Pender County Emergency Management reminds residents it’s time to prepare, stay alert

PENDER COUNTY – The Pender County Office of Emergency Management urges residents to prepare for Hurricane Idalia, which is expected to impact the Gulf Coast of Florida and move up the East Coast. Meanwhile, off the East Coast is Hurricane Franklin, a Category 4 storm that is impacting the coast with dangerous rip currents.

“Pender County Emergency Management is closely monitoring Hurricane Idalia,” said Tommy Batson, Pender County Emergency Management director. “This storm is expected to strengthen and will impact the coast of Carolina.”

According to the latest reports, Pender County will be impacted by heavy rainfall and tropical-force winds Wednesday through Thursday. This could result in fallen trees and downing of power lines. Some coastal flooding may occur, especially with the King Tide on Wednesday and Thursday.

The greatest danger is the spawning of tornadoes and waterspouts.

“This is the time to prepare,” said Batson. “Tropical storms and Category 1 hurricanes cause more deaths than even the most powerful of storms. It’s important to treat these storms with caution and preparation.”

If you don’t have a hurricane emergency kit, there is time to assemble a kit. Have batteries, plenty of drinking water, non-perishable foods, medications, cash, a full tank of fuel in your vehicles, and propane in stock. A complete checklist is available online at www.readync.org. The cell phone app is free to download.

Batson said the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff will continue to monitor the storm.

“When preparing, keep in mind the items you need to maintain the health and safety of your family and pets,” said Batson. “This is the time to secure lawn furniture and items that can be lifted away by strong winds.”

Free text, telephone, or email alerts are free by opting into the county’s Nixle emergency alerts system. Go to www.pendercountync.gov or www.nixle.com to sign up. To get information text your zip code to 888777 and get the Nixle Emergency Notifications on your smartphone.

Pender County Emergency Management will post updates on the Facebook page at facebook.com/penderem and on the website, www.pendercountync.gov. If you need assistance call the EM office at 910- 259-1210.