This news item expired on Monday, October 31, 2022 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
June is the start of hurricane season and while Buncombe County may not be on the coast, we feel the indirect impacts of hurricane season every year. Most often, WNC is hit by heavy rainfall and high winds which can cause power, water, and gas outages, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. The Emergency Preparedness Team at Buncombe County Health and Human Services has developed an arsenal of helpful resources and tips to make sure Buncombe residents are prepared for and stay safe during hurricane season this year.
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Essential Preparedness Resources
- CodeRED - Sign up to receive local emergency alerts by testing BCAlert (not case sensitive) to 99411. This is the most efficient and easy way to stay informed during an emergency situation in Buncombe County.
- Bookmark the Buncombe County Emergency Preparedness Webpage - buncombeready.org. County officials will update this page in the event of a disaster which makes this page an essential resource for residents who want to stay informed.
- Follow local and state authorities on social media to stay up to date on urgent emergency alerts.
Preparing for Severe Weather - Always be BuncombeReady
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information. Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert (not case sensitive) to 99411.
North Carolina and Buncombe County offer a myriad of emergency numbers you need to know, essential volunteer opportunities that support a quick and timely community response effort, and national, state, and local disaster and preparedness information. Check out the Buncombe Ready web page for a full list of numbers you should know when disaster strikes.
- Emergency supplies are essential to emergency preparedness. Supplies in your Emergency Kit should include:
- Communications device
- Charger/Charger packs
- Medications
- Critical documents
- ID/Passports/Social Security Cards
- Tools and Safety Items
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Basic tool kit
- Whistle
- Candles
- Lighter
- Maps
- Food
- Several days worth of non-perishable items
- Water- 1 gallon per person per day
- Manual can opener
- Hygiene Products
- Wipes
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Hand sanitizer
- Garbage bags
Staying Safe in an Emergency
Follow the guidance of local authorities. Our public health, preparedness, and emergency services staff are ready to respond in case of disaster. Sign up for CodeRED alerts to receive local emergency updates and guidance in the event of disaster. Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert (not case sensitive) to 99411.
- Drive safely in case of evacuation
- Never drive down flooded or damaged roads. Turn around and find an alternate route.
- Call 9-1-1 in case of disaster or if you are in danger.
- When returning home, be sure to observe guidance from the authorities.
- Do not drink tap water. It could be contaminated by runoff. Local authorities will notify you when water is safe to drink again.
- Do not remove heavy debris alone and watch out for down power lines and trees.
- Never play in flooded areas. Runoff water contains a host of pollutants including human and animal waste, hazardous objects, debris, chemicals, and potential diseases. Playing in this water increases your risk of contracting various infections.
Volunteer to Help Your Community
Emergency preparedness volunteers are essential to a safe and timely community response to disasters. If you are able and willing to volunteer, sign up with one of these incredible organizations. in
Disasters don’t wait to strike which is why it is essential that all residents take steps to prepare now. Be sure to subscribe to CodeRED alerts (instructions above) and follow local authorities on social media (handles above). These are the fastest and most effective ways we have to communicate emergency information. Using these resources and observing these tips will ensure that our community is ready when disaster strikes.