By now, we’re sure that you’ve heard about Hurricane Joaquin and how the storm will impact the weather in Wilmington this weekend. While the hurricane path is still being tracked, it looks as though Wilmington will see heavy rain and winds from the storm.
(Image via WWAY.com)
Development on the storm can be found online at The National Hurricane Center or locally at WWAY Hurricane Center. As of 1:00 PM today, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina.
In addition to keeping an eye on the storm, below are some hurricane and storm preparedness tips:
- Make sure you have any emergency supplies you may need. We suggest bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, a battery operated radio and extra batteries. Ready.gov has a basic disaster supply list here and readync.gov offers local information and preparedness tips.
- Move lawn, patio, or balcony furniture indoors or to an area where it will not be impacted by high winds.
- Fill your car’s gas tank prior to the heavy weather.
- Make sure you have some cash on hand.
- Pick up any medications prior to the storm.
- Keep your phone plugged in before the storm hits to have full battery life if the power goes out.
- Have important contact numbers on hand and saved in your phone.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
- Check and secure rain gutters.
- Close your windows, doors, and shutters.
- Gather supplies for your pets too! Be sure their collars are on securely and that their leashes are close by. It is best to take your pets with you, so make sure to have a plan that includes them in an event of an emergency.
- Know your evacuation route (if you have one) and listen for any evacuation instructions from officials. Do not drive during the storm or if your area is experiencing dangerous winds or flooding.