2006 Hurricane Season Began June 1st: Be Prepared!

This year’s hurricane season officially began on Thursday, June 1. Emergency management officials say the East Coast could see six major hurricanes rated Category 3 or higher this year. The 2005 season saw seven major hurricanes, 15 smaller hurricanes, and a record 27 tropical storms. Officials are encouraging all North Carolinians and visitors to prepare for the possibility of hurricanes and damaging winds, tornados, floods, and landslides that accompany the storms that typically strike from June through November.

This week state officials launched a new website – www.readync.org – that includes information on emergency planning for families, seniors, disabled people, and pets. In addition, suggestions about first aid, home safety, power outages, how to evacuate and shelter-in-place, and where people can go for local assistance and volunteer opportunities are included. The site also provides information on the types of severe weather that impact North Carolina, as well as tips for dealing with terrorism, radiation, and contagious diseases. The pages include links to other sources of information at the federal, state and local levels.

Officials with the North Carolina flood plain mapping program are encouraging homeowners to find out if they live in a high-risk area, and if so, strongly consider purchasing flood insurance. All residents are encouraged to visit the state’s website to determine if your house or community is at risk: www.ncfloodmaps.com.