WS Chronicle

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to plan now for hurricane season by updating their emergency plans and supply kits. Hurricane season officially began June 1 and runs through November.

Emergency Management Director Melton Sadler is urging residents to prepare before storms strike.

“Take the time now to discuss your emergency plans and assemble a supply kit,” Sadler said. “You will have peace of mind and be better prepared to survive a storm and recover from it.”

Plans should include where to go and what to do if a hurricane strikes, and make provisions for those under someone’s care who are unable to help themselves.

Emergency supply kits should contain enough non-perishable food and a gallon of water per person per day to last three to seven days. Other essential items include:

*Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag

* First-aid kit

* Weather radio and batteries

* Supply of prescription medicines

* Sleeping bag or blankets

* Changes of clothes

* Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant 

* Cash or checkbook 

* Pet supplies including food, water, leashes, bedding, muzzle and vaccination records

“It’s critical that people prepare for emergencies before a storm hits” Sadler said. “During those first few days, you may be on your own until responders can reach you or until essential utilities can be restored.”

Residents should review and update their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies to make sure they include cover-age for accidental damage, natural disasters and, if necessary, flood insurance.

People should stay informed during a storm by keeping a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information and should know various evacuation routes into and out of their neighborhoods. They also need to heed the warnings of state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so.

Residents can evacuate their homes with their small, domestic pets to specially designated pet-friendly shelters. Pet shelters will be equipped with pet crates, but people should bring feeding dishes, food and water, immunization papers and other pet supplies.

“Forsyth County is better prepared today than years ago, but it’s not immune to the many ways a storm can impact a community,” Sadler said. “Do not presume that a lower-category storm will not impact our area. It only takes one storm to cause flooding and storm surge, which are the most dangerous threats from a hurricane or tropical storm.”

More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found on the ReadyNC mobile app and online at ReadyNC.org or ReadyForsyth.org.

Emergency Management also posts updated information on its ReadyForsyth Facebook page.