Homeland Security Secretary met with Governor to discuss North Carolina's Emergency Preparedness

Homeland Security Secretary and Governor met to make certain state and federal storm plans are well coordinated

June 19, 2007

NEW HANOVER COUNTY NC NEWS -- The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff met with North Carolina Governor Mike Easley to discuss North Carolina's emergency preparedness for the hurricane season that began June 1. This is the second year in a row The Secretary and Governor have met to make certain that state and federal plans are well coordinated so that the response to any storm will be quick and effective.

Governor Easley said, "North Carolina's State Emergency Response Team and our local government partners are experienced and storm tested, and we have a good relationship with our federal partners," and "We plan, train and work together throughout the year to make sure we are prepared for any emergency. Now we need the citizens to do their part."

Furthermore, Governor Easley made a classic statement saying, "People cannot wait until the wind is blowing and the water is rising to get supplies for their emergency kit and decide where their family is going to go to be safe." Which over the years has been standard practice for North Carolinians.

In a Mason-Dixon Poll conducted earlier this year, results showed that most North Carolinians mistakenly do not believe they are at risk from a hurricane. While North Carolina is the 2nd most hurricane prone state in the nation and all 100 counties have suffered hurricane damage during the past decade. The poll indicated that 56 percent of those interviewed said they did not have a disaster plan and 68 percent said they did not have an emergency supply kit.

A 30-minute television program will be broadcast this summer in English and Spanish on several stations across the state. The television program will be spearheaded by the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. The program titled Get Ready, North Carolina! the program outlines some of the dangers from hurricanes and tells people what they need to do to prepare their families. The program was paid for with U.S. Homeland Security grant funds assigned to the N.C. Citizen Corps.

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

The Governor proclaimed "Hurricane Preparedness Week" in May and urged all citizens to prepare for this years predicted increase in storm activity by assembling disaster preparedness kits and updating emergency plans. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but the height of the season in North Carolina is usually from August through October.

Atlantic coastal North Carolina counties such as Brunswick, Carteret, Dare, Onslow, Pender, and New Hannover County are especially vulnerable to flooding and should take extra precautions this hurricane season by being prepared to evacuate.