Gov. Bev Perdue today encouraged her fellow North Carolinians to be prepared for Hurricane Irene possibly hitting the state on Saturday:
“Our state’s veteran emergency management team is ready for Irene, but our fellow North Carolinians need to be just as prepared. Please make sure you have three days worth of food, water and supplies. You may lose water or electrical power during the storm, and grocery stores and other businesses may be closed. Also make sure you know the evacuation routes in case you must leave the area. Lastly, have a plan for keeping your family and pets safe. It takes just a short time to put together your hurricane kit, so please do that today.
“If you need tips or information on any of your preparations, please go to www.readync.org or www.nccrimecontrol.com and click on ‘emergency info.’ ”
Here is information for assembling your hurricane kit:
To assemble an emergency kit, start with an easy-to-carry, water-tight container, such as a large plastic trash or sturdy cardboard box, lined with plastic trash bags. Next gather up the following items and place them in your kit:
Essentials
• Water – one gallon per person per day
• Water purification kit or bleach
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant, soup and cereals, etc.
• Non-electric can opener
• Baby supplies: formula, bottles, pacifiers, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
• Cash and checkbook
• Important documents – insurance, birth certificates, social security cards, wills, tax and bank information, list of doctors, inventory of household goods
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
• Blanket or sleeping bag per person
• Portable radio or television with extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Essential medications
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
• Extra house and car keys
• Fire extinguisher – ABC-type
• Pet food, water, leash, carrier, bedding and vaccination records
• Seasonal changes of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Books, cards, toys, things to occupy you and your child’s time
Sanitation supplies
• Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos
• Large trash cans
• Bar soap and liquid detergent
• Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Toilet paper
• Household bleach
• Rubber gloves
Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store in one place enough supplies for at least three to seven days.