Whiteville, North Carolina.Officials in the Cape Fear region are asking citizens to examine their storm preparedness and take action before it’s too late as Tropical Storm Erinchurns in the Atlantic. Nearly 30% of homeowners acknowledge that they have not taken the required precautions to shield their property from extreme weather occurrences, citing a recent survey. According to WECT, this lack of planning may prove expensive when hurricane season is at its worst.
Whiteville’s emergency management and services director, Hal Lowder, cautions that waiting until the last minute is a surefire way to end up in trouble. According to Lowder, don’t wait until the last minute. Make those arrangements. How will I protect my house, yard, family, and pets? That is a significant issue.
Start With a Plan And Do It Early
The first rule of Lowder is straightforward: plan ahead. Long before any watches or warnings are issued, storm preparation should start. This includes deciding in advance how you ll protect windows, where you ll store outdoor items, and how you ll care for pets if evacuation becomes necessary.
Lowder clarified, “A plan isn’t something you make as the storm approaches.” Planning is the most important factor. To avoid rushing, start protecting your home early.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
One of the simplest and most efficient things to do is:
-
Trim trees and remove weak branches
that could snap during high winds. -
Buy sandbags ahead of time
if flooding is a concern, rather than relying on limited supplies during an emergency. -
Keep a
preparedness kit
stocked with essentials like flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, water, medications, and important documents.
Lowder underlined that these projects have to be completed well in advance of the first rain bands. He advised being prepared to fire the trigger. Avoid putting things off till the last minute.
Why Preparation Matters More Than Ever
Forecasters emphasize that planning is now essential due to the increasing frequency of catastrophic weather occurrences and the unpredictability of storm patterns. Early home security can minimize damage, protect your family, and speed up recovery after a storm, according to the WECT First Alert Weatherteam.
Residents can visit the WECT Hurricane Center for further safety information and updates during hurricane season.
To what extent is your house ready for the upcoming storm?Visit SaltudaStandard-Sentinel.com to share your storm stories and preparedness advice.
