Storm Information Center

FIMAN (Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network) offers real-time rain and stage gage information, flood inundation maps, alerts, and insights into flooding impacts.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. Atlantic hurricanes affect the eastern and Gulf coasts of the U.S. There are many things to be considered throughout hurricane season. The best way to be prepared for a hurricane is to stay informed and keep up with current changes to the forecast.

Everyone needs to be prepared for the potential of a land falling tropical system. The damage from the storm could be due to winds, heavy rain, or tornadoes. You should check your emergency kit to ensure the items are current for the year. Replace the batteries, water, and food supplies stored in your kit with fresh supplies. You can find out just what is needed in your kit by reviewing the Emergency Three Day Kit link on the Special Operations page on this site. The webpage also provides valuable information and links to additional hurricane and other emergency preparedness websites.

One of the websites you can access from the Emergency Management page is ReadyNC.org. This website provides valuable emergency preparedness information and includes two 'special' features. First, it can be displayed in Spanish. When you go to the site, you can click on language choice on the left side of the screen under to logo. Second, this site has the information available to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Simply select a page, and then select the 'Deaf Link' symbol on the left side of the screen.

Saffir-Simpson Scale: Rates Hurricane strength based on the wind speeds. It is used to give a potential for damage caused by the storm.

• Category One Hurricane - 74-95 mph
• Category Two Hurricane - 96-110 mph
• Category Three Hurricane - 111-130 mph
• Category Four Hurricane - 131-155 mph
• Category Five Hurricane - Greater than 156 mph

You should always refer to your local media for any pertinent information as it relates to possible evacuations, closings, and the opening of shelters. If you do have to use a shelter you should always carry only essential and personal items. Emergency shelters are also not designed or set up for animals so you should be prepared to make other arrangements for household pets.

You can also learn more about being better prepared for hurricanes, what to do after a hurricane, and health safety tips at the following link below:

For hurricane basics: Click Here

For additional information on hurricane preparedness and education: Click Here

Fayetteville PWC

Duke Energy-Progress

Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation

South River Electric Membership Corporation

Make a disaster plan with your household members to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Make a plan that best suits your needs and the needs of your household.

• Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship.
• Identify all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
• Designate an out-of-state friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster. Keep in mind that cell phones may not function during and immediately following a disaster due to high volume of activity; however, text messages can often get through, even if you can't make calls on your cell phone. What's more, if cell phones aren't functional, using a landline or a payphone (to call your out-of-state contact) is a good alternative.
• Plan for everybody's needs, especially seniors, people with disabilities, children, non-English speakers, and pets.
• Ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.
• Practice your plan with all household members.

When to Go: Evacuations

Evacuation should be addressed as part of everyone's planning efforts. City officials will tell you when to evacuate through the media and direct warnings. Evacuation is used as a last resort when a serious threat to public safety exists. If you must evacuate, your first plan should always be to stay with friends or family. In a planned evacuation the City will advise residents of which areas are impacted and provide guidance on how the evacuation will proceed. In the case of flooding, designated routes have been identified throughout the city to effectively get people from low-lying hazard areas safely to higher ground.

In an unplanned evacuation, such as for a hazardous material spill, officials will advise affected residents to leave the immediate area until the danger can be removed. Always have your Go Bag prepared and easily accessible in case of any evacuation. You may not have time to assemble your belongings, and you may not be allowed back until the danger has passed.

Evacuate immediately when you:

• Are directed to do so by an emergency official.
• Are in immediate danger.

Be Prepared to Evacuate

• Know evacuation plans for all the places you and your household members spend time. Often buildings have floor marshals who are responsible for evacuation plans.
• Make alternate transportation plans; the means of transportation you usually use may not be available.
• Practice plans through regular drills. People who practice escape drills can evacuation with greater ease than those who are unfamiliar with the procedures.
• If you have pets, consider what you would do if you cannot return home to them.

