Governor Cooper Urges People to Be Prepared, Listen to Local Officials | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH: As local governments begin to issue evacuation orders, Governor Roy Cooper today advised people to pay attention to local evacuation instructions related to Hurricane Dorian and reminded others that time to get ready for the storm is running out.

    "I urge you to closely follow the forecast and listen to your local officials," said Governor Cooper. "If they order an evacuation please follow their instructions."

    To assist in the evacuation, Governor Cooper signed an executive order waiving fees for using ferries to evacuate and transport supplies. The Governor also announced that he has requested a federal disaster declaration from President Trump, which will allow federal disaster assistance if it is needed after the storm passes.

    Governor Cooper said that plans for shelters are being finalized, including a 100-bed medical support shelter for medically fragile evacuees. Additional shelters inland are preparing for evacuees.

    Governor Cooper has activated 300 members of the North Carolina National Guard to assist with logistics, transportation and a variety of operations. The Department of Transportation has moved resources eastward to patrol major evacuation routes. State Highway Patrol troopers are prepared to assist motorists and coordinate evacuation traffic. The state's swift water and search and rescue teams have also been activated.

    Governor Cooper also encouraged fishermen to remove fishing gear from the water and said boat owners should secure their boats now.

    Now is the time for North Carolinians to make sure they:

• Can access reliable weather information,
• Know the route to evacuate and review emergency plans
• Stock an emergency supply kit, which should contain food, water, prescription medicines, charging cords, batteries and other essentials to support your family for several days.

    Preparations that you make now, could save your life later -- or lessen the chance that you might need rescue or shelter during a storm.

    The latest information can be found on the state's Hurricane Dorian website (https://www.ncdps.gov/dorian2019), on Twitter @NCEmergency and Facebook. Visit DriveNC.gov for traffic conditions statewide. Real-time traffic, weather and preparedness information is also available via the ReadyNC mobile app, available for free for iPhones and Android devices.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov