As of Wednesday, October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael has made landfall in Florida as a major hurricane, with a continued forecast track that projects through Eastern North Carolina, with arrival during the late afternoon and evening hours of Thursday, October 11. Although it will be significantly weakened by the time it encounters Pitt County, this storm should not be taken lightly, and all residents are encouraged to make emergency preparations, if they have not been made already.
Pitt County Government continues to monitor and prepare for the remnants of Michael, enacting several preemptive measures ahead of any potential impacts. These efforts include:
A State of Emergency declaration has been issued, effective Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 8:00am, which will provide additional resources and services should they become necessary.
The Pitt County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will begin a partial activation, starting Thursday at 8:00am, with staff present throughout the duration of the event.
Emergency Population Shelter equipment has been identified, relocated, and prepared, should sheltering be needed (NOTE: there are no plans to activate any shelters at this time).
Conference calls and additional communication channels have been established between Pitt County Emergency Management (PCEM) and all municipalities and first response agencies, to coordinate and prepare for any potential response activities that may be needed.
The Emergency Information Page of the Pitt County website has been activated at www.PittCountyNC.gov/MICHAEL, also available in Spanish at www.PittCountyNC.gov/HURACAN. ALL residents of Pitt County are encouraged to visit these pages often, as they will serve as the most authoritative voice of information regarding PCEM operations during this event.
To reiterate, preparation is key. Residents are strongly encouraged to prepare their homes and supplies for any impacts as soon as possible. Hurricane Ready Kit checklists are available for download at the Emergency Information Pages of the Pitt County website, and will be posted on the PCEM Facebook page as well.