National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, but North Carolinians can prepare any time of year by updating their emergency plans and supply kits.

Preparedness is about taking practical actions that can save lives and reduce property damage, while supporting local responders. By preparing in advance, individuals and communities can also better respond and recover when disasters strike. Preparedness is both a personal and community effort and all North Carolinians are encouraged to exercise civic responsibility, resilience, and self-reliance.

Here’s what North Carolinians can do to keep themselves and their families safe in the event of a weather event:

Plan and Prepare

Build an emergency kit with 2-3 days of supplies.
Have a family communication plan for reaching members of your family during a disaster.

Stay Informed

Sign up for Emergency Alerts.
Pay attention to Evacuation Orders and know your Evacuation Routes.
Check out Road Conditions.
If you have to evacuate, find an Open Shelter.
Know what the weather and how it may impact you.
Storms and other events could cause Power Outages.

County Emergency Management Agencies

Turn on the alert function on your cellphone so that you can receive wireless emergency alerts. Many County Emergency Management Agencies also offer local emergency alert services, which are easy to sign up for and help you to be aware of approaching danger such as flash flooding.

Flooding Preparedness

NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN)

One of the largest contributors to the loss of life and property in the state is flooding. You can protect yourself and your family by understanding your risks. Visit the NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN), where you can find current and forecast water levels from hundreds of streams and coastal locations across the state.

North Carolina's Flood Information Center

You can also learn about your flood risk at North Carolina's Flood Information Center. By entering the specific address, you can find your property’s flood hazard risk, possible structural impacts, potential insurance rates, mitigation opportunities, and the locations of flood warning sites near you.

Know Your Zone

North Carolina’s Know Your Zone initiative helps residents understand evacuation procedures in coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes and other hazards. Learn more about your evacuation zone and how to prepare by visiting KnowYourZone.nc.gov.

National Flood Insurance Program

Most insurance policies do not fully cover flood damages, making the recovery process much longer and more challenging. One of the best ways to protect your property is by having a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses.

Volunteer Opportunities

Community Emergency Response Teams

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs play crucial roles in community resilience, providing support in disaster aftermath and contributing to preparedness and response efforts. These are volunteer teams that provide training and are great opportunities for anyone looking to serve their community.

Volunteer NC

The NC Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service (Volunteer NC) is the oversight organization for national service in North Carolina. You can find volunteer opportunities and other information on how you can help.

NC Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster

State/Territory Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) are associations of organizations that lead response efforts, communicate urgent needs to the wider National VOAD network, and provide assistance to communities affected by disaster. Learn more about where you can volunteer during times of disaster.

Prep A Little, Save a Lot

Building an emergency kit doesn't have to break the bank. North Carolina residents can build a well-stocked emergency kit by acquiring a few essential items each week in July and August making preparedness accessible, affordable, and less overwhelming.