Emergency Management | National Preparedness Month
Officials encourage residents and businesses to take steps now to prepare for emergencies and disasters
PITT COUNTY, N.C. – September is National Preparedness Month in North Carolina. Pitt County Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents and businesses to prepare for any potential disaster by reviewing their emergency plans and updating their emergency supply kits.
Know Your Risks and Stay Informed
Understanding the hazards that could affect our community is an important part of being prepared. Pitt County residents should consider the potential for severe weather and other emergencies, including hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat, winter weather, power outages, public health emergencies and other hazards.
Sign up for Emergency Alerts
Make sure you receive important emergency information by signing up for Hyper-Reach, Pitt County's emergency notification system. Hyper-Reach provides rapid notifications about hazardous and urgent situations through phone calls, text messages, email and TTY/TDD services. Residents can enroll by calling or texting “Alert” to 252-347-0170 or by signing up online through Pitt County's Hyper-Reach registration page: http://hyper-reach.com/ncpittsignup.html
Follow Trusted Sources
Emergency information and preparedness tips may also be shared through social media. Follow the official Pitt County, NC Facebook page for updates.
Make An Emergency Plan
Every household and business should have an emergency plan and review it regularly. Plans should address:
•Where family members, household members or employees will meet if separated
•How everyone will communicate during an emergency
•Evacuation routes and destinations
•How pets and service animals will be cared for
•How employees will receive instructions and updates after an emergency
•Any specific needs of children, older adults or individuals with disabilities
Practice your plan regularly so everyone knows what to do when an emergency happens.
Build An Emergency Supply Kit
An emergency supply kit should contain enough food, water and essential supplies to help you and your household manage for several days. Store supplies in an easy-to-access location and check your kit regularly. Replace expired food, water and medications, and make sure batteries and other equipment are working properly.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Cell phone and charger
• First aid kit and first aid manual
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener for food
• Wrench or pliers to turn off water
• Blanket or sleeping bag (1 per person)
• Prescription medications, glasses, and hearing aids
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and feminine supplies
• Extra house and car keys
• Important documents: insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, bank account records
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash and coins
• Books, games, or cards
“Being prepared starts with a plan. We encourage residents and businesses to take a few minutes this September to review their emergency plans, build or update their supply kits and sign up for emergency alerts,” says Merredith Lovely, Pitt County Emergency Planner.
Pitt County, NC Facebook page will post graphics promoting preparedness and tips throughout the week.
Pitt County’s Mission is to enhance the community’s well-being with care, respect and efficiency. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov
###
Media Contact: Dawn C. Jones, Director, Public Information & Media Relations | dawn.jones@pittcountync.gov | (252) 902-2993
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
