Wake County Residents Urged To Prepare For Severe Storms Over Next 24 Hours

Press release from the Wake County Government:

4/12/2020 10:13 PM
With severe storms predicted to move through our area over the next 24 hours, Wake County is closely monitoring the forecast. Emergency Management leaders encourage local residents to plan now for the possibility of power outages and wind damage.

“It’s easy to forget with everything going on that we’re right in the middle of severe weather season,” said Darrell Alford, Wake County Emergency Operations Center manager. “Having your whole family or household under one roof is the perfect time to make an emergency plan and ensure you’re prepared for severe weather.”

The National Weather Service predicts that winds will pick up between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. tonight and be followed by rain. The squall line is projected to arrive around 9 a.m. Monday, presenting the highest risk of tornadoes and wind damage.

Wake County emergency officials recommend residents use the following safety tips:

• Have a family emergency plan in place so all members know where to go, who to call and what to do during a disaster.
• Know the terms: “watch” means a tornado is possible. “Warning” means a tornado has been spotted—take shelter immediately.
• Know where the nearest safe room, such as a basement or interior room, is and stay away from windows. Go there immediately if you hear or see a tornado.
• If driving, leave your vehicle immediately and seek safety inside a structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge.
• If you are outdoors and no shelter is available, take cover in a low-lying, flat area. Watch out for flying debris.
• Following a storm, wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when walking on or near debris, and be aware of exposed nails and broken glass.
• Be aware of damaged power or gas lines and electrical systems that may cause fires, electrocution or explosions.

Wake County residents are encouraged to sign up to receive ReadyWake emergency alerts, which provide important information by text, email or phone in the case of a tornado or other emergency. Learn more at www.readywake.com. Officials also recommend staying updated by listening to weather radios that broadcast alerts from the National Weather Service.

More information on tornadoes and emergency preparedness can be found at www.readync.org.

This press release was produced by the Wake County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.