Officials monitoring storm, urging residents to be prepared

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It is not time to panic, but it is time to start getting prepared for the possibility of hurricane or tropical storm impacts.

EMS officials throughout the Cape Fear are on alert watching Hurricane Matthew closely.

“Hurricane Matthew is a pretty large storm right now and it is a category 4 storm,” Brunswick County deputy EMS director Scott Garner said.

Garner said while the track is still uncertain, Hurricane Matthew is something to pay close attention to.

“While there is some weakening projected over the next few days, it is not one to take lightly,” Garner said.

Garner said this is the time to get your family plan together and have your ready kit on standby.

“Everyone should have a kit to be able to keep themselves prepared for 3-5 days making sure that you’ve got water, non-perishable items, ways to open that food,” Garner said.

If you are not sure what all you need or where the closest shelter is to you once a storm hits, there is an app for that.

“It’s called Ready NC,” Garner said. “That app will allow you to get current information as far as what shelters are open in your area as well as road closures that are reported through DOT and power outages.”

A spokesman for New Hanover County EMS said they are also monitoring the storm closely and checking in with the National Weather Service for constant updates.

The Town of Surf City has been monitoring the storm closely as well. A town spokesman is giving updates on their Facebook page along with tips for residents.

The Pender County Office of Emergency Management urges residents to take protective actions as Hurricane Matthew approaches the region.

“We don’t know how this storm will track, but we are being proactive and preparing for high winds, coastal flooding and heavy rains,” Pender County Emergency Manager Tom Collins said.