Mitchell County Rainy Days Ahead: Stay Alert
Clay County -- November 5, 2024: Mitchell County Government: As we continue to feel the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, rainy conditions are expected over the upcoming days.
With our infrastructure already impacted, additional rainfall could potentially cause further issues in some areas like landslides and weak trees falling.
We encourage all residents to:
Stay alert to conditions in your area.
Report any visible road damage or fallen debris to local authorities. 828-688-9110
Limit non-essential travel on roads that may already be compromised.
A 72-hour preparedness backpack is essential for surviving the first three days after a natural disaster, like an earthquake, hurricane, flood, or wildfire. Here’s a list of items to include for an individual, though it’s good to customize based on specific needs, local climate, and potential hazards:
1. Water and Food Supplies
Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day (3 gallons for 72 hours)Consider water purification tablets or a small filter as a backup.
Food: Non-perishable, high-calorie food items, energy bars, dried fruit, jerky, nuts, canned food (with pop-tops if possible. A compact camping stove with fuel and a lighter/matches
Food: Non-perishable, high-calorie food items, energy bars, dried fruit, jerky, nuts, canned food (with pop-tops if possible. A compact camping stove with fuel and a lighter/matches
2. Shelter and Clothing
Emergency blanket or thermal sleeping bag
Lightweight tarp or emergency tent
Poncho or rain gear
Clothing: Layers appropriate for your climate and time of year, plus extra socks and underwear.
Lightweight tarp or emergency tent
Poncho or rain gear
Clothing: Layers appropriate for your climate and time of year, plus extra socks and underwear.
3. Medical Supplies
First aid kit: Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and tweezers
Personal medications: 3-day supply in original containers
Hand sanitizer
Personal medications: 3-day supply in original containers
Hand sanitizer
4. Tools and Equipment
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
Flashlight and extra batteries or a solar-powered flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Duct Tape
Whistle for signaling help
Flashlight and extra batteries or a solar-powered flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Duct Tape
Whistle for signaling help
5. Hygiene and Sanitation
Toiletries: Travel-size toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, feminine hygiene products, etc.
Tissues or toilet paper
Wet wipes for quick cleaning
Tissues or toilet paper
Wet wipes for quick cleaning
6. Personal Documents and Essentials
Copies of ID and important documents in a waterproof bag
Emergency contact information list
Cash: Small bills and coins (ATMs may not work)
Emergency contact information list
Cash: Small bills and coins (ATMs may not work)
7. Communication and Navigation
Phone charger: Solar or hand-crank charger
Compass and map of the local area
Portable battery pack for electronics
Compass and map of the local area
Portable battery pack for electronics
8. Miscellaneous Items
Notepad and pencil
Local area map
Local area map
9. Special Items for Children, Pets, or Others with Special Needs (if applicable)
Diapers, baby formula, baby wipes if you have young children
Pet food, leash, and collapsible water bowl for pets + documentation of vaccines
Pet food, leash, and collapsible water bowl for pets + documentation of vaccines
Checklist Notes
Review and refresh: Check items regularly to replace expired food, batteries, and personal items.
Practice: When all else fails, you will fall back on what you know. Familiarize yourself with using each item and rehearse emergency plans.
Practice: When all else fails, you will fall back on what you know. Familiarize yourself with using each item and rehearse emergency plans.