Local
Warren County Emergency Services Promotes September as Preparedness Month
Emergency Services urges residents to be aware and prepared
September is Preparedness Month in North Carolina and Warren County Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents and businesses to be prepared for any disaster by reviewing their emergency plans and updating their emergency supply kits.
“We all need to be prepared for any event, whether it’s a manmade emergency or a weather event, and the best way to do that is to begin with an emergency plan and putting together a supply kit that will help you and your loved ones survive for three to seven days without assistance,” said Chris Tucker, County Emergency Manager. “If you have a family emergency plan and practice it, the chances of your family surviving a disaster increases exponentially, add an up-to-date emergency supply kit and your chances increase even more. Being flexible and able to respond quickly in an emergency is important and the best way to do that is to be prepared and practice your plan and have contingency so you can pivot if needed.”
Warren County Emergency Services encourages residents, schools and business owners to make an emergency plan and practice it routinely with other household members, staff or employees. The plan should include details about where to meet, how to get in touch with one another, evacuation plans, what to do with pets and how to notify employees after an emergency.
“It’s important to include a place to go in your plan should you need to evacuate, such as staying with family, friends or at a hotel; A shelter should be a plan of last resort,” Chris Tucker said. “Be sure to have weather-appropriate clothing in your emergency supply kit, and that everything is up to date, such as fresh batteries. Check to be sure any food is still good and include items needed for survival regardless of the emergency.”
Basic items that should be in an emergency kit are:
* Water – 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
* Food – non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days
* Hand sanitizer
* Sanitizing wipes
* Battery-powered or hand crank radio and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with extra batteries
* Cell phone with charger
* First aid kit and first aid book
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Manual can opener for food
* Wrench or pliers to turn off water
* Blanket or sleeping bag – 1 per person
* Prescription medications, glasses and hearing aids
* Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
* Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies
* Extra house and car keys
* Important documents – insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, bank account records
* Fire extinguisher
* Cash and change
* Books, games or cards
Code Red
CodeRED – Seconds Count in an Emergency
Warren County has instituted the CodeRED Emergency Notification System – an ultra-high-speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications. This system allows us to telephone all or targeted areas of the County in case of an emergency situation that requires immediate action (such as a boil-water notice, missing child or evacuation notices). The system is capable of dialing 60,000 phone numbers per hour. It then delivers our recorded message to a live person or an answering machine, making three attempts to connect to any number. Get Started.
This system will only be used for emergency purposes.
Examples of times when the CodeRED system could be utilized:
* Drinking water contamination
* Bomb threat
* Chemical spill or Gas leak
* Evacuation notices and route
* Fires or Floods
* Hostage situation
* Missing person
* Other emergency incidents where rapid and accurate notification is essential for life safety
* Utility outage
For more emergency preparedness information, visit ReadyNC.gov.
Local
NCDOT Hosts Rail Outreach for Mobility Hub in Warren County
The N.C. Department of Transportation and Warren County will host a community meeting next week for the proposed Norlina Mobility Hub.
Officials will soon be developing design plans for a mobility hub that could transform Warren County.
The NC Department of Transportation and Warren County will host a community meeting next week, Tuesday, February 25 for the proposed Norlina Mobility Hub. The hub would allow people to access different modes of transportation from a central location.
“We’re excited to be working closely with Warren County residents to share information about the mobility hub project and hear how we can work together to get the community ready for rail and bring additional economic activity to the county,” said Brennon Fuqua, director of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division.
The open house will last from 5-8 p.m.at the Warren County Armory, 501 U.S. Hwy 158 Bus E. in Warrenton. People may drop in at any time. The NCDOT Rail and Integrated Mobility Divisions will update the public about the status of the S-Line program, the work done to date on the Mobility Hub Study and seek feedback. The S-Line Raleigh to Richmond Passenger Rail Project is a partnership between the NCDOT and the Virginia Rail Passenger Authority to develop an abandoned freight corridor into a future highly efficient passenger rail service. It will connect communities between Raleigh, N.C. and Richmond, V.A.
As part of the S-Line rail project, NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division is studying design options for mobility hubs in several communities, including Norlina, in Warren County.
