From flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes to winter storms, our area experiences all types of severe weather throughout the year. And as we all know, it can happen at any time. To make sure you and your family remain safe,
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is sharing important information and tips during
North Carolina Severe Weather Preparedness Week (March 6-12).
Here are some important facts to keep you in the know:
According to the National Weather Service, North Carolina experiences about 40 thunderstorm days per year, 10 percent are classified as severe.
Severe thunderstorms are defined by one of the following: produces hail at least an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or stronger, or produces a tornado.
Frequent lightning and flooding are not considered severe weather but can be just as dangerous.
A weather “Watch” means conditions are favorable to severe weather and be on the lookout for changing weather conditions. A weather “Warning” means severe weather is imitate or is currently happening, take cover.
Be prepared for severe weather by participating in this year’s
statewide tornado drill on March 9.
Flood Safety Tips
Flooding is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s biggest natural threat. While it can occur during any season, there is an increased chance during warmer weather. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the chance of flooding:
Know the types of flood risk in your area (flash flooding, river flooding etc.). Remember, flooding can happen anywhere, even outside of a
floodplain.
Make a plan for your household so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding.
Purchase flood insurance. Traditional homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program is available to all (even if you don’t live in a floodplain). Please remember, there is typically a 30-day waiting period after you purchase. Learn more at
Floodsmart.gov.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Six inches of rushing water can knock a person over and just a foot of rushing water can carry away a car.
- Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
More flood safety tips available at
Ready.gov.
Sign Up for CharMeck Alerts
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office provides timely and accurate emergency information, including updates on flooding, through its
CharMeck Alerts Notification System. You can choose what types of alerts you would like to receive and how you would like to receive them, whether via phone call, text, push notification or email. Alerts are geographically targeted and include options for both emergency alerts and non-emergency alerts related to local government services.
Learn more about ways to prepare for severe weather by following Storm Water Services on
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Twitter.