If you plan to ride out the storm in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications.

Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home.

You’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days.

The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane.

Find out today what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing now for how to handle them. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem.

The week of May 9-15 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur without it being a major hurricane.

The first step in making sure that you and your family are prepared for severe weather is pledging to prepare. This includes developing a family emergency and communications plan.

Flash flooding in North Carolina usually occurs when a large amount of rain falls in an area over a short period of time.

Each year in the United States, more than 400 people are struck by lightning.

When your area is under a tornado warning, or if you see a tornado approaching, you should seek shelter immediately!