Hurricane Preparedness
Don’t get blown off course - be storm ready
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Hurricanes in Raleigh?
No, we aren’t talking about the hockey team! Hurricane season takes place annually from June 1 – November 30 and while Raleigh is located in a central region of North Carolina, tropical weather can significantly impact the area.
Being prepared for this season is important, so make sure time to review your emergency plan, stock up on essentials, and stay informed about weather alerts.
Know the Lingo
| Hurricane-Related Term | Definition from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) |
|---|---|
| Tropical Depression | A tropical cyclone in which the maximum 1-minute sustained surface wind is 33 knots (38 mph) or less. |
| Tropical Storm | A tropical cyclone in which the maximum 1-minute sustained surface wind ranges from 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph) inclusive. |
| Hurricane | A tropical cyclone in the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or eastern Pacific, which the maximum 1-minute sustained surface wind is 64 knots (74 mph) or greater. |
| Hurricane Watch | An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. |
| Hurricane Warning | An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force. |
Notifications and Alerts
National Agencies and Organizations
- Download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app to receive real-time alerts
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency alerts that can be sent to any WEA-enabled mobile device in a locally targeted area
- The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that allows the president to address the nation within 10 minutes during a national emergency
- NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office based on your physical location
North Carolina
- Identify your County Emergency Management Agency to stay informed
- NC State students should sign up for WolfAlert to be notified of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to its health or safety
Preparedness Checklist
Before the Storm
- Charge all devices + power banks
- If you have a car, fill up your gas tank
- Freeze water bottles (keeps food cold longer if power goes out)
- Fill sinks/tubs with water ahead of time in case water service is interrupted
- Stock up on food, water, and supplies
- Gather important documents + put them in waterproof bags
- Clear your porch/balcony of anything that could blow away
- Know your evacuation route & nearest shelter
During the Storm
- Stay indoors, away from windows, ideally in an interior room or hallway
- Use flashlights, not candles to avoid fire hazards
- Keep weather radio on for updates
- Conserve phone battery
- Don’t go outside to “check conditions” until officials say it’s safe
- Keep pets inside and secured during the storm
- Have snacks, water, and essential meds with you in your safe space
- Stay in contact with roommates/friends so people know you’re safe
- Stay calm and patient—storms can last many hours
After the Storm
- Avoid walking/driving through flood water.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Use texts/social media instead of calls (saves battery, networks less clogged).
- Follow university + local government updates before leaving home.
- Don’t use candles for light—use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to avoid fire hazards.
- Document any damage to your apartment/home with photos and videos for your landlord or renter’s insurance.
- Limit travel until roads are declared safe; traffic lights and stop signs may be out.
- Check on roommates, neighbors, and friends—especially if they are new to the area or without transportation.
Emergency Support Resources
- North Carolina Department of Public Safety: Answers questions about hurricane relief efforts, including what to do if you cannot reach a loved one, need emergency rescue, or want to track the situation in your area.
- American Red Cross: Offers disaster relief and support services.
- Disaster Assistance: Helps with housing, food and financial relief.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Those dealing with the impacts of the hurricane can call 1-800-985-5990 for emotional support.
- NC Disaster Information Center: N.C. Cooperative Extension is here to help you with information on what you need to do to recover from the effects of natural disasters.
- Shelters: Find nearby shelters and other forms of emergency housing.
- Live Traffic Updates and Road Conditions: Check current conditions before traveling.
- North Carolina Emergency Management: Tracks local responses to the hurricane.
- Power Outages: Information on local outages and restoration times.
Create a Hurricane Emergency Kit
- $5 | Water – 1 gallon per person per day (24-pack of bottled water is a good start)
- $12 – $15 | Non-perishable food (3 days) – peanut butter, protein/granola bars, jerky, canned beans/soup/tuna/chicken, crackers
- $10 – $15 | Flashlight + extra batteries – LED is best
- $15 – $20 | Portable phone charger (power bank) – fully charged before the storm
- $8 – $10 | Basic first aid kit + personal meds – bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, prescriptions
- $5 – $8 | Hygiene supplies – wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products
- $10 | Budget-friendly NOAA weather radio – reliable storm updates if cell towers go down.
Bonus Items (Highly Recommended)
- Important documents (in a waterproof bag) – driver’s license, student ID, health insurance, lease, financial aid info, emergency contacts
- Rain poncho/sturdy shoes/socks – in case of flooding or evacuations
- Whistle – to signal for help if needed
- Paper map of your area – backup if GPS isn’t available
- Extra clothes + blanket – for warmth if the power goes out.
Additional Links and Information
- American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Resources
- How to Prepare for a Hurricane from FEMA
- North Carolina Hurricane Guide from the NC Department of Public Safety
- Hurricane Preparedness from NC State’s Emergency Management and Mission Continuity
- NC Disaster Information Center through NC State Extension