Prepare

How to Prepare for a Tornado:

• Know the signs of a tornado, such as a rotating funnel-shaped cloud and a roar similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for community warning systems like CharMeck alerts and have a NOAA Weather Radio.
• Pay attention to weather forecasts and determine a safe shelter in your home.

Understanding Watch vs. Warning:

• Tornado Watch: Weather conditions are ideal for tornado formation. Take steps to prepare for tornado activity and continuously monitor weather forecasts.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, posing imminent danger to life and property. Seek refuge in the safest location possible.

Response During a Tornado Warning:

• If you can safely reach a sturdy building, do so immediately. Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If these options are unavailable, get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane:

• Review your insurance policy for hurricane-related hazard coverage; standard policies do not cover flooding so that you may need additional policies.
• Monitor weather reports and updates and develop an evacuation plan based on your evacuation zone.
• Keep essential documents dry and safe and create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property by installing hurricane shutters or reinforcing windows, decluttering drains and gutters, and securely storing outdoor items and furniture.

Response During a Hurricane:

• Evacuate immediately if ordered, taking only essential supplies and documents. Follow evacuation routes and directions from officials, and do not drive around barricades.
• If evacuation is unnecessary, shelter indoors away from windows and doors.
• Ensure your safe shelter is on the lowest level and not affected by floodwater. If flooding occurs, move to the highest level and avoid closed attics.

After a Hurricane:

• Stay away from floodwater, which can contain hazards like sharp objects, downed power lines, sewage, bacteria, and chemicals.
• Save phone calls for emergencies and use text messaging or social media to communicate.
• Document property damage with photographs, contact your insurance company to file a claim, and register with FEMA for assistance.

How to Prepare for a Flood:

• If flash flooding is a risk, learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and response.
• Gather supplies in case you need to leave immediately or if services are cut off. Consider each person's specific needs, including medication.
• Obtain flood insurance, as homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding.
• Keep essential documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property by moving valued items to higher levels and decluttering drains and gutters.

Response During a Flood:

• If told to evacuate, do so immediately and never drive around barricades.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water, as the water can wash bridges away without warning.
• If trapped in a vehicle or building, seek higher ground. Do not climb into a closed attic. Signal for help from the roof if necessary.
• Monitor real-time rain and stream gage levels along creeks throughout Mecklenburg County via the Flood Inundation Information and Notification System (FINS).

After a Flood:

• Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions and avoid driving except in emergencies.
• Snakes and other animals may enter your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during cleanup.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous and contaminated debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use gasoline-powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows. Avoid touching electrical equipment if it is wet or standing in water. Turn off the electricity if it is safe to do so.

Before a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency:

• Obtain public emergency information materials from Duke Energy or local emergency services offices. You should receive these materials yearly if you live within 10 miles of the power plant.
• Sign up for CharMeck alerts to receive timely and area-specific information.
• Duke Energy releases annual emergency reports with basic information about the nuclear plants and how to prepare for a nuclear emergency.

McGuire Nuclear Station    Catawba Nuclear Station

Nuclear Sirens

• If a nuclear power plant accident releases radiation, local authorities will activate warning sirens. Follow the Emergency Alert System (EAS) instructions on local TV and radio stations. Sirens around the facility may be activated within the 10-mile emergency planning zone (EPZ).
• If you hear a loud, steady siren, listen to local radio or TV for an EAS message providing necessary information and instructions. Hearing a siren does not mean you should evacuate; it simply means to seek information from the media. If no information is available, contact your county's emergency management office.
• Siren testing is conducted regularly on Wednesdays, with prior announcements. Additional testing may take place as needed for maintenance.

During a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency:

• Minimize exposure by increasing the distance between you and the radiation source. Evacuate or remain indoors as instructed.
• If advised to evacuate, keep car windows and vents closed, using recirculating air.
• If advised to remain indoors, turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air intakes. If possible, shield yourself with heavy, dense material and go to a basement or underground area.

After a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency:

• Stay tuned to local radio or television stations for emergency updates.
• If you have been exposed to hazardous radiation, follow decontamination instructions from local authorities. Change your clothes and shoes, and seal exposed clothing in a plastic bag.
• Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms, such as nausea, as soon as possible. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

How to Prepare for Cyber Threats:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and change them regularly. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Keep software and systems updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software and run regular scans.
• Back up important data regularly to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Educate yourself and your family on recognizing phishing emails and other cyber threats.

Response to Cyber Threats:

• If you suspect a cyber-attack, disconnect from the internet immediately to prevent further intrusion.
• Report the incident to your IT department or a professional cybersecurity service.
• Change all passwords and monitor accounts for any suspicious activity.
• Follow specific instructions from cybersecurity experts to remove any malware or threats.

Recovery from Cyber Threats:

• Restore data from backups if necessary and ensure all systems are clean before reconnecting to the internet.
• Review and strengthen security measures to prevent future attacks.
• Keep informed about new cyber threats and update your practices accordingly.
• Consider cybersecurity training or consultations for further protection.

How to Prepare for Acts of Violence:

• Be aware of your surroundings and identify potential exit routes in public places.
• Participate in active shooter or violence response training if available.
• Develop a family emergency plan that includes how to communicate and where to meet if separated.
• Sign up for community alerts and notifications about potential threats.

Response to Acts of Violence:

• If you hear gunshots or witness violence, immediately seek shelter. Find a secure location and lock or barricade doors.
• Silence your phone and other devices to avoid detection.
• Call 911 as soon as it is safe, providing as much detail as possible about the situation and your location.
• Follow law enforcement instructions precisely if they arrive on the scene.

Recovery from Acts of Violence:

• Seek medical attention for any injuries and follow up with mental health support if needed.
• Stay informed through official channels about the resolution of the situation and any ongoing threats.
• Participate in community support or counseling services to process the event.
• Review and update your personal and family safety plans based on lessons learned from the incident.

• Contact information
  • All household members, including work and school numbers
  • In-area emergency contacts (family/friends/neighbors)
  • Out-of-area contacts
• Health and medical information
  • Allergies
  • List of medications and prescriptions
  • Blood types
  • Doctor and pharmacy phone numbers
  • Information about special needs
    • Equipment, devices and supplies
    • Special medical or other requirements
    • Health and disability information
  • Pet names and rabies vaccination numbers
• Designated meeting place in case a disaster occurs when household members are not at home
• Evacuation plans:
  • Where to go?
  • How to get there?
• Check to see if the home is at risk of flooding: Flood Risk Information System (FRIS)
• Family disaster plan templates:
  • NCDHHS Disaster Preparation
  • Make a Plan

• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle
• Masks
• Sanitation supplies (hand sanitizer, towelettes, garbage bags)
• Food (at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Battery-powered or crank weather radio.
• Additional emergency supplies:
  • Prescription medications
  • Non-prescription medications (pain relievers, etc.)
  • Glasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, wipes, diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for the pet
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Change of clothing appropriate for climate
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Paper and pencil
  • Activities for children
• Documents:
  • Copies of identification
    • Driver’s license
    • Birth certificate
    • Passport
    • Social Security card
  • Copies of insurance policies
    • Renters/homeowners insurance
    • Medical/dental/prescription insurance cards
  • Financial statements and bank account records
  • Mortgage records
  • Car loans
  • Retirement accounts
  • Utility accounts
  • Credit cards
  • Student and other loans
  • Legal documents
    • Car registration and title
    • Property deeds
    • Wills
    • Healthcare proxy and/or power of attorney
  • Home inventory, including receipts or appraisals for significant purchases.
  •  Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Utility account information