• By Emergency Management
• Posted Sunday, May 1, 2022

Forsyth County Urges Residents to Update Emergency Plans for Hurricane Season

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management encourages residents to plan now for hurricanes by updating their emergency plans and supply kits. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

“In order to protect you and your family, the time to get prepared for a tropical storm such as a hurricane, or any disaster, is now,” said August Vernon, Director of WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Emergency Management). “Begin by having a plan and a survival kit. They are not complicated to create, just visit ReadyNC.gov and you can download a plan template and you’ll find a list of items to include in your kit. You and your family should also take the time to practice your emergency plan so everyone knows where to go and who to contact when disaster strikes.”

If you have an emergency plan, now is also the time to make sure all of the information is up to date and talk to your neighbors about their plans, especially those who may need assistance such as senior citizens. Typically, there is a great deal of advance warning that a storm such as a hurricane is coming. If your plan and kit are up to date, that gives you ample time to mitigate damage to your home or business by taking some commonsense measures such as trimming trees, covering windows, securing loose outdoor items and more.

To encourage residents to prepare, the National Weather Service has declared May 1-7 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Forsyth County residents should take this time to review and practice their emergency plans.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management urges Forsyth County families and businesses to write down their plan and gather important documents, such as copy of driver’s license, insurance policies, medicals records, and bank account statements, and put them somewhere they can quickly access in case of emergency. Assemble an emergency supplies kit that includes enough non-perishable food and water to last each family member three to seven days. Other essential items include:

• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash
• Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records
• Face masks and hand-sanitizer

Make sure to review and update homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies to ensure they include coverage for damage, natural disasters and flood insurance.

Forsyth County residents should stay informed during severe weather by using a battery-powered radio for weather and being aware of all local weather forecasts.

“Having a plan and being prepared improves your chances of surviving and recovering from the damage of severe weather,” said August Vernon, Director of WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Emergency Management. “If you’re asked to evacuate due to potential danger, you should do so. You’ll not only be protecting yourself but also emergency responders who may have to risk their lives to save you if you don’t evacuate.”

More information on overall emergency preparedness can be found online at www.ReadyForsyth.org or www.ReadyNC.org. Please take a moment to ‘LIKE’ and ‘SHARE’ ReadyForsyth on Facebook and Twitter to receive the most recently updated information. Check daily for updated information and tips about preparedness.