Raleigh, N.C. —This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and to recognize the importance of this occasion, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives urge residents across the state to have a dependable plan in place for this year’s hurricane season.

Although no forecast is certain, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric  Administration (NOAA) predicts this hurricane season will yield 13-20 named storms, with seven to 11 of those potentially strengthening to hurricanes. Three to six of those hurricanes could be classified as “major hurricanes” with winds of 111 mph or more. The 2013 hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives encourage residents to:

• Develop an evacuation route in advance. The plan should identify the safest routes and closest shelters.
• Remember your pets when planning for possible evacuation. Not all emergency shelters allow pets. Contact your local humane society to learn which animal shelters accept pets during disasters.
• Create a family disaster supply kit and be sure to include the following: a battery operated radio, flashlights, a first aid kit, non-perishable food items, a three-day water supply, a non-electric can opener, medicines, cash and credit cards.
• Teach children to call 911 in case of an emergency. Communicate with family members to be sure they know how to respond in a storm situation.
• Know the proper way to protect your home during a storm. Measure plywood panels to use when boarding your home’s windows before the storm hits.

A reliable plan is your best defense against a major storm this season. Communicate the plan to everyone in your family and be sure to tune in to your local radio news station during a storm emergency. For more information about storm preparedness, visit www.ncelectriccooperatives.com.  North Carolina’s electric cooperatives serve more than 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties.