Gov. Josh Stein and emergency management officials discuss Hurricane Season preparedness

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Gov. Josh Stein and emergency management officials provided an update Thursday about hurricane season in North Carolina, which begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30 each year.

“Preparing now may make all the difference if a disaster does strike,” Gov. Josh Stein said. “My hope and prayer is that the hurricanes and tropical storms pass North Carolina by this season, but let’s not take any chances. Let’s ensure that we’ll be safe and that our loved ones will be safe too.”

The governor’s office offered these tips to help residents prepare ahead of a storm:

• Put together an emergency kit, including non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day) for 3 to 7 days, a battery-powered or hand crank radio or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio with extra batteries, and prescriptions and over the counter medication.
• Be aware of any unique needs for babies, elderly, or disabled members of your household, as well as pets.
• Have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings such as the weather alert app on your phone, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, or local TV news.
• Build an emergency plan in case you and your family need to evacuate, including a plan for communication. Have printed copies of family members’ phone numbers, social media handles, email addresses, and important medical information in case mobile devices die. Plan where you will meet if you are separated from your family and have copies of important papers such as birth and adoption certificates, driver’s licenses, or military ID’s.
• Take steps to protect your home by preparing a full list of personal items to help with insurance settlements or tax deductions.
• Be sure you know how to shut off your utilities safely. Water, electricity and gas are key services that can also cause special problems during an emergency. Do NOT try to turn the gas back on yourself. Always call a trained expert.

Get involved in your community’s preparedness activities:

• Learn about the emergency plans for your children’s schools, your workplace, and your neighborhood.
• Participate in community preparedness exercises and drills.
• Volunteer with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills.
• Contact the NC Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster for more ways to help.

The governor’s office said the State Emergency Response Team has begun preparations for the 2025 Hurricane Season by reviewing lessons learned from previous storms as well as polices and procedures.

After the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied North Carolina’s request to continue covering the cost of Hurricane Helene debris cleanup, officials in the Cape Fear are now concerned about the future of federal disaster assistance. 

President Donald Trump has also previously said he was considering “getting rid of FEMA.”

Stein and other officials addressed some of those concerns on Thursday.

“I also recognize that we’re heading into this Hurricane Season with more uncertainty than usual, as we wait to learn the futures of FEMA and NOAA — the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Cuts to NOAA and FEMA are a man-made disaster. We need these critical agencies to help us anticipate and respond to natural disasters. A lack of forecasting and a lack of funding both harm public safety,” Gov. Stein said.

“This year’s hurricane season will look different,” said Will Ray, North Carolina Emergency Management Director. “The uncertainty and the evolution of the federal disaster response and recovery landscape reinforces the need for continued strong partnerships at the state, local, and tribal levels. Together we can remain North Carolina strong.”

“When federal resources aren’t certain, personal and local preparedness becomes all the more important, and the more you prepare the more first responders can focus on keeping other people safe,” Stein said.