The Warren County Health Department, Warren County Memorial Library, and several local partners came together on May 29 to unveil a new public health initiative aimed at saving lives and promoting safety in the community.

The newspaper box-style vending machine at the library is stocked with FREE risk reduction supplies for public use, which include Naloxone (Narcan) – an opioid overdose reversal medication, Fentanyl/Xylazine testing strips, and medication lockboxes.

Watch this video to learn more about this countywide initiative to combat the opioid crisis.

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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

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.

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Duke Energy Foundation is pleased to inform you that it hereby awards Warren County Emergency Services the Duke Energy Foundation Disaster Relief, Rebuilding, and Readiness Grant Program Year 2024 award in the amount of $25,000 as part of their commitment to support disaster readiness and recovery across North Carolina.
 
Duke Energy Foundation: Disaster Relief, Rebuilding, and Readiness Grant Program
Period of Performance: 12/11/2024 to 12/31/2025
Total Amount of Award: $25,000

If you are interested in any additional information about this project, please contact Chris Tucker by calling (252) 257-1191 or email christucker@warrencountync.gov.

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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.

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