Summertime is right around the corner and many North Carolinians are looking forward to spending sunny days with their toes in the sand and a fresh lemonade in hand. Although summer brings fun-filled days, severe weather can quickly put a damper on plans.

Northampton County Emergency Management urges residents to participate in Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 7-13, by updating their emergency plans and supplies kit.

Many counties are still recovering from Hurricane Matthew’s impacts that caused billions in damage. That devastation reminds us that it only takes one storm to cause severe impacts and that no county is immune to the disastrous effects from these storms.

For families, as well as communities, being prepared could mean the difference between being a hurricane victim or a hurricane survivor. It is vital for everyone to have an emergency plan in place before a storm threatens Northampton County. Northampton County Emergency Management urges residents to take the time to write down your hurricane plan and update your emergency supplies kit with enough non-perishable food and water to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Kits should also include:

First-aid kit

Weather radio and batteries

Prescription medicines

Sleeping bag or blankets

Changes of clothes

Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant

Cash

Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records

Stay informed when severe weather strikes by tuning in to local news or listening to a NOAA Weather Radio. Stay alert for evacuation information and know evacuation routes in your community. Heed the warnings from state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so.

More information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness can be found on www.ReadyNC.org. Northampton County emergency officials also urge residents to download the free ReadyNC mobile app, which provides up-to-date weather and traffic conditions for North Carolina.