Hurricane Resources

Stay Safe Before, During, and After a Hurricane

Prepare Now

As we monitor the Atlantic this hurricane season, I urge you to review your hurricane plan. Check your disaster kit, review your evacuation plan, and ensure you have the tools you need to stay informed.

Make a plan - Build a kit - Be informed

Instructions on how to plan and prepare for severe weather as well as access to real-time weather, flooding, traffic and shelter information can be found at ReadyNC.org. It is important you take steps now to ensure you and your family stay.

Due to COVID-19, hurricane prep will be a little different this year. Below is some information on preparing for a hurricane during a pandemic.

Check Your Disaster Kit: In addition to traditional items found in a preparedness kit, the CDC recommends also packing hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, bar or liquid soap, disinfectant wipes (if available) and two cloth face coverings for each person. If possible, have your items delivered to avoid going to the store. If you do have to go to the store to prepare for a storm, follow the CDC’s tips on running essential errands.

Review Your Evacuation Plan: Shelter locations may have been adjusted due to the pandemic. If you are planning to use an emergency shelter, check the location and follow these tips to make your stay even safer. Ensure you have also planned for your pets. If you live in a coastal community be sure to Know Your Zone.

Stay Informed: Make sure you know where to find the most up-to-date and accurate information.
- Click here to view a listing of emergency alert services.
- Download apps from the Red Cross.
- Register for emergency alerts from your local government.
- Subscribe to National Weather Service updates.

For additional resources, visit readync.org, ready.gov, and the Red Cross. You should also follow your county emergency management agency on social media and sign up for their alerts. You can find your local emergency management agency by clicking here.

Important Numbers and Information

For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Dial 211 to find a shelter close to you or visit redcross.org

Dial 511 for road closures.

Check here for current evacuation orders.

Click here for current open shelters

Coast Guard: 24-hour Coast Guard search and rescue for Atlantic Region: 1-757-398-6700.

To report a missing child, please contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-866-908-9570. Anyone who finds an unaccompanied child who may have been separated from his/her parents or caregivers because of the hurricane can enter basic information and/or a photo into the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's Unaccompanied Minors Registry (UMR): http://umr.missingkids.org or call 1-866-908-9570.

National Flood Insurance Program policyholders may call 1-800-621-3362 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CDT) for general information, servicing of claims, or technical assistance.

Report a Power Outage

Apply for Aid

Apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov. Constituents may call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
FEMA has an app for constituents to upload pictures in order to document damage, apply for assistance, learn about the process, locate nearby shelters and local assistance in addition to numerous links and documents to help with preparedness, emergency relief and clean up/removal.

Please stay safe and listen to the warnings and if you have any questions or need help with a federal agency, email or call my office at 704-509-9087.