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What Wilmington residents should know about Hurricane Dorian
Because the storm’s track is uncertain, coastal residents should prepare their hurricane kits now and continue to monitor the storm throughout the weekend.
As of 11 a.m. Friday, Hurricane Dorian was on a path to hit Florida over the Labor Day weekend. While the storm is too far away to make true predictions about the North
Carolina coast, forecasters warn that it’s possible Dorian will bring significant rainfall to Southeastern North Carolina next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Dorian’s motion is expected to slow down once it gets to Florida and then possibly turn up the East Coat by the middle of next week.
Coastal North Carolina residents should be on the lookout for rough surf and strengthening rip currents beginning Saturday.
Because the storm’s track is uncertain, coastal residents should prepare their hurricane kits now and continue to monitor the storm throughout the weekend.
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How to prepare before a storm hits:
Necessities
• Water. 1 gallon per person, per day, prepare for a minimum of three days.
• Battery-operated television or radio.
• Extra batteries
• Manual can opener
• Local maps
• Flashlights and waterproof matches
• Cellphone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Toilet paper
• Baby supplies
• Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm)
• Rain gear (including a hat)
• Bleach or water purification tablets
• Soap and detergent
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Charcoal/lighter fluid or portable camping stove
• Disposable plates, glasses and utensils
• Ice chest and ice
• Valuable papers — insurance information, passports, Social Security cards, bank account and credit card numbers, wills, deeds, etc. — or copies, in a waterproof bag
• Prescription and other necessary medicines
• Blankets, tarp and masking tape
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Three day’s worth of clothing, sleeping bags
• First-aid kit, aspirin or pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, scissors, tweezers, bug spray
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Fire extinguisher — ABC type
• Extra pair of eyeglasses
• Extra house, car keys
• Tools: Shut-off wrench, pliers
• Needles, thread
• Whistle
• Signal flare
• Games,books for entertainment
• Petcare: leashes, pet carriers, food
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
Food
• Baby food, baby formula, powdered milk
• Canned meats (Spam, chicken, ham)
• Canned fish (tuna, sardines)
• Canned meals: spaghetti, soup, stew, chili
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Cereal, crackers and cookies
• Instant coffee, tea bags, sodas, juice
• Granola bars, nuts, trail mix
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Sugar, salt, pepper
Sources: American Red Cross; FEMA; N.C. Emergency Management