Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2022 UCW 33 Get ready for another busy hurricane season a STAFF REPORT e Atlantic Hurricane Season started June 1 and is expected to be an active one, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- tration. As Hurricane Ian demonstrated last week, weather events can have wide- spread effects across the region. e American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina urges everyone who lives in hurricane prone areas to make their preparations and is calling for more people to volunteer to respond to these emergencies. For the seventh consecutive year, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is predicting above-average Atlantic hurricane activity, continuing the trend of more frequent and intense climate-driven disasters. e forecast calls for 14 to 21 named storms, of which 6 to 10 could become hurri- canes, including 3 to 6 major hur- ricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher. HOW TO GET READY Just follow these steps to help make sure your family is ready to either evacuate or hunker down if a storm threatens your community. •First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency or if you need to evacuate. •Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. •Stay informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get impor- tant information, such as evacuation orders. •Download the free Red Cross Emergency app to have severe weath- er safety information right at your fin- gertips. e Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts and tips on how to stay safe during severe weather and countless other emergencies. Search "American Red Cross" in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED e relentless pace of severe disasters has created additional and ongoing emergency needs, especially for families who have been displaced year after year by extreme weather events. As the growing number of climate disasters threatens lives on a near-constant basis, the Red Cross is growing our volunteer capacity to respond to these emergencies. e need to help during disasters has never been greater. Volunteers can join the team to help provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org to sign up now. ese are the most-needed disaster volunteer positions: •SHELTER SUPPORT: Help at a shelter during a large disaster by welcoming and registering residents, serving meals, setting up cots, distrib- uting blankets and personal hygiene kits, and providing information and other assistance to people in need. •HEALTH SERVICES: Use your professional skills as a licensed health care provider to deliver hands-on support, including care and education to people staying at a shelter during a large disaster. Qualified licenses in- clude RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP and APRN. •DISASTER ACTION TEAM: While big hurricanes get the most news coverage, smaller disasters such as home fires are no less devastating to those affected. Join your local Disaster Action Team to help families in need by providing food, lodging, comfort, recovery assistance and other sup- port. RED CROSS READY During hurricane season, the Red Cross tries to make sure help is avail- able to anyone left in need by a di- saster. ese efforts include updating response plans in coordination with local partners, refreshing a stock of relief supplies including cots, blankets and cleaning supplies, and recruiting and training new volunteers. e Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. It is vital for people who could be affected by these storms get ready and stay ready. Follow Us Today! Stay up to date on all the Up & Coming Events in Cumberland County and surrounding areas! LIKE FEATURE