Lenoir County Emergency Services Deputy Director Dustin Burkett and Lenoir County Sheriff's Office Maj. Ryan Dawson work inside Lenoir County Emergency Services office as they monitor Hurricane Dorian on Wednesday. Janet Sutton / Neuse News

By Janet Sutton

Being informed, preparing and focusing on safety is essential to surviving a life-threatening storm. As Hurricane Dorian approaches North Carolina, Kinston and Lenoir County Emergency Management are being proactive.

"Take heed to the warnings,” said Dustin Burkett, Lenoir County Emergency Services Deputy Director.

To ensure accurate information is provided in a timely manner, Burkett and his staff have implemented the Swift 911 notification system. The system sends a voice call to a home or mobile number, along with text messages and emails regarding public safety alerts and emergency notices.

"Everyone of us in this field has the common goal of taking care of the citizens and the patrons and the first responders," Burkett said.

In addition to this resource, officials and numerous public service employees were doing their part stocking supplies, fueling response vehicles and placing warning signs in areas prone to flooding.

Hurricane Dorian - currently a category 2 hurricane - is forecast to reach Lenoir County within 24 to 48 hours, producing heavy rain and high winds with possible flash flooding. 

"We encourage people if you're not ready to go ahead and get prepared," said Lenoir County Sheriff Ronnie Ingram.

The National Hurricane Survival Initiative suggests stocking six basic supplies: water, food, first aid, clothing and bedding, tools and any special items. Having these supplies and any important documents accessible can save a significant amount of time if a person has to leave their home at a moments notice.

With the possibility of utility outages, households should keep at least a 3 day supply of water per person for food preparation and sanitation. Along with making hurricane preparedness kits, residents should stay off roads and seek adequate shelter during a storm.  

For those who don’t feel safe waiting out the storm at their home, an emergency shelter for people and their companion pets will open at 7 am on Thursday at Lenoir Community College. Those staying at the shelter can bring pillows, blankets, basic necessities and medications for themselves and their pets. Nursing staff and comfort items will be available to those who need it.

Officials advise residents not to use electricity in or around water and don't use generators inside your home due to harmful fumes. In September of 2018,  a 68-year-old Lenoir County man was electrocuted while attempting to connect two extension cords in the rain during Hurricane Florence, while a 77-year-old man died after being knocked down by the wind. 

Although the storm is not currently expected to impact the area as intensely as Hurricanes Matthew or Florence, any severe storm warning should be taken seriously. 

'We've been through it before and everybody is prepared and knows what to do," Sheriff Ingram said. "We're ready; just ready and waiting."