Local Weather & Hurricane Information

Find out about how you can help Hurricane victims through the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

Hurricanes are an annual threat and danger to eastern North Carolina, and FOX 8/14 in conjunction with these fine sponsors want to make sure that you are educated and prepared about how to best survive when hurricanes pass through the area. Get current hurricane updates from the National Hurricane Center at the National Weather Service's website. Stay tuned to FOX 8/14 for severe weather alerts. Tune into to FOX News at Ten, every evening at 10pm for Hurricane Tips with Gary Dean. Hurricane season is approximately June 1 through November 30 every year. The most important thing to remember when a hurricane is near, if you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay. Keep your Information Updated

• National Hurricane Center
• State of North Carolina Hurricane Update
• State of North Carolina River and Flood Information

Hurricane Preparation Tips

 

When a Hurricane Warning is Issued

• Stock up on supplies and fill containers with drinking water
• Set refrigerator at maximum cold, and don't open unless necessary
• Use phone only in emergency
• Be prepared to evacuate
• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances
• Store fresh toilet water in containers if you use well water
• When an evacuation is issued
• Know evacuation rogues and where shelters will be
• Have supply kits, first aid, radios/tvs, disposable and batteries ready
• Shut off gas and electricity
• Check on your insurance ahead of time
• Have an out of state contact serve as communication hub
• Locate safest rooms in your home
• Post emergency phone numbers near the phones
• Find out the elevation of your home and the potential flood risk from coastal or stream flodding for your area

Have a Disaster Supply Kit Ready - Make 2 kits, one to use at home and one in case you need to evacuate

• Have a generous supply of water on hand for 3-7 days of need for your entire family
• Keep non-perishable food on hand for 3-7 days of need for your family; also have utensils, can openers, camping stoves, snacks, etc ready
• Have seasonal and rain clothing and shoes available
• Keep a first aid kit stocked, and make sure that medications or prescription drugs are available
• Have a flashlight, portable TV and/or radio, and fresh batteries accessable
• Store important documents (ID, bank, medical, insurance, passports, bank account numbers, inventory of valuable household goods) in a waterproof container or bag
• If not stored in bank deposit box, also include: birth certificates, copies of wills, insurance policies, deeds, stocks & bonds, titles to cars)
• Keep cash, keys, books and toys, tools and pet items available throughout the storm
• Address book with phone numbers for doctors, insurance agents, and relatives
• Entertainment, games and books
• Evacuation map & route of the area

Your Home

• Roof: install truss bracing to reduce roof damage by wind and debris
• Shingles: adhere shingles to roof with quick setting asphault cement
• Walls: install wall-to-truss hurricane straps
• Windows: install impact-resistant storm windows, shutters, board or tape up
• Doors: make sure bolts work or install new ones for floor-celing; cover glass
• Garage doors: install vertical bracer
• Bring loose outdoor objects inside, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and planters.

Other Plans

• Fuel up all vehicles ahead of time in case of emergency
• Clean out bathtubs and sinks, and fill them with clean water
• Stay up to date with weather changes
• Shelter pets (with you, friends, animal shelter, vet clinic), have food and water supplies stored, keep leashes, bowls, kennels in a dry place, have pet ID tags and vaccination tags on, have current photograph in case of loss

Safe Generator Usage

• Always exercise caution when using power tools. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and only use the tools for what they are intended. Consider safety equipment depending on the project or job.
• Use the appropriate sized power cords recommended by the manufacturer to carry the electrical load.
• Never run the cords underneath rugs or carpets where heat could build up or a damaged cord could go unnoticed.
• Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The backfeed of electricity can be fatal.

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