March 3-9 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week; Statewide Tornado Drill is March 6, 2024
MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – March 3-9 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Brunswick County Emergency Management urges residents and community members to be ready for severe weather events and to understand the risks that can come with them.
“Spring brings the potential for severe weather,” said Brunswick County Emergency Management Director David McIntire. “With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the time for you and your loved ones to start preparing for the severe weather season. Sign up for ReadyBrunswick to make sure we can contact you during an emergency.”
Severe weather can happen anywhere and at any time. Not only can severe thunderstorms develop rapidly, but they can also bring lightning, hail, flash floods, and tornadoes. Brunswick County officials encourage community members to take this week to create a household emergency plan and update emergency supply kits.
Brunswick County also encourages community members to practice their emergency plan by participating in the annual statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) will broadcast the drill over the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on radio and TV and on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios.
“We encourage all county residents, visitors, businesses, and organizations to participate in the upcoming tornado drill,” McIntire said. “Creating a plan is only one part of being prepared. Practicing your plan will help you and your loved ones know where to go and what to do when severe weather strikes.”
Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms when winds change direction and increase in speed. These storms can produce large hail and damaging winds that can reach 300 miles per hour.
In 2023, the NWS recorded 24 tornado touchdowns across North Carolina, and 127 large hail events (hail that is 1 inch in diameter or larger), 844 damaging thunderstorm wind events, and 139 flood or flash flood events.
Emergency officials recommend the following safety tips:
Before Severe Weather
- Know the terms. WATCH means severe weather is possible. WARNING means severe weather is occurring; take shelter immediately.
- Make a plan. Develop a household emergency plan so all members know where to go, who to call, and what to do during a disaster.
- Prepare a kit. Assemble an emergency supply kit for use at home or in your vehicle. Make sure to include a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water for each household member and pets. The Brunswick County Center of the N.C. Cooperative Extension has prepared a hurricane cookbook to help individuals and families prepare meals in advance in case of an emergency.
- Subscribe to emergency alerts. Residents and visitors can sign up for alerts from ReadyBrunswick, Brunswick County’s emergency notification system.
- Sign up for the Special Needs Registry. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the Brunswick County Special Needs Registry if they have additional needs in functional areas. These functional needs may include but are not limited to maintaining independence, communication, transportation, supervision, and medical care.
During Severe Weather
- Stay informed. During an emergency, stay tuned to reliable local media outlets, listen to NWS weather alerts, and follow Brunswick County on social media for continuous updates. You can also subscribe to receive email updates from the County to stay updated on media releases and important announcements.
- Find a safe room. Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room and away from windows. Go there immediately if you hear or see a tornado.
- Seek shelter. If driving, you should leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequately safe structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge. If there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area. Watch out for flying debris.
After Severe Weather
- Wear protective gear. Following a storm, you should wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and gloves when walking on or near debris, and be aware of exposed nails and broken glass.
- Watch the lines. Be aware of damaged power or gas lines and electrical systems that may cause fires, electrocution, or explosions.
More information on severe weather and overall emergency preparedness can be found online at brunswickcountync.gov/273/Local-Hazards-Threats or ReadyNC.gov.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.
Stay Informed