This news item expired on Friday, March 31, 2017 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Updated: Buncombe County now uses CodeRED for mobile alerts.
Floods, snow storms, hurricanes, we get it all around here so we need to be prepared.
Buncombe County Government has joined Nixle, an emergency communication system that provides the ability to quickly and effectively communicate with citizens during an emergency via text, voice mail, email, and social media. All you have to do is sign up.
Signing up is simple, just text “BCALERT” to 888777 and you will be notified of any life-threatening emergency in Buncombe via text message. To cancel, reply STOP to 888777. No charge, but message and data rates may apply.
Other ways to get prepared include creating and maintaining an emergency kit that will last for seven days. This is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare. Fire fighters and police cannot always reach everyone quickly. Basic services like water, gas, power, sewage treatment and phones may be not work for many days or more.
Put the following items together in a box that's easy to get to in time of emergency:
- 7 days supply of food and water for people and pets (1 gallon per person per day)
- A battery-powered radio, flashlights, cell phone charger
- First Aid Kit
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
- Personal hygiene supplies, baby supplies
- Sturdy shoes, waterproof gloves, wrench or pliers
- Prescription medication, advil etc.
- Cash; important documents
- Insect repellent, long-sleeved and long-legged clothing for protection against mosquitoes.
Buncombe County also encourages residents to come together to create plans for keeping each other safe, like checking on your neighbor when bad weather strikes and a meeting place for family members if phone communication is not possible.