Representative David Rouzer

Dear Friend,

As we quickly approach peak hurricane season, it’s important to stay informed. Below, you will find information you need to be prepared ahead of any storm. As a reminder, hurricane season lasts through the end of November, with its peak running from mid-August to mid-October.

If you find this information helpful, and would like to continue receiving updates from my office, including important tips to navigate future storms, you can sign up for my newsletter or visit my hurricane resources page below.

ROUZER.HOUSE.GOV/HURRICANE

Latest Forecast in the Atlantic

The National Hurricane Center is now tracking at least five systems in the Atlantic. As of right now, Southeastern North Carolina faces no imminent threat. Remember, you can always find up to date and accurate information from the National Weather Service in Wilmington and the National Hurricane Center on what to expect from any tropical storm or hurricane.

Safety Tips

Build A Kit

An emergency kit is a container of items your family may need during or after an emergency. Put the kit in a location where everyone in your household can access it, and put enough water, food, and supplies to last three to seven days (don’t forget about your pets!). Click here for instructions on how to put an emergency kit together.

Watches vs. Warnings

In order to keep your family safe if a storm threatens your area, it is important to know the difference between watches and warnings. A watch means weather conditions in the area have the potential of becoming dangerous to potentially life-threatening within 48 hours. A warning means severe conditions are imminent within 36 hours.

Insurance

When preparing for a natural disaster within your area, one of the most important things a homeowner can do is confirm they have a good insurance policy. Be aware homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage, regardless of if you own or rent. Whether you are in a high, low, or moderate risk area, a separate flood insurance policy can be purchased. Policies are available for both residential and commercial buildings as long as the community joins in the National Flood Insurance Program. Remember, new flood insurance policies often require a 30-day waiting period. For information about the National Flood Insurance Program, call 888-379-9531.

Local Emergency Contact Information

During a storm, 911 lines need to remain open for life threatening emergencies. You can contact your local emergency management department for non-life threatening emergencies, preparedness tips, and recovery information before, during, and after a storm.

New Hanover County Emergency Management; (910) 798-6900
Brunswick County Emergency Management; (910) 253-5383
Pender County Emergency Management; (910) 259-1210
Columbus County Emergency Services; (910) 640 6610
Bladen County Emergency Management; (910) 862-6761
Robeson County Emergency Management; (910) 671-3150
Cumberland County Emergency Services; (910) 321-6736

Stay Informed

In the event of an emergency, it is important to have multiple sources of information and potential alerts to protect yourself and your family. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings, like a weather alert app on your phone or a NOAA weather radio in your home. Tune in to local TV news when severe weather threatens. Additionally, there are multiple websites with trusted sources of information on such events, including:

This Week's Good News Story

For this week's good news story, I would like to recognize the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy for their heroic efforts to save four missing divers off the coast of Southeastern North Carolina. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, "the Coast Guard and Navy rescued four missing male divers Monday 46 miles southeast of Cape Fear River, North Carolina. Rescued were Ben Wiggins, 64, Luke Lodge, 26, Daniel Williams, 46, Evan Williams, 16. A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules airplane crew notified Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders at 12:45 a.m. that they had spotted an SOS-strobe light, located the four missing divers, and launched a life raft. The HC-130 coordinated with the U.S. Navy Destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), which was conducting a training exercise near the divers’ location to assist. The Porter crew arrived on scene and rescued all four divers safely from the life raft." Please join me in thanking these Coast Guard and Navy heroes for their dedication to saving life at sea.