Urges Citizens to Prepare Now for Natural Disasters and Flu
Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed September as Emergency Preparedness Month to encourage families, businesses and schools to take steps to prepare themselves for all types of emergencies. She urged every citizen to have both an emergency plan and kit, stressing that those who have plans and supplies will fare better during any emergency than those who do not.
"Most people know the best time to prepare for emergencies is before they happen, but too few people are actually doing so," Perdue said. "The easiest, most cost-effective thing people can do to protect their families and businesses is to plan ahead, gather those supplies and discuss their emergency plans."
September is North Carolina's peak month for hurricane activity. This month marks the fifth anniversary of hurricanes Frances and Ivan, the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Floyd and the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo. Each of these storms caused widespread devastation for large regions of our state.
However, Perdue cautioned that it would not take a major hurricane or tornado to cause extensive damage to a home or to disrupt normal business operations. She cited as two examples last month's severe thunderstorm in Havelock that produced massive flooding in only a few hours and the 2009 H1N1 flu that is sweeping the state and country.
In the last five years, North Carolina has experienced more than 200 tornadoes, more than 5,000 severe thunderstorms, 13 tropical storms or hurricanes as well as blizzards, ice storms and heat waves. Portions of the state are once again in early drought stages, and many areas already are seeing an increase in the number of flu cases.
"Whether it's a flu outbreak or natural disaster, emergencies can disrupt the systems we depend on such as electricity, clean water, grocery stores, gas stations, transportation, commerce and schools," Perdue said. "If we each take responsibility to be prepared at home for those disruptions, then emergency crews can focus on helping those who are in life-threatening situations."
Information about planning for disasters of any kind is available in English at www.readync.org and in Spanish at www.listonc.org. Information for the deaf and hard of hearing also is available on www.readync.org.
The governor's proclamation of Emergency Preparedness Month coincides with National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and held each September to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The Web site for the national campaign is www.ready.gov.