Are You Ready?

Emergencies and disasters can occur at any time, therefore it’s important to be prepared to evacuate or take cover inside when disasters strike. Some of the most common threats and hazards facing Mecklenburg County are floods, heatwaves, hurricanes/tropical storms/severe thunderstorms, wildfires, tornados, snow/ice, infectious disease outbreak, major hazmat incident or spill, nuclear incident/release, regional water disruption or interruption, and regional electrical failure (e.g., blackouts). It is important for you and your loved ones to always be ready. Check out some tips below on how to prepare for any of the emergencies listed above. 

Preparedness Tips for You and Your Loved Ones:

  • Know your risk: Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Heavy rain and winds from the hurricane may travel inland and cause severe weather and flooding. 

  • Make an emergency plan: Make sure everyone in your households understands and knows what your emergency plans are. Guides and resources are below to assist with preparing a family plan. 

  • Build a go-kit: During and after an emergency, your family may need to survive on your own for several days. Having a go-kit with food, water and essential supplies for each person is important when planning. Resources and guides are below to assist when building a go-kit.

  • Know where to evacuate: You may have to evacuate your home during an emergency. You should know where to evacuate and the best route to take to do so. Resources are below to assist you with knowing where to go. If you are unable to evacuate, you will need to shelter-in-place. 

  • Recognize warnings and alerts: You should have more than one way to receive alerts. You may receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service or Emergency Alert System. It is important to have a fully charged back up charger just in case your mobile device loses charge. Additional resources are below. 

Get Emergency Alerts sent to your e-mail or phone.

Sign Up for CharMeck Alerts

Special Considerations 

  • Review important documents and insurance policies to ensure they are up to date. Consider placing paper copies in a plastic bag so they don’t get wet and inside of your go-kit, so you have them with you during an emergency. 

  • Identify if you may need additional assistance during emergencies if you or anyone in your household is an individual with disabilities. 

  • Pets are an important member of your family, so they should be included in your family plan and when building a go-kit

  • There are also important consideration for children and seniors to ensure they have everything they need during a disaster that may last several days.