FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 28, 2023
National Hurricane Preparedness Week observed April 30-May 6, 2023
Pitt County encourages community to practice hurricane safety & preparation
PITT COUNTY, N.C. – As hurricane season quickly approaches North Carolina on June 1, Pitt County Government recognizes National Hurricane Preparedness Week from Sunday, April 30 through Saturday, May 6, 2023 in an effort to promote community hurricane safety.
A campaign led by the National Weather Service and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, National Hurricane Preparedness Week aims to improve the state’s readiness, responsiveness and overall resilience against hurricanes during the upcoming season.
Hurricane season generally runs from June 1 through November 30, though North Carolina’s most active months are August, September and October. The main tropical system hazards North Carolina faces include storm surges, flooding rains, rip currents, tornadoes, waterspouts and high winds.
Due to Pitt County’s susceptibility to tropical systems, it is crucial that community members are informed about hurricane safety and implement a hurricane safety plan.
“Now is the time to plan and prepare what you and your family will do in the event of a Hurricane impacting our area or home. readync.gov is an excellent resource for information on preparing and planning,” said Randy Gentry, Emergency Management Director.
Pitt County Emergency Management (PCEM) has developed small, double-sided “Ready Kit Checklist” cards. These cards feature a checklist of items needed for every “Ready Kit,” along with basic information on hurricane classification and emergency contact information. English and Spanish checklists can be found at PittCountyNC.gov/Hurricane.
The National Weather Service has prepared a week-long schedule with daily themes to encourage residents to prepare for hurricane season properly.
- Sunday, April 30 – Know Your Risk: Water & Wind
- Monday, May 1 – Prepare Before Hurricane Season, Know Your Zone, Storm Surge
- Tuesday, May 2 – Understand Forecast Information, High Winds
- Wednesday, May 3 – Get Moving When a Storm Threatens, Inland Flooding
- Thursday, May 4 – Stay Protected During Storms, Tornadoes
- Friday, May 5 – Use Caution After Storms, Rip Currents
- Saturday, May 6 – Take Action Today
Pitt County, NC and Pitt County Emergency Management Facebook pages will post graphics promoting hurricane preparedness and tips throughout the week. For more information about National Hurricane Preparedness Week please contact Randy Gentry at 252-902-3954 or randy.gentry@pittcountync.gov.
The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov
###
Media Contact:
Dawn C. Jones
Director, Public Information & Media Relations Past Releases:
dawn.jones@pittcountync.gov | (252) 902-2955 www.PittCountyNC.gov/PIO