Washington, D.C. - According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), there is a high probability North Carolina will be affected by Hurricane Irene as it moves up the east coast. The onset of tropical storm force winds is usually accompanied by tree damage, power outages and significant beach erosion. Hurricane Irene is currently a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph. Both the NHC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommend residents take time to prepare in advance of the storm's arrival. A variety of resources are available to residents in the path of the storm.

To follow Hurricane Irene's path and related weather predictions, updates are available at the National Hurricane Center website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Learn what do

• Before a hurricane

• During an evacuation

• During a hurricane

• After a hurricane

• Mitigate hurricane damages

• The mobile website m.fema.gov allows the public to easily access disaster-related information directly on their smartphone.

Preparing a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Re-fill automobile gas tank

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses

• Infant formula and diapers

• Pet food and extra water for your pet

• Cash or traveler's checks and change

• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book.

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

• Fire Extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

• Paper and pencil

• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

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