A mobility hub is a public facility that brings together a rail station with “last=mile” transportation options, such as ride sharing, regional transportation, community amenities and other services. These hubs offer safe solutions to get off the train and use a bike, shuttle, ride sharing service or other mode to finish their trip.
To learn more about IMD and the mobility hub projects, visit NCDOT.gov. Follow Integrated Mobility on Twitter/X @NCDOT_IMD and LinkedIn at NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division.
Christopher Tucker, Emergency Services Director / CEM of the Warren County Emergency Services shares tips and advice on how to prepare for a winter storm.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE A WINTER STORM
1. Prepare Your Home and Family
Check your heating system to ensure it is functioning properly. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you have enough fuel.
Inspect your windows and doors for any drafts. Seal any gaps to keep the cold air out.
Stock up on essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, and batteries. Aim for at least a 72-hour supply.
Charge all electronic devices (phones, tablets, flashlights, etc.) to ensure they are ready in case of power outages.
Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, candles, and extra warm clothing.
Know your local emergency shelters and how to reach them in case you need to evacuate or seek refuge.
2. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Ready
Top off your gas tank to prevent your fuel line from freezing and to ensure you have enough fuel during an emergency.
Check your tires for adequate tread and proper inflation. Keep tire chains in the car if needed.
Have an emergency car kit with essentials such as a shovel, blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, jumper cables, and sand or salt for traction.
Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and top off windshield washer fluid.
3. Prepare for Snow Removal
Shovel and salt: Make sure you have a snow shovel and a bag of salt or sand to use on driveways, sidewalks, and steps. Consider using a snow blower if you have one.
Clear your gutters: Remove any leaves or debris that could prevent proper drainage, which could lead to ice buildup during the storm.
4. Stay Informed
Monitor weather updates from trusted sources, such as local news, the National Weather Service, or weather apps.
Sign up for local emergency alerts to receive real-time information and warnings about the storm.
5. Ensure the Safety of Your Pets
Bring pets indoors before the storm begins. If they must stay outside, provide proper shelter with enough warmth and protection.
Stock up on pet food to ensure you have enough for the duration of the storm.
6. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
Check on elderly or disabled neighbors to make sure they are prepared for the storm and have necessary supplies.
Offer assistance with tasks like bringing in outdoor furniture, stocking up on food, or clearing driveways if possible.
7. Prepare for Power Outages
Have alternative light sources such as flashlights and candles in case of power outages.
Unplug sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and appliances to prevent potential damage from power surges when the electricity returns.
8. Stay Off the Roads
Avoid driving during the snowstorm unless absolutely necessary. If travel is essential, take extra precautions by ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready.
9. Review Your Insurance and Property Protection
Check your insurance coverage to ensure you are protected in case of damage caused by snow and ice (e.g., roof collapse or broken pipes).
Remove or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
10. Plan Your Post-Storm Recovery
Develop a plan for post-storm cleanup. Have a plan for clearing snow, checking for potential damage, and taking care of any fallen trees or branches.
Please take these actions seriously and prepare ahead of time. By planning and acting early, we can ensure our community remains safe and resilient in the face of the upcoming winter snowstorm.
Stay safe,
Warren County Emergency Services
For more information, follow the Warren County Emergency Services Facebook page.
Culture
PHOTOS: Heritage Cultural Farm Black History Month Program
Guests were treated to a documentary showing, hot food, and a compilation of Dr. King’s speeches
During a brisk Saturday afternoon, several gathered inside a well-heated tent at the Heritage Cultural Farm for their first Black History Month program. The program featured a documentary showing that reflected African American figures and stories that have yet to reach mainstream recognition. Herman and Veronica Alston, co-owners of the Heritage Cultural Farm welcomed everyone and treated the attendees with homemade chicken soup and sausage biscuits from their friend, Larry Andrews. Andrews, a Franklin County resident enlightened attentive listeners with a compilation of Dr. MLK speeches, intertwining familiar and lesser known speeches (watch below).
For those looking for a little retail therapy, the Country Store on the property was open and filled with products derived from North Carolina producers.
The next event is scheduled for Saturday, March 1st featuring the Heritage Quilters. The local artisan group will speak about the history of quilting.
The Heritage Cultural Farm is located at 102 Clint Street in Warrenton, NC.
VIDEO: Larry Andrews recites Dr. MLK speeches
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