RALEIGH NC — State officials are urging North Carolinians to take simple steps now to prepare for hurricanes, flooding, severe storms, and other hazards as September begins National Preparedness Month.
Governor Josh Stein said personal readiness remains one of the most important factors in how well families and communities recover after disaster strikes. “We can’t predict the next weather event, but we can prepare for it,” Stein said. “Don’t wait for the next event to get ready. Start working on building your kit and making a family emergency plan today.”
Emergency management officials echoed that message, noting that flooding remains one of the state’s most dangerous and costly hazards. Residents are encouraged to turn on wireless emergency alerts on their phones and sign up for county‑level alert systems that warn of flash flooding and other threats.
North Carolina’s Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) provides real‑time and forecast water levels for streams and coastal areas statewide. The state’s Flood Information Center also allows residents to enter their address and learn their property’s flood risk, potential structural impacts, insurance considerations, and nearby flood‑warning locations.
Coastal residents can review evacuation zones through the state’s Know Your Zone program, which outlines how and when to leave during hurricanes or other coastal emergencies. Officials also reminded residents that most insurance policies do not fully cover flood damage, making flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program an important tool for recovery.
North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray said preparedness is a community effort. “Responding to an emergency really takes a whole‑of‑community approach,” Ray said. “Whether it’s volunteering with a local nonprofit, joining a Community Emergency Response Team, or checking on vulnerable neighbors, we all play a role.”
CERT teams across the state provide volunteer training and support during disasters, and residents can find additional opportunities through Volunteer NC and the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
In a column released Friday, Governor Stein emphasized that preparedness begins long before a storm forms. He noted that North Carolina continues to face severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme heat — and that families in western North Carolina are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which struck in 2024.
Stein urged residents to build emergency kits with three to five days of supplies, including water, nonperishable food, medications, baby items, and a battery‑powered or solar radio. He also encouraged families to create emergency document kits containing identification, financial records, and contact information.
“Every family should know what to do if disaster strikes,” Stein wrote. “Talk with your loved ones about your evacuation plan, where you will meet if separated, and how you will stay in touch.”
The Governor also advised residents to prepare their homes by knowing how to shut off utilities and by photographing personal belongings for insurance purposes.
North Carolina Emergency Management provides preparedness resources through the ReadyNC website and mobile app, including information in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. FEMA’s National Preparedness Month campaign also offers tools for family planning, emergency kits, and disaster readiness.
Residents can follow @NCEmergency throughout September for daily preparedness tips.
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