Henderson County will host a live streaming community briefing on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00am in the Commissioners' meeting room at the Historic Courthouse. This briefing will provide the community with information on preparation efforts related to Hurricane Florence, advise the citizens on steps they should be taking, and answer questions. On the panel providing information will be representatives from: Henderson County Emergency Management, Pardee Hospital, Park Ridge Hospital, Duke Energy, the Red Cross, the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, and Henderson County Public Schools.

The website to view the live stream is www.hendersoncountync.gov. The press is encouraged to attend, to help disseminate this important information throughout the community. County Manager Steve Wyatt stated that “although the forecast for our area has improved somewhat, do not take this as a sign to let your guard down. Be prepared, stay vigilant, and watch out for your neighbors.” To that point, the County Manager declared a State of Emergency in Henderson County effective at 6:00pm on Thursday, September 13, 2018. Citizens should prepare their homes and families for the negative effects of this tropical system by:

• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with limited warning.

• Be aware of roads that normally flood and plan an alternate route around those areas, do not drive through flooded roadways. “Turn Around Don’t Drown”

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit including water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, sanitation supplies, tools, medications, oxygen and special needs items.

• Power outages could be extensive for several days, store enough water and food that doesn’t require preparation for several days.

• More information about disaster preparedness can be found at www.readync.org Henderson County residents and visitors should register for Henderson County’s emergency alert system “Nixle” by texting their zip code to 888777 or by visiting www.nixle.com

Emergency information can also be found on the County’s website at https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/