@NCEMDirector: The State Emergency Response Team activated but most of our staff /partners are working remotely. That includes: @NCSHP @NCPublicSafety @ncdhhs @NCDOT and @FEMA @ American Red Cross and private sector businesses that participate in the North Carolina Biz EOC.

Coordinating closely w/counties – especially near coast - as they finalize preparations and decide about evacautions.

Also making sure our water rescue teams are ready & have PPE to operate safely in COVID-19. And preparing to push supplies like water, food and tarps where needed.

Now is the time to get personally prepared with emergency plan and kit. Be sure to add masks and face coverings, hand sanitizer and cleaning products to help keep your family healthy.

Visit http://ReadyNC.org  WEBSITE for complete list of items for your emergency kit. (The ReadyNC mobile app has been retired- but all the resources/info are now on the mobile friendly http://ReadyNC.org  website.

Some notable changes this year due to COVID-19 pandemic:
1.Want people living near coast, or in flood-prone areas - to make plans to stay with family or friends, or at a hotel, if they have to evacuate.

2.Staying at a shelter is not a good option during the pandemic and should only be a last resort.
3.If you live at a safe place inland, offer to let family or friends evacuate to your home.

4. Non-congregate sheltering options like hotels & dorms are preferred this year, but not guaranteed. This option will depend on hotel availability at time of storm. Evacuees who need shelter will go first to reception center to be assigned to a sheltering option .

5.Local governments and the American Red Cross are working to implement health screening, social distancing and cleaning protocols in shelters to prevent the spread of the virus. There will be more small shelters, with fewer clients.

Many of our counties are planning to make earlier decisions on evacautions, to give more time to execute those evacuation plans during the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, you should follow your county government website & social media channels for instructions on evacuation

The new Know Your Zone program is also in effect this year. Twenty coastal counties have developed coastal evacuation zones based on areas most at risk due to storm surge and river flooding.

Visit http://KnowYourZone.nc.gov  to see if you live in one of these zones. If you do, remember your zone and listen for it if evacautions are needed and ordered.

The Zones labeled “A” are red in the Know Your Zone maps. They are the highest risk areas likely to be evacuated first, if needed. The “B” zones are slightly lower risk, and so on.

By following these steps we can all stay safe during Hurricane Isaias and the rest of hurricane season.
With kindness and cooperation, we will all get through this together as One Team, One Mission and One Family!