Governor Stein Urges North Carolinians to Prepare for 2026 Hurricane Season

North Carolina Gears Up for the 2026 Hurricane Season with Emphasis on Preparedness

As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season commences, North Carolina’s residents are urged to brace for potential storms despite forecasts suggesting a below-average season. Governor Josh Stein has emphasized the importance of preparation, noting that even a single hurricane can significantly impact the state.

Governor Josh Stein stressed, “Hurricane season brings real uncertainty for families across the state. I encourage all North Carolinians to make a plan now to keep themselves and their families safe in case of a storm.” He highlighted the state’s proactive measures, including monitoring forecasts and updating response plans in collaboration with federal and local partners.

The State Emergency Response Team has been actively preparing by learning from past experiences, refining response strategies, engaging with various stakeholders, and running drills such as the recent Statewide Hurricane Exercise. While these initiatives are in motion, residents are also encouraged to prepare individually ahead of any potential impact.

NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray stated, “Preparation is the key to resilience during hurricane season. We encourage all North Carolinians to take time to develop plans and take proactive steps with their loved ones before a storm impacts our state.”

Residents are advised to develop evacuation plans, secure important documents, and review insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage. This includes maintaining home and flood insurance to facilitate recovery after a disaster.

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered radio, and necessary medications.

Consider specific needs of babies, the elderly, or disabled family members, as well as pets.

Ensure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings, including weather alert apps and NOAA Weather Radio.

Establish an emergency evacuation plan, including communication strategies and secure copies of important documents.

Document personal belongings with photos and videos for insurance purposes.

Arrange a hurricane season check-up with your insurance agent to understand your coverage.

Learn how to safely shut off utilities, but refrain from turning the gas back on yourself; always consult a professional.

If living or visiting coastal areas, familiarize yourself with local evacuation zones by visiting KnowYourZone.NC.Gov.

Utilize the NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) to monitor flood gauges and receive alerts by visiting Fiman.NC.Gov.

Community Involvement and Resources

Understand emergency plans for children’s schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Participate in community preparedness drills.

Join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for disaster preparedness training.

Engage with the NC Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster for community support opportunities at ncvoad.org.

For more comprehensive information on hurricane preparedness, visit ReadyNC.Gov.