Kannapolis ó As strong winds and storms passed through the area Wednesday evening, the Kannapolis Fire Department responded to a number of weather-related incidents.
A severe thunderstorm caused significant wind damage in the southwestern portion of the city, a press release said.
“Fire department personnel responded to four reported structure fires and three calls reporting trees on a residence within a two-hour time span. Fire department personnel also removed several trees from roadways in the Trinity Church Road area,” Fire Department Battalion Chief Josh Clay said.
“The Kannapolis area was hit hard,” said Fire Inspector Scott Carpenter. “Due to the increased number of calls, off-duty firefighters returned to work to put three additional emergency vehicles in service. At the time, the majority of our units were committed on calls and surrounding departments were busy, as well.”
“This is the time of year for strong storms, damaging winds and potentially devastating weather,” Carpenter said. “We urge all families to have a supply kit ready, including nonperishable food items, drinking water, flashlights, batteries and medication. In addition, weather alert radios are beneficial during severe weather.”
For more information on severe weather preparedness, contact the Kannapolis Fire Department Risk Reduction office at 704-920-4261 or see the National Weather Service Web site www.nws. noaa.gov.