By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — When a hurricane is headed our way, the last think you should do is rush to the store and panic buy your supplies.
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Plus, every storm is different and every storm can impact different areas (and you) differently.
“Go ahead and prepare now,” said Autumn Miller with Wake County Emergency Management. “If you have a kit at home, whether it’s a severe thunderstorm that unexpectantly takes out power or a hurricane we know is headed our way, you’ll be ready. You don’t have to be stressed or be worried.”
Miller emphasized having an emergency kit with food and water for both you and your pets, as well as records of all medications and insurance, is just the start.
In a world where we are connected instantly through phones and social media, your way of living is going to change quickly after a natural disaster.
“Doordash and Amazon are not delivering to you during an emergency,” she said. “Grocery stores might be closed and if the internet is down, your credit cards, debit cards and ApplePay on your phone don’t work.”
This means keeping cash on hand, having a hand crank radio, and adapting to how to live without our normal conveniences.
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Miller knows this firsthand because growing up, she remembers what life was like after Hurricane Fran. She understands being prepared before a big storm makes all the difference.
“Life without power for two weeks can look like is not glamorous,” she said. “It’s better to be prepared now then to find yourself in the trenches and wish you had some baby wipes and water on hand.”
Whether it’s flooding, downed trees and powerlines, or tornadoes, being ready for any threat is the best way to keep you and your family safe.
It’s also important to do an insurance checkup to see if you may need flood insurance. If you do, purchase it now because it takes 30 days to be active.
Find more on what you should put in your kit by visiting the Wake County Emergency Management website here.
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