Alamance County declared a local “State of Emergency” effective immediately Thursday morning, as the area prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Florence. The storm, which is projected to bring high winds and heavy rains to central North Carolina late in the week, has also merited states of emergency for the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and the district of Washington D.C.
“As Hurricane Florence approaches, we are preparing for the impact it will have in Alamance County,” said Emergency Management Director Debbie Hatfield in a press release. “A state of emergency allows use to coordinate and request additional emergency supplies and resources that will help to support the community before, during, and after the storm.”
County officials continue to request that residents prepare for Hurricane Florence by reviewing their emergency plans and putting together supply kits that include enough nonperishable food and water to last each family member three to seven days.
The county’s announcement came an hour after Elon University’s this morning. Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley “strongly encouraged” students to leave campus before the storm.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper held a press conference on Monday to stress the severity of the incoming weather and the need for adequate preparations.
"We here in North Carolina are bracing for a hard hit," Cooper said. "North Carolina is taking Hurricane Florence seriously, and you should, too. Get ready now."
He urged residents to gather supplies, monitor weather forecasts and prepare to lose power for several days.
Alamance County officials also informed residents they can sign up to receive emergency alerts directly from Alamance County Emergency Management and other Public Safety agencies by visiting www.alamance-nc.com/em/getalerts/ or text ALAMANCE to 888777. There is also more information on hurricanes and overall emergency practices at www.ReadyNC.org.