|
|
|
|
|
Dear Friend of Senate District 10,
I hope you had a great week thus far. As you are all aware, Hurricane Dorian is projected to hit our state within the coming days. Dorian is forecasted to be a Category 2 hurricane with heavy rain, flooding and high winds. I have attached a recommended checklist for before, during, and after the storm. Please visit ReadyNC.org for preparedness tips and recent updates on the storm. My office will be working to provide whatever is necessary to assist you all. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 919-733-5705.
The below checklist should be used to prepare in advance of the storm:
Download this app from ReadyNC.org for Hurricane preparedness, shelter locations, traffic, weather, and more.
If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.
During the storm:
• Do not run water during lighting storms or enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground may be wet;
• If you’ve lost power for more than a few hours, turn off your range, toaster oven, iron and other items to ensure optimal safety for whenever power is restored;
• Turn off air conditions and water heaters to prevent system overloads;
• Make sure your generator is grounded;
• Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors; and,
• Pay attention to public announcements to ensure drinking water isn’t contaminated.
After the storm:
• Continue to monitor the NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for any updates on the storm;
• If you are in need of food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies of minor medical care, please contact the American Red Cross;
• Inspect your home for damage – take photographs of damage for future claims;
• Discard any food or water that came into contact with flood water to avoid contamination;
• Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges; and,
• Check in with family and neighbors to alert them that you are safe from harm.
Emergency contact numbers by county:
New Hanover County Emergency Services -- 910.798.6900
Brunswick County Emergency Services -- 910.253.5383
Pender County Emergency Services -- 910.259.1210
Bladen County Emergency Services -- 910.862.6760
Columbus County Emergency Services -- 910.640.6610
Sampson County Emergency Services -- 910-592-8996
Duplin County Emergency Services -- 910.296.2160
Johnston County Emergency Operations Center -- 919.989.5050
Wayne County Emergency Services -- 919.731.1416
Residents should continue to monitor the situation as the storm approaches and be prepared to evacuate should it become necessary. The following websites can provide additional information for citizens to prepare ahead of the storm’s arrival, and citizens can also dial 211 for more storm information:
https://www.ncdps.gov/dorian2019
https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in any way possible.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
Weekly Legislative Update
Last Friday, the Governor signed several important bills containing salary adjustments for our state employees and law enforcement. These changes were a top priority while putting together the budget that passed both chambers earlier this session and we are glad to see them signed into law. Unfortunately, the Governor did not sign our bill for Medicaid transformation (HB 555). This bill would make changes to our state Medicaid program to improve access and efficiency across the board and fulfill the General Assembly’s promise to fund Medicaid Managed Care.
Despite the setback, the General Assembly remains fully committed to provide the necessary funding to transform Medicaid. We have a responsibility to our constituents to manage our healthcare programs responsibly and we will continue to fight for this key legislation.
|
|
Duplin County Shelters To Open Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Duplin County will be opening four shelters on Wednesday, September 4, at 5 p.m. at the following locations:
- Wallace-Rose Hill High School (602 High School Rd., Teachey, NC 28464)
- Beulaville Elementary School (138 Lyman Rd., Beulaville, NC 28518)
- North Duplin Elementary School (157 N. Duplin School Rd., Mt Olive, NC 28365)
- James Kenan High School (Pet-friendly location—**see more info below. 1241 NC 24 and 50 Hwy., Warsaw, NC 28398)
Shelters will remain open during the storm, and are anticipated to close Friday, September 6, at 5 p.m.
Occupants should bring bedding, clothing, medications, baby necessities, food for restricted diets, and personal hygiene items. Electricity supply via generators is limited to facility operations only.
PROHIBITED ITEMS: Tobacco products, e-cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and weapons (concealed or otherwise). Occupants should not bring personal cooking devices or medical equipment that needs electrical power (oxygen, CPAP, etc.) as generator-supplied power is limited to facility operations only.
**James Kenan High School is a pet-friendly facility; however, space for pets is limited. Pet owners should bring a kennel for their pet, along with pet food, medications, and other necessary pet supplies. Pets will be housed indoors, but in a separate location from shelter occupants. Pets are not allowed to stay with owners in the human housing area.
|
|
Shelter Could Open For Johnston County Residents
Hurricane Dorian is expected to bring 2 to 5 inches of rain and tropical storm wind gusts to Johnston County beginning Thursday and into early-Friday.
Johnston County officials are looking at opening at least one evacuation shelter for residents who don’t want to attempt to weather the storm in their homes, particularly those in low-lying areas, areas subject to flooding, or for those who live in mobile homes.
Emergency Management Director Kevin Hubbard told Johnston County Commissioners this morning (Tuesday) a shelter may be opened at North Johnston Middle School for Johnston County residents. If that happens, it would likely be after school dismisses for the day on Wednesday or sometime Thursday morning.
Hubbard said state emergency management officials have asked Johnston County if they could open a shelter for coastal evacuees if needed. Hubbard said West Johnston High School has been designated as a potential location for a shelter for storm evacuees from the coast, however, the state has not requested the shelter be opened at this time.
Johnston County School officials are also monitoring the approaching storm. At last report, no decision had been made to any school closings or early releases later this week.
|
|
Sampson County Shelters
Sampson County is opening emergency shelters at 5 p.m. Tonight.
Five shelters in Sampson County will be at:
• Clinton High School 340 Indian Town Road, Clinton
• Union High School 1189 Kader Merritt Road, Rose Hill
• Hobbton Middle School 12081 Hobbton Highway, Newton Grove
• Midway High School 15274 Spivey’s Corner Highway, Dunn
• Lakewood High School 245 Lakewood School Road, Salemburg
A shelter for county residents with special medical needs will be at the Adult Day Health Center, 210 Fisher Day, Clinton.
A pet shelter will be at Sampson County Animal Shelter, 168 Agriculture Place, Clinton.
Residents coming to the shelters are asked to bring identification, blankets, pillows, medicines, snack foods or special dietary food supplies, personal hygiene items and flashlights, the statement said.
Those with small children should bring baby food, formula and other baby supplies. Board games and books are also helpful, according to the statement. Firearms and alcoholic beverages are forbidden in shelters, the statement said. Law enforcement officers retain the right to search bags brought into the shelter, it said.
Residents should bring chargers for mobile phones and electronic devices, but access to power sources may be limited, according to the statement. Large electronic devices, such as televisions and video game consoles, are not allowed.
Transportation to the shelters will be available for the elderly and disabled unless the weather gets too bad. Those with transportation needs are asked to call 910-299-0127 and ask for the Transportation Branch.
Residents coming to the special needs shelter who depend on home oxygen or other medical resources should have an adequate supply.
Service animals are allowed at the general shelters, but other pets are not, the statement said. Emergency pet sheltering will be available only for the cats and dogs of those who use the general shelter, according to the statement.
|
|
Smithfield FD Receives $22,000 Duke Energy Grant
The Smithfield Fire Department has received a $22,000.00 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to create powerful communities in Smithfield through assisting with storm related rescues to preserve human life.
Duke Energy announced more than $1.1 million in funding to help North Carolina communities increase their response capabilities for future weather events with advance preparation and planning. Sixty-five grant recipients across the state were selected from more than 140 applications, with projects ranging from swift water rescue equipment and specialized radios to nonprofit training and Spanish language outreach. Smithfield Fire Department requested $42,113 and was awarded $22,000.00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
