News

County declares emergency, will live-stream Florence briefing

By Bill Moss, Published: September 13, 2018

Henderson County declared a state of emergency starting at 6 p.m. Thursday as first responders and other agencies make preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Florence this weekend.

The county will host a live-streaming community briefing at 11 a.m. Friday in the County Commission meeting room at the Historic Courthouse. WTZQ 1600 AM and 95.3 FM radio will also air the briefing. Officials will provide the community with information on preparation efforts related to Hurricane Florence, advise citizens on steps they should be taking, and answer questions. The panel will include officials from Henderson County Emergency Management, Pardee Hospital, Park Ridge Hospital, Duke Energy, the Red Cross, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson County Public Schools. The website to view the live stream is www.hendersoncountync.gov.

"Although the forecast for our area has improved somewhat, do not take this as a sign to let your guard down," County Manager Steve Wyatt said. "Be prepared, stay vigilant, and watch out for your neighbors.”
Citizens should prepare their homes and families for the negative effects of this tropical system by:

• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with limited warning.
• Be aware of roads that normally flood and plan an alternate route around those areas, do not drive through flooded roadways. “Turn Around Don’t Drown”
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit including water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, sanitation supplies, tools, medications, oxygen and special needs items.
• Prepare for power outages, which could be widespread and last several days. Store enough water and food that doesn’t require preparation for several days.
  More information about disaster preparedness can be found at www.readync.org

Henderson County residents and visitors should register for Henderson County’s emergency alert system “Nixle” by texting their zip code to 888777 or by visiting www.nixle.com. Emergency information can also be found https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/