Most admit they are unprepared for hurricanes

Hurricane season starts to today. Are you prepared?

Two-thirds of coastal residents surveyed in a recent poll feel no threat from storms.

The poll was released from Florida International University.

Of the 1,100 people surveyed from 18 Gulf and Atlantic coast states, more than half said they wouldn’t evacuate in a major storm unless ordered to do so, and almost half don’t know if their insurance covers storm damage.

New Hanover County Emergency Management Director Warren Lees said people’s apathy is surprising and disappointing.

“If we feel like your life is in danger if you stay here, then we are going to order an evacuation. We only do so when we feel like a storm is imminent and that it’s going to be of such a magnitude that your life could be in danger if you stayed in place,” Lee said.

There are things you can do now to prepare.
Make plans with people who live out of state if you have to evacuate.
Know the quickest route out of town, as well as an alternate route…
And have a disaster kit at home, which includes food, water, first aid supplies and other necessities.