What to Do When You Evacuate

• If there is time, secure your home: close and lock windows and doors, and unplug appliances before you leave. Authorities will instruct you if it is necessary to turn off utilities.
• Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, protective clothing, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
• Bring your Go Bag with you.
• Do NOT use an elevator during a fire or other emergency unless directed to do so by emergency personnel. If power goes out or is shut off, you may become trapped.
• Remember, evacuation routes change based on the emergency so stay tuned to the local news, access FayettevilleNC.gov, or contact 311 for the latest information.
• Go to the nearest safe place or shelter as soon as instructed.

Disaster Sheltering

If you are directed to evacuate, make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside the affected area whenever possible. For evacuees who have no alternative shelter, the City will open shelters throughout the five boroughs. Disaster shelters may be set up in school, municipal buildings, and places of worship. They provide basic food and water. If possible, bring clothing, bedding, bathing and sanitary supplies, medications, and your Go Bag to shelters.

• See Tips for Pet Owners if you have pets.
• Alcoholic beverages, firearms, and illegal substances are NOT allowed in disaster shelters.
• Shelter sites change based on the emergency so stay tuned to the local news, access FayettevilleNC.gov, or contact 311 for the latest information.

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When to Stay: Shelter in Place

During some emergencies, you may be asked to stay where you are, or "shelter in place." This could be as simple as remaining at home while officials clear hazards from a nearby area, or it could require more active measures during emergencies involving contaminated air.

Identify a room with few doors or windows to shelter in place. Ideally the room should allow at least 10 square feet per person.

When officials advise you to shelter in place, act quickly and follow instructions. Your main objective should be to get to a safe indoor location. You will likely be in your "safe room" for no more than a few hours. Once inside:

• Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.
• Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.
• Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Make sure you have emergency supplies.
• Tune in to local radio or TV stations to receive updates.
• If your children are at school, do not pick them up until the danger has passed and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. School officials have shelter-in-place procedures. You will only endanger yourself by leaving a safe area during the emergency.

Children 

Include your children in planning for an emergency. Teach them how to get help and what to do in different situations. Practice your household disaster plan with your children and quiz them about preparedness information.

What Every Child Should Know

• Family name, address and phone number, and know where to meet in case of an emergency. Children too small to memorize this could carry a small index card that lists emergency information. You could clip it to their shirt or place it in a pocket.
• Family contact information for use in an emergency.
• Never to touch wires lying on the ground or hanging from poles.
• How to identify the smell of gas. Tell them that if they smell it, they should tell a grown-up or leave the building.
• How and when to call 911.

Information About Your Child's School or Day Care Facility

• Find out what your child's school does in the event of an emergency and know the school's emergency plans.
• Find out where can you pick up your child during an evacuation.
• Ensure that the school has up-to-date contact information for you and at least one other relative or friend.
• Find out if you can authorize a friend or relative to pick up your children in an emergency if you cannot.

Pack child care supplies as well as games and small toys in your family's Go Bag.

While disasters may cause apprehension for adults, they often affect children more seriously. Children may grow uneasy when they don't know what to expect. They may be especially upset if they have to leave their home and daily routine. You can help children cope by understanding what causes their anxieties and fears. Reassure them with firmness and love.

Consider the following tips to help children better cope with disaster:

• Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress after a disaster and may exhibit excessive fear of the dark, crying, fear of being alone and constant worry. Reassure children that they are safe.
• Encourage them to talk about their fears, emphasize that they are not responsible for what happened, and comfort them.
• Before and during an emergency, make sure that at least one adult will be with children.
• Give children guidance that will help them reduce their fears. Children depend on daily routines. They wake up, eat breakfast, go to school, and play with friends. When emergencies or disasters interrupt this routine, children may become anxious, confused, or frightened. They'll look to you and other adults for help.
• How you react to an emergency gives children clues on how to act. If you react with alarm, a child may become more scared. They see fear as proof that the danger is real. If you seem overcome with a sense of loss, a child may feel their losses more strongly. Children's fears also may stem from their imagination, and you should take these feelings seriously. A child who feels afraid is afraid.
• Your words and actions can provide reassurance. When talking with your child, present a realistic picture that is both honest and manageable. Feelings of fear are healthy and natural for adults and children. As an adult, you need to concentrate on your child's emotional needs by asking the child what's uppermost in his or her mind. Be aware that in an emergency, children are most afraid that someone will be injured or killed, they will be separated from the family, or they will be left alone.
• Calmly and firmly explain the situation. As best as you can, tell children what you know about a potential disaster. Explain what will happen next. For example, say, "Tonight, we will all stay together in the shelter." Get down to the child's eye level and talk to him or her.
• Encourage children to talk. Let children talk about the disaster and ask as many questions as they want. Encourage children to describe what they're feeling. Listen to what they say. If possible, include the entire family in the discussion.

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Seniors

Consider the following recommendations to ensure you plan best meets your needs:

• Create an emergency support network: You don't want to go through an emergency alone. Ask at least two people to be in your network — family members, friends, neighbors, caregivers, coworkers, or members of community groups. Remember, you will help each other in emergencies. Your emergency support network should:
  • Stay in contact during an emergency.
  • Check on you immediately after an emergency.
  • Keep spare sets of your keys.
  • Know where your emergency supply kit is kept.
  • Have copies of important documents, such as information about medication and dosage, equipment, and other needs.
  • Learn about your personal needs and how to help you in an emergency.
• If you receive home-based care (e.g., home care attendant, home health aide, visiting nurse service), include caregivers in developing your plan and familiarize yourself with your homecare agency's emergency plan.
• If you have a pet or service animal, also plan for his or her needs (i.e., temporary relocation, transportation, etc.).
• If you rely on home-delivered meals, always stock nonperishable food at home in case meal deliveries are suspended during an emergency.
• Have a plan with your doctor to get emergency prescription refills.
• If you receive dialysis or other medical treatments, find out your provider's emergency plan, including where your back-up site is located.
• If you rely on medical equipment that requires electric power:
  • Contact your medical supply company for information regarding a back-up power source, such as a battery.
  • Follow the manufacturer's directions when installing and using the equipment.
  • Check with local fire and building officials for regulations governing generator and fuel use.
  • Ask your utility company if the medical equipment qualifies you to be listed as a life-sustaining equipment customer or if you are eligible to register for a priority power restoration program.
• If you rely on oxygen, talk to your vendor about emergency replacements.
• Take time to plan on how you will talk to friends or emergency workers in an emergency. During an emergency, your normal way of communicating may be affected by changes in environment, noise or confusion. Know how and what you will need to communicate during an emergency.

People with disabilities or access and functional needs must take additional steps when making a plan to be prepared.

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Communication

An emergency can affect your normal way of communicating with others. Develop a support network that can assist you during an emergency. This should consist of local and out-of-area contacts, and include family, friends, neighbors, home attendants, coworkers, and/or members of community groups. Make sure to go over your plan with your contacts. Record the ways you prefer to communicate with others (e.g., email, SMS/text, video relay, text telephone, etc.); that way, first responders can contact your support network in the event you are unable to communicate.

• If you have a vision disability, be prepared to explain to others how to best guide you.
• If you have a cognitive or emotional disability, be prepared for changes in in your environment.
• If you have a hearing disability, practice communicating your needs through gestures, note cards, text messages, or other means.

