May 5-11 is Hurricane Preparedness Week, and Union Power Cooperative encourages all its members to be proactive and prepare now for storms and severe weather.

North Carolina is one of the leading states for overall damage from hurricanes, and any part of our state can be impacted by these storms, not just the coast. Many individuals and communities in North Carolina are still recovering from the devastating effects of past storms including Florence, Michael, and Matthew.

Before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, take time to recognize the importance of hurricane planning and take steps to get ready. Here are some simple things you can do now to prepare:

• Outline a communication and evacuation plan for your family. If you have pets or any livestock, include them in your plan.
• Create an emergency kit that includes:
  • Important documents sealed in a watertight plastic bag
  • Cash
  • Enough non-perishable food, water, and medication for at least three days
  • First-aid kit
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Extra clothes and blankets
  • Food and other supplies for pets
• Connect with us online or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed about weather, outages and other information. Keep our outage reporting number handy: 800-794-4423.
• Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings. You can also visit ReadyNC.org or download the free ReadyNC app for tips for preparing for natural disasters, as well as real-time weather and traffic information.