State bracing for Idalia
Aug. 30—With Hurricane Idalia rapidly approaching the United States, and North Carolina expecting impacts, the governor has declared a State of Emergency so proper preparations can be made.
Cooper issued the declaration to activate the state's emergency operations plan, waive transportation rules to help the transport of fuel and critical supplies and services, help first responders and assist the agriculture industry to prepare in advance for inclement weather and protect consumers from price gouging.
Idalia is expected to bring several hazards to North Carolina on Wednesday and Thursday, with the risk of flooding from heavy rain particularly in Southeast North Carolina, to include Sampson, which was already seeing a variety of events moved up, postponed or canceled all together in anticipation of the impending conditions. See clintonnc.com for updates.
"We are continuing to monitor Idalia's course and its potential impacts on our state and it's critical to make sure we are fully prepared," Cooper stated Tuesday. "It is important for North Carolinians to gather emergency kits and prepare for the storm before it's too late.
The governor and state officials offered some tips to make sure people are personally prepared:
—Have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on a cell phone and download a weather app.
—Have an emergency plan. Know where to go if there's a need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort.
—Gather some emergency supplies or refresh an emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.
—If people live near or are visiting the coast, be aware if you are located in a coastal evacuation zone. Visit KnowYourZone.nc.gov to see if you are located in a pre-determined evacuation zone. Learn your zone and listen for it if evacuations are ordered by local governments.
—Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don't drown.
"We are working together with our local jurisdictions to ensure we have necessary resources staged to support emergency response needs," said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray. "We are grateful for the partnership to protect our communities, the 10.6 million North Carolinians, and visitors."
Cooper said it is important to ensure farmers are able to protect their crops, as well.
To that end, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recommended to Cooper that agricultural transportation waivers be implemented for the movement of livestock and agricultural products, paving the way for farmers to work ahead of the impending approach of Hurricane Idalia. The agricultural transportation waivers do not require Council of State concurrence.
"I've talked with the governor about the potential impact to farmers and he concurs and understands the challenging spot they are in because it is peak harvest time for a number of crops," Troxler stated. "We in agriculture appreciate the opportunity to get a head start on what could potentially be an economically damaging storm."
"This is a crucial tool for our farmers and others in the agricultural industry," Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) added in a prepared statement. "Our farmers and other agricultural workers work tirelessly to provide us with food and clothing. This order will help farmers minimize the impacts of this storm this harvest season."
The American Red Cross of North Carolina and community partners are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia and its potential impact on the state. Idalia is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane and will bring some tropical impacts to the state, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The Red Cross offered its own safety pointers, to include:
—Know the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning. A Hurricane Watch means conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issued, and stay informed. A Hurricane Warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.
—Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings: Take these alerts seriously. They often bring life-threatening flooding and dangerous winds.
—Fill your car's gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued.
—Build an emergency kit that contains supplies for about three days, to include a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications and copies of important documents. Remember items for young children such as diapers, and family members with special medical needs.
—Follow evacuation orders.
—Don't forget your pets. Bring them indoors and maintain direct control of them. Prepare an emergency kit for your pets, including sturdy leashes or pet carriers, food and water, bowls, cat litter and pan, and photos of you with your pet in case they get lost. Additional pet safety tips are available.
Visit ReadyNC.gov for additional information on weather preparation, as well as information on power outages. Visit DriveNC.gov for current travel conditions from NCDOT.