http://www.ncemcs.com Website Offers Basic, Potentially Life Saving Information
RALEIGH, N.C., May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- North Carolina's Touchstone
Energy cooperative officials are preparing for what is predicted to be a
busier than usual tropical weather season.
Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) are predicting 13 to 16 named storms this season with four to six of
those storms developing into hurricanes that could reach Category 3
strength or higher. A Category 3 hurricane has a wind speed in the range of
111-130 miles per hour and coastal communities experience storm surge of
generally 9- 12 feet above normal.
June 1 is the official start of the hurricane season, so North
Carolina's Touchstone Energy cooperatives, which serve 2.4 million people
statewide, offer the following storm preparedness tips:
- Develop an evacuation route plan. It should identify the safest routes
and nearby shelters.
- Make sure your family disaster supply kit includes at least one battery
operated radio, flashlights, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, a
three-day water supply, non-electric can opener, medicines, cash and
credit cards.
- Include pets in your planning. Pets aren't always allowed into
emergency shelters. Contact your local humane society to learn the
animal shelters that accept pets during disasters.
- Train family members how to respond after a storm. Children should know
how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or the fire department. They should
know which radio station to listen to for emergency information.
- Know the proper way to protect your windows. Taping windows isn't going
to protect them. Plywood panels are the best, non-permanent solution.
Prepare the boards and windows long before the storm.
- Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members become
separated, a real possibility when adults are at work and children in
school. Have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state
relative or friend to serve as an emergency contact. After a disaster,
it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the
family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Preparedness is the best tool during the hurricane season, which runs
through November 30. For more extensive hurricane and tropical storm
preparedness information, visit http://www.ncemcs.com. North Carolina's electric
cooperatives serve 2.4 million people in 93 of the state's 100 counties.
SOURCE North Carolina's electric cooperatives
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Related links:
http://www.ncemcs.com
CONTACT:
Suzanne Ward of North Carolina's electric
cooperatives, +1-919-645-2430, or suzanne.ward@ncemcs.com
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