Preparing for the hurricane season locally

Hurricane Helene could have an impact on Davidson County, bringing damaging winds, excessive rains and flooding. It is very important to be prepared and have essentials that will help you if you are without electricity or encounter severe flooding.

Here are some resources you can have during a hurricane to keep your family safe and healthy:

• Food and water

  A supply of non-perishable food and at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days

• Medicine

  A first aid kit, emergency medicine supply, and a one-month supply of prescription medications in a child-proof container

• Power

  Flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Also remember to charge all devices including medical assistance devices

• Safety

  A whistle to signal for help, dust mask, plastic sheeting, scissors, duct tape, wrench or pliers, and manual can opener

• Personal items

  Clothing, sun screen, aloe, bug spray, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties

• Documents

  Important documents like medical records, wills, passports, insurance cards, bank account numbers, social security cards, and birth and marriage certificates

• Other

  Extra house and car keys, cash and local maps

You can organize your supplies into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. The go-kit should have three days of supplies that you can carry with you, while the stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of supplies. You can also sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.

Davidson County, has several resources that may be able to help with hurricane relief and other emergencies, including:

• FEMA: Individuals can apply for federal assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app, or by calling 800-621-3362. FEMA assistance may include financial help for immediate needs, temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. Davidson County also has Emergency Food and Shelter (EF and S) funds from FEMA that can help income-eligible people with utilities.

• Davidson County Department of Social Services: Provides a variety of assistance benefits to eligible individuals and families, including short-term, long-term, or time-limited assistance.

• If you require immediate evacuation or have a medical emergency for assistance dial 911.

• If you require preparation guidance dial 211 or 888-892-1162.

• More information is also available if you visit www.ReadyNC.org.

If you lose electric power call your local service provider.

Lexington Utilities - Please use your account number or the phone number associated with your account to report your electrical outage at: https://www.lexingtonnc.gov/city-services/public-utilities/electric/online-electric-outage-reporting or call 336-248-2337. To report a natural gas problem, please call 336-248-3945 during business hours or 336-248-2337 for after hours. To report a water or sewer problem, please call 336-248-3930 during business hours or 336-248-2337 for after hours.

Duke Energy Progress -1-800-419-6356 to report your outage. https://www.readync.org/stay-informed/power-outages.

Energy United - 1-800-EUNITED (1-800-386-4833) to use our Automated Support System. or at : https://www.energyunited.com/outages/. The local number is 336-249-3131.

If you require disaster-related mental health counseling, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

For other needs or questions, you can also reach out to your county emergency management agency or visit North Carolina’s Hurricane Guide: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/county-emergency-management-agencies or https://www.readync.gov/hurricaneguide2023enpdf/open.

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