Local government prepares for hurricane season

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Today is the official start of the 2016 hurricane season.

The New Hanover County government marked the start of the season by hosting a countywide preparedness exercise at the county’s Emergency Operations Center.

The day-long exercise tested the county, municipalities, emergency response teams and local non-profit groups by tracking a simulated hurricane named Dave.

This training exercise takes place every year around the start of the hurricane season.

“This is all about training,” said Battalion Chief David Hines with the Wilmington Fire Department. “Being prepared. Being ready whenever the real storm comes along or a real emergency comes along.”

Hines added that the training is a community wide partnership.

Hurricane season continues through November 30.

For more information about New Hanover County Emergency Management and 911 visit em911.nhcgov.com.

Residents may sign up for emergency alerts at emergency.nhcgov.com.