Hurricane Preparation
🌀 About Hurricanes
Hurricanes and tropical storms affect more than just coastal regions. Inland communities can also experience flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes. The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June to November. Watches are issued when hurricane-force winds could occur, while warnings are given when such winds are anticipated.
2025 Hurricane Season Outlook
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service predicts a 60% chance of a above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity, ranging from 13 to 19 total named storms this season. Read the full press release and watch the NOAA press conference for more details about the forecasts and improved communication tools this season.
âś… Prepare
As the skies are blue, it is important to begin preparing now so you are better prepared before and after a storm.
Build a Kit
Create or update an emergency kit. Include important documents, medications, food and water for each family member, pet supplies, cash, and a first aid kit.
Visit the American Red Cross, FEMA, or ReadyNC websites for a list of items to include in your kit and view NC VOAD’s Preparation Checklist for Older Adults (Spanish PDF).
Evacuation Routes
Know where your local emergency shelters are located and what the evacuation routes are for your area. The NC Department of Public Safety created Know Your Zone, a map that shows evacuation zones where you live and which areas are vulnerable to hurricanes and other hazards.
Learn more at ReadyNC.gov and Ready.gov.
Communications Plan
Discuss an emergency plan with your family. Include a list of emergency contacts, set meet-up locations, know your evacuation routes, and make arrangements for your pets.
Develop a local church disaster plan to ensure your church is prepared for disasters. Compile important documents, establish calling trees, establish a communications plan, and ensure staff members know their responsibilities for preparation and assessment.
Stay up to date with severe weather updates and information from emergency officials. For more information on emergency alerts, visit ReadyNC.gov or ncdps.gov. For the latest weather updates, view the National Weather Service websites for Morehead City, Raleigh, and Wilmington.
Prepare Your Home & Church
Be sure to secure loose items outside and weatherize the building.
Watch a Video on How to Protect Your Home from Flood Damage (FLASH)→
Check to see if your insurance policy is active, what it covers, how to file storm damage claims, and what information is needed during the “off-season” to be better prepared for a storm. Be sure to take an inventory of your home and church to document items and their conditions in case of damage.
If there is any damage to the church property or parsonages, contact your District Superintendent and District Disaster Response Coordinator.
Connecting Neighbors
Learn how to prepare your home, church, and community for disasters. Contact 888-440-9167 or disaster@nccumc.org to schedule a Connecting Neighbors training at your church!
đź“ž What To Do When Disaster Strikes
An overview of what to do if a disaster impacts your church or community.
Your Church
- Activate your church disaster plan
- Contact your District Superintendent and District Disaster Response Coordinator
- Contact the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator at 888-440-9167
Your Community
- Contact your District Superintendent and District Disaster Response Coordinator
- Contact the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator at 888-440-9167
- Activate your church disaster plan
- Deploy volunteers per church plan and training
Another Community in Your District
- Contact your District Disaster Response Coordinator and the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
- Check the conference website for updates and instructions
- If members of your church are Early Response Team certified, they will receive email updates and deployment instructions (please do not self-deploy)
Our Conference and Beyond
- Check the conference website for updates and instructions
- If members of your church are Early Response Team certified, they will receive email updates and deployment instructions (please do not self-deploy)
- Make a donation to the NC Conference Disaster Fund
đź“Ž Resources
View our preparation page for more resources on individual and church preparation.