North Carolina -- Septmeber 10, 2026: As National Preparedness Month continues in North Carolina officials are strongly urging residents, including those in Western North Carolina, to take immediate action to prepare for severe weather and flood threats. State agencies emphasize that proactive steps can significantly enhance safety and minimize risks when disaster strikes.
North Carolina Emergency Management and the NC Department of Public Safety are leading the statewide campaign, with Governor Josh Stein personally amplifying the message. Federal partners, including National Weather Service offices serving the state, are also providing detailed guidance. This call to action is directed at all North Carolina residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, coastal counties, and communities near rivers and streams, including mountain communities vulnerable to flash flooding and landslides.
A key step is to turn on emergency alerts on mobile phones. Residents should enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and sign up for local county alert systems to receive timely warnings for severe weather, flash flooding, and evacuations. Officials stress that many county emergency management agencies offer local alert services.
Understanding and monitoring personal flood risk is also critical. Flooding is described as one of the largest contributors to loss of life and property in the state. Residents can utilize the NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) for current and forecast water levels from hundreds of stream and coastal gauges. The North Carolina Flood Information Center allows residents to enter a specific address to assess flood hazard risk, potential structural impacts, and mitigation opportunities.
Knowing evacuation routes and safe locations is essential. Residents should review evacuation zones, especially in flood-prone areas, and identify where they would go if ordered to leave. This includes knowing high ground, non-flood-prone shelters, and the nearest safe room for protection against tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
Officials consistently call for residents to build or update an emergency supply kit with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, essential medications, and pet supplies. Flashlights, first aid kits, and hand-crank or solar-powered radios are also recommended to stay informed during power outages.
Developing a family emergency plan is another vital step. This plan should cover family communication methods, designated meeting points if separated, and specific arrangements for pets, older adults, and individuals with disabilities or special medical needs. The ReadyNC.gov platform offers free, easy-to-understand guides and checklists for various hazards.
Residents must also know and follow severe weather and flood safety rules. The National Weather Service advises moving immediately to higher ground if a flash flood warning is issued or if there is any possibility of a flash flood. It is crucial to never drive or walk into flooded areas, as six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and a foot or more can sweep a vehicle away. Camping or parking along streams, rivers, or creeks during threatening conditions should also be avoided.
September is National Preparedness Month in North Carolina
"We can’t predict the next weather event, but we can prepare for it,” said Governor Josh Stein. "Personal preparedness makes response and recovery possible, so don’t wait for the next event to get ready. Start working on building your kit and making a family emergency plan today.”
Here’s what North Carolinians can do to keep themselves and their families safe in the event of a weather event:
Turn on the alert function on your cellphone so that you can receive wireless emergency alerts. Many County Emergency Management Agencies also offer local emergency alert services, which are easy to sign up for and help you to be aware of approaching danger such as flash flooding.
One of the largest contributors to the loss of life and property in the state is flooding. You can protect yourself and your family by understanding your risks. This includes visiting the NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN), where you can find current and forecast water levels from hundreds of streams and coastal locations across the state. You can also learn about your flood risk at North Carolina's Flood Information Center. By entering the specific address, you can find your property’s flood hazard risk, possible structural impacts, potential insurance rates, mitigation opportunities, and the locations of flood warning sites near you.
North Carolina’s Know Your Zone initiative helps residents understand evacuation procedures in coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes and other hazards. Learn more about your evacuation zone and how to prepare by visiting KnowYourZone.nc.gov.
Flooding is also one of the most difficult disasters to recover from. Most insurance policies do not fully cover flood damages, making the recovery process much longer and more challenging. One of the best ways to protect your property is by having a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses.
“The State Emergency Response Team works together to plan and train with an all-hazards approach in mind. However, we all play a role in our communities, whether it is volunteering with a local nonprofit or community-based groups, such as a Community Emergency Response Team, or just checking on your neighbors and family, especially our more vulnerable residents such as the elderly or those with additional support needs,” said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray. “Responding to an emergency really takes a whole-of-community approach. It’s all of us working together to help one another through difficult times.”
There are Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs throughout the state that play crucial roles in community resilience, providing support in disaster aftermath and contributing to preparedness and response efforts. These are volunteer teams that provide training and are great opportunities for anyone looking to serve their community.
You can also visit Volunteer NC and the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to find out how you can help.