Prepare for hurricanes, severe storms

May 29--Wilson County Emergency Management Director Gordon Deno could be issuing warnings for a storm bearing his name this hurricane season.

"When I saw the list of names this year, I just thought, 'Not again' because it actually happened several years ago," Deno said with a laugh. "Of course, they recycle hurricane names if they didn't do much damage, so I'd rather my name be recycled than pulled out of the rotation."

The list of storm names is among the information released recently in advance of the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Colorado State University predicts the season will be slightly above average in the Atlantic Ocean, including 14 named storms, seven of which will become hurricanes and three reaching major hurricane strength. The Atlantic saw its first named system -- Subtropical Storm Alberto -- days before the season's official start. Alberto made landfall in the Florida panhandle Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, a tropical storm or hurricane will make direct landfall on North Carolina's coast about once every two years.

"It is about the same outlook as last year because if you look at the situations that damaged other parts of the country, there was severe damage even though it didn't damage North Carolina as much as hurricanes in the past," Deno said.

As such, Deno said Wilsonians need to spend some time reviewing preparations and updating plans.

"We live in an area prone to severe weather year-round, so people should always be thinking about it. We could have a thunderstorm bring down power lines or winds that damage houses," he said. "This isn't just a June 1 to Nov. 30 issue. It is a 12-month issue."

Gov. Roy Cooper recently declared a week for hurricane preparedness, noting many communities are still recovering from Hurricane Matthew more than 18 months later.

"When Hurricane Matthew struck our state in 2016, many residents experienced firsthand the devastation these storms can cause," N.C. Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry said in a press release. "The fact is: the better you prepare for emergencies, the better you'll fare afterwards. We urge all residents to practice their emergency plans and update their disaster supply kits.

"Being prepared before disaster strikes can mean the difference between being a victim and a survivor."

Emergency supply kits should include water, food, medications and hygiene items for all two- and four-legged residents of a home for at least three days.

"You should include anything you need to stay healthy and comfortable if you are without power or you have to evacuate," Deno said. "Be prepared because the first 72 are on you."

Officials will be working in the event of a disaster, but it can take time for emergency responders to arrive if roads are blocked and power is out. Deno said the most dangerous aspect of hurricanes locally is flooding. Wilson is flood-prone, as evidenced during Hurricane Matthew and a severe storm six months later.

"People need to understand that the majority of the deaths during a hurricane are caused by freshwater flash flooding because people think they can drive through deep or flowing water," he said. "The deaths in our area that occurred during Hurricane Matthew were because people thought they could drive across roads covered with moving water and their cars were pushed off the road."

Officials urged residents to review insurance plans now and consider adding a separate policy since standard homeowners' insurance policies don't cover flooding. Keeping insurance policies with emergency supply kits is also recommended.

For more information, visit www.ReadyNC.org or download the free ReadyNC mobile app, which provides real-time information on traffic, weather, open shelters and flood levels.

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