New Hanover Disaster Coalition to host preparedness expo ahead of hurricane season

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover Disaster Coalition is encouraging residents to begin preparing for hurricane season ahead of a community preparedness event this weekend.

The group will host a Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday, May 16, at the Skyline Center in Wilmington.

Organizers say the event will connect residents with emergency management agencies, local organizations, and preparedness resources focused on severe weather and disaster planning.

Craig Harris, the Emergency Management and Resiliency Coordinator for the City of Wilmington, said the expo is intended to help people better understand how to respond throughout every stage of a storm.

“The event is really to help people get more prepared before the storm, during the storm, and after the storm,” Harris said.

Janel Washington, director of the New Hanover Disaster Coalition, said residents should begin organizing critical records and materials now instead of waiting until a storm is imminent.

“It’s gather documents — that’s a big thing that we try to educate — is to go ahead and gather your important documents,” Washington said.

Harris also encouraged families to review emergency supply needs and preparedness plans for their homes and pets.

“Now is the time to get those checklist together to make sure you got the thing you need for your house, for your home, for your family, and for your pet,” Harris said.

The Disaster Preparedness Expo is open to the public.