Take Steps to Prepare

• Provide your emergency contacts with a spare key so they can access your building.
• Inform your contacts where you keep your Go Bag and emergency supply kit.
• Make copies of important documents, including health information.
• If you receive home-based care (e.g., home care attendant, home health aide, visiting nurse service), include caregivers in developing your plan and familiarize yourself with your homecare agency's emergency plan.
• If you have a pet, emotional support or service animal, be alert and plan for his or her needs. During an emergency, pets, emotional support and service animals can become stressed.
• Consider your dietary needs and always stock nonperishable food at home in case you have to shelter in place during an emergency.
• Have an extra supply of any medication you may need.
• If you receive dialysis, chemotherapy, or other life-sustaining treatment, find out whether there is a back-up location so your service is not interrupted.

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Gather Supplies for Your Needs

Go Bag

Consider adding the following supplies to your Go Bag — a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation:

• Manuals and extra batteries for any devices you use
• Notepad and pen to communicate
• Emergency health information card
• Aerosol tire repair kits and/or tire inflator to repair flat wheelchair or scooter tires
• Magnifying glasses
• Extra mobility canes
• Supplies for your pets or service animal (e.g., extra water, bowl, leash, plastic bags, toys and treats, etc.)
• Back-up medical equipment such as glasses, batteries, or phone charger
• Items to comfort you in a stressful situation

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Emergency Supply Kit

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit, which should include enough supplies to survive on your own for up to seven days:

• Back-up medical equipment such as oxygen, medication, scooter battery, hearing aids, mobility aids, and glasses
• Whistle or bell
• Numbers of medical devices and instructions
• Supplies for pet or service animal (e.g., food, extra water, bowl, leash, plastic bags, toys and treats, and contact information for your veterinarian, etc.)
• Contact information for your doctors and pharmacy

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Evacuation and Sheltering

Transportation Considerations

Before an emergency, call 311 to locate accessible transportation options.

Evacuation Transportation for People with Disabilities and Others with Access or Functional Needs

Depending on your need, you will either be taken to:

• An accessible evacuation center in an accessible vehicle, OR
• A hospital outside of the evacuation zone via ambulance.

You may not be able to request transportation to a specific address.

Specific instructions about which areas of the City should be evacuated will be communicated through various channels. If you live or are staying in an evacuation zone and your zone is ordered to evacuate, leave as soon as you can.

Use public transportation to evacuate if possible. When considering your transportation route, be aware that public transportation may shut down hours before the storm arrives.

Sheltering Considerations

When an emergency strikes, it is important to seek safe shelter. Some emergencies may require you to shelter in place, while other emergencies may require evacuation. Be ready to explain to first responders and emergency workers that you need to evacuate and how you will need to be assisted.

• In the event of a coastal storm or hurricane, the City may open evacuation centers for those are unable to stay with family or friends outside the evacuation zone.

Plan for Power Disruptions

Ask your utility company whether your medical equipment qualifies you to be listed as a life-sustaining equipment customer (LSE), or whether you are eligible to register for a priority power restoration program. For those who rely on electric-powered medical equipment at home (e.g., respirators, dialysis machines, apnea monitors), please register with your utility provider so you can be contacted in the event of an emergency.

While registering with your utility provider is an important preparedness step, people who use electric-powered medical equipment should have an emergency plan. Consider the following:

• An alternate source of electric power, such as a battery back-up system.
• If using a generator be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, local building codes, and ensure that it's in a well-ventilated area.
• Include variety of telephone options (land-line, cordless, cellular) if possible.
• Customers with life-sustaining equipment registered with providers will receive priority during outages, but if it takes more than a couple of days to restore power, it is important to be independent and have a back-up source of electric power, such as a battery. Before the power goes out, make sure to charge all medical and communications devices.
• If you rely on oxygen, talk to your vendor about emergency replacements. In the event that you do not have access to oxygen, call 911 for immediate assistance.

Depending on your provider, other programs may be available if you need extra time to pay your utility bill due to medical conditions.

If utilities are included in your rent, you are still eligible to register for this program directly with the utility company.

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Resources

• Individuals with Disability Access and Functional Needs (FEMA)
• Prepare Your Home and Family: People with Disabilities (American Red Cross)