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Severe Weather Preparedness
Be Weather-Wise: Severe Weather Can Strike Anytime
Dedicated to raising awareness and enhancing preparedness for severe weather hazards, Pitt County encourages all residents to learn about potential risks and take steps to prepare long before an alert appears. In severe weather, every moment matters—and the more you know ahead of time, the better you can reduce your risk.
Be Weather-Wise When Every Second Counts
One of the best ways to reduce your risk during severe weather is to make sure you can receive emergency alerts. No single system is perfect—cell towers can fail, TV signals may be lost, and radios need batteries. Having more than one reliable option ensures you get critical warnings when they matter most.
Ways to Receive Severe Weather Alerts
- Hyper-Reach Emergency Alerts: Free local system for severe weather and public safety updates by phone, text, or email. TTY/TDD available.
Call or text “Alert” to 252-347-0170
Sign Up for Hyper-Reach Now - Emergency Alert System & Local TV/Radio: National Weather Service warnings and AMBER Alerts broadcast on TV, radio, and cable.
- NOAA Weather Radio: 24/7 nationwide service that sounds an alarm for severe weather in your area—like a smoke detector for storms.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts: Free text-like messages sent automatically to your phone for tornadoes, floods, and other dangers.
- Weather Apps: Mobile apps that deliver real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.
Test and Share
Check your phone settings, test your weather radio, and confirm your apps are working before severe weather strikes. Share this information with family, friends, and neighbors so they can stay informed too.
Be Weather-Ready: Develop Your Severe Weather Strategy
The first step to reducing risk during severe weather is pledging to prepare. Create a family emergency and communication plan so everyone knows what to do before disaster strikes.
Create a Customized Family Plan Now
Why a Family Plan Matters
Disasters can strike when families are apart. A plan ensures everyone knows:
- How to reach a safe place
- How to contact one another
- How to reunite after the storm
- What to do in different emergencies
Key Planning Steps
- Know Your Risks: Research severe weather threats, flood zones, and evacuation routes.
- Have a Plan: Decide where to go before storms hit. Use a Family Emergency Plan Template to get started.
- Stay Informed: Use multiple alert systems (weather radios, apps, local news) and sign up for local notifications.
- Practice Your Plan: Review it with your family, post it at home, and teach children what to do.
- Build a Support Network: Connect with neighbors, friends, and coworkers to support children, pets, and those with special needs.
- Identify Safe Shelters: Know safe spots in your home, neighborhood, and community.
- Strengthen Home & Community: Reinforce your home and share tips at community gatherings.
- Understand Warning Systems: Sign up for alerts and share resources to keep others informed.
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American Red Cross: Disaster Preparedness
Guidance on emergency planning, first aid, and shelter information.
- Drought Conditions Information & Tips
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Extreme Cold Safety Information
How to prepare for, and stay safe during extreme cold
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Earthquake Safety Information
How to prepare for, and stay safe during an earthquake.
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Extreme Heat/Heat Wave Safety Information
How to prepare for, and stay safe during extreme heat
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Flood Safety Information
How to prepare for, and stay safe during floods.
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Hailstorm Safety Information
How to prepare for, and stay safe during hailstorms.
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Hurricane Safety Information
How to prepare for, and stay safe during hurricanes