents know to not take the threat of an approaching hurricane lightly. Acting now and preparing your family and your home will not only bring about peace of mind, but also could potentially save lives.
The American Red Cross has a great wealth of knowledge on their website about what we can do to better prepare for hurricane season. This video is particularly informative. Items that should be easily accessible and gathered for your convenience are:
- Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera for photos of damage
Another great resource as you begin to take measures to be more prepared is ready.gov. See this checklist of actions you should take to be most prepared for a hurricane.
Do your part to prepare your family during Raleigh, North Carolina’s 2015 hurricane season. Tell your friends and neighbors to jump on the bandwagon with you. You will all be so glad you did.
