CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Helene is expected to bring torrential rain and gusty winds to the Carolinas with the risk of flooding, especially in the mountains and foothills where over a foot of rain is possible this week.
Both North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster have declared states of emergency ahead of the storm due to potential impacts.
“It is extremely important that every North Carolinian know what to do well before, during and after a storm occurs to best mitigate any damages and loss of life,” North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey said Wednesday.
Rain will become widespread in western North Carolina and will continue for the Mountains overnight Wednesday and through most of Thursday. Cooper's office said the storm's potential risks include landslides, debris flows and flooding across western and central North Carolina.
Late Thursday night, the Red Cross confirmed it had opened multiple shelters across the western North Carolina region, including one shelter in Charlotte. Anyone who needs assistance can visit the Tuckaseegee Recreation Center, located at 4820 Tuckaseegee Road.
Ahead of the Helene's impacts, Commissioner Causey is reminding residents about what to do to be prepared before, during, and after the storm.
BEFORE:
- Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage and know exactly what your policy covers.
- Compile important documents including insurance policies, medical records and prescriptions.
- Create an inventory of items throughout your home, the more detailed the better.
- Identify hazards around your home including hanging tree branches, loose shingles and patio furniture. Make repairs or secure large objects.
- Check your emergency toolkit and to-go bag.
- Make sure you have enough water to drink, bathe with and flush toilets with in case electricity goes out.
DURING:
- Shelter in place if advised.
- Stay away from windows, glass doors and skylights.
- Find safe place in the interior of the home.
- Make sure your cell phone is charged.
- Turn off electricity if flooding becomes a threat.
- Remain indoors until officials say it is safe to go outside.
- If an evacuation is issued, do not return home until officials advise it is safe to do so.
AFTER:
- Contact homeowners' insurance company to report any losses.
- Make a list of damages and take photos before making any repairs.
- Do what your can to stop further damage.
- Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected any damage and costs have been agreed to.
For more information on how to be prepared, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Consumer Division at 1-855-408-1212.
