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Tuesday, 11 September 2018 16:38

Northampton opening shelters Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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Northampton County will open emergency shelters at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The notice comes ahead of the approach of Hurricane Florence.

Shelter facilities are located at:

  • The Wellness Center 9536 NC 305 Highway, Jackson, NC  27845
  • Northampton County High School, 152 Hurricane Drive, Gaston, NC  27832
  • Conway Middle School, 400 East Main Street, Conway, NC  27820

Being prepared and taking some personal items makes the stay in a shelter a little more comfortable, the county said in a statement.

Each individual should prepare a go-bag to carry with them.  

Items to bring include:

  • Non-perishable food.  The shelter may provide food.  If you want comfort food or you are on a special diet, you should bring your own food.
  • Child care essentials:  Those with infants should bring disposable diapers, non-refrigerated formula and baby food, and other child-care essentials.  
  • Clothing and bedding – Bring two changes of clothing (and a used clothing bag) and all weather shoes. Bedding is not always provided. A sleeping bag, blanket and pillow will make for a more comfortable stay.
  • Personal Items – Bring toiletry/personal hygiene items with you.  Don’t forget your prescription medicines — medicines requiring refrigeration should be ice-packed.
  • Miscellaneous – Cell phone and charger, radio and flashlights are all important to have.  Bring toys, books and comfort items for children to keep them comfortable.

Not Allowed – Alcoholic beverages and weapons are not allowed in shelters.  Smoking and the use of other tobacco or vaping products is also not allowed in the shelters.

Pets are not allowed in the Northampton County shelters.  Please make accommodation of pets elsewhere. There is limited ability to accommodate pets in a separate facility for those sheltering at the Wellness Center in Jackson.  

Potentially severe weather threat imminent

The Northampton County Emergency Operations Center advises county residents to make immediate preparations for potentially severe weather resulting from Hurricane Florence.

As of 2 p.m.  Wednesday, the National Weather Service predicts Hurricane Florence will make landfall along the southeastern North Carolina coast and continue inland on a path which will impact residents in Northampton County.

Sustained subtropical tropical force winds —  25 to 40 miles per hour — from Hurricane Florence are anticipated to reach Northampton County by 8 p.m. Wednesday, strengthening to tropical storm force winds — 40-75 — miles per hour by 8 a.m., Thursday.

Winds are forecast to remain strong through the day and into the night.

Rainfall in Northampton County from Hurricane Florence is forecast to be 10 to 15 inches and may be locally heavier.

The Northampton County Emergency Operations Center advises residents living in low-lying areas subject to flooding and those living in mobile homes susceptible to wind damage to seek shelter in more substantial structures.   

Senior citizens, those with small children and those who have special care needs should consider relocating to a secure location.  

County state of emergency

Robert Carter, chairman of the Northampton County Board of Commissioners, has issued a Proclamation of a County State of Emergency effective 2:30 p.m. today and continuing until such time as the proclamation is lifted.

At present, the Proclamation of a County State of Emergency marshals the manpower and resources of Northampton County to coordinate and prepare for potentially adverse weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Florence, and positions county government to most effectively coordinate emergency preparedness and response efforts with agencies of the state and federal governments.

Updated closings

District court in Bertie and Hertford counties has been cancelled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Criminal and civil courts for Halifax and Northampton counties are closed Thursday and Friday.

Cornerstone Christian will close at noon Wednesday and will be closed Thursday and Friday.

The doors of the post offices in Roanoke Rapids, Gaston and Garysburg will be closed when the window areas are closed and open when the window areas are open.

This DMV office at Highway 125 and Three Bridges Road in Roanoke Rapids