Press Release:
North Carolina Endures Hurricane Dorian, Sends Support to the Coast
Throughout the week, Governor Cooper, state agencies and state and local emergency management officials opened more than 50 shelters and issued mandatory evacuation orders to prepare for Hurricane Dorian. Shelters opened up in Durham and Clayton to take in evacuees from overflowing local shelters. The Governor also secured a federal disaster declaration and lifted restrictions on transportation so that critical needs like fuel, medicine and water could get to those affected by the Hurricane.
Cities began feeling the effects of Hurricane Dorian on Thursday as thousands of North Carolinians lost power, and the eye of the storm came ashore at Cape Hatteras Friday morning. Emergency officials sent first responders and food and water supplies to help the residents of Ocracoke Island who were stranded because of the hurricane.
Damage assessments are underway in throughout Eastern North Carolina, and Emergency management officials are moving supplies into the areas that need them.
The latest storm information may 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 free for iPhones and Android devices.
If you wish to donate your time or financial assistance, please go to
NC.Gov/donate.
Gov. Cooper Visits Clayton Medical Shelter
Governor Meets with Communities Impacted by Dorian
As Hurricane Dorian left North Carolina, Governor Cooper visited affected communities on the eastern coast of the state.
The Governor visited Wilmington on Friday and spoke with local leaders and first responders at the New Hanover County Emergency Operations center. He then met with community members to discuss storm recovery at Warner Temple A.M.E Zion Church.
On Saturday, Gov. Cooper traveled to Northeastern North Carolina and talked to people whose homes had been damaged by Hurricane Dorian in Emerald Isle and Carteret County.
"People on the ground who felt the effects of Dorian are our focus today," Gov. Cooper said.
"Getting food, water and medical help to the people in need is the first priority. Utilities are working hard to restore power and we want life to return to normal as soon as possible in eastern North Carolina."
Read about the Governor's visit and how the state is assessing damages in affected areas
HERE.
Food and Water Safety Tips
- If you've lost power, throw away any perishable foods like meats, dairy and eggs that have been unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours--when in doubt, throw it out.
- Throw away foods that have been contaminated by flood or storm water, which can spread disease and chemical hazards.
- If you have a private well, avoid turning on the electricity to your pump until floods recede.
- If flooding has occurred, don't drink well water until it has been tested. Contact your local health department's private well program for testing.
Storm Response Toolkit
With communities across the coast feeling the effects of Dorian, Gov. Cooper is urging people to stay safe. Use the following tools to get assistance, check flood levels and view road conditions in your area.
Stay Informed
Get Real-Time Flood Information
Check Road Conditions
Gov. Cooper: "Let's work hard, let's get the job done."
Tweet of the Week
- Contact: Ford Porter
- govpress@nc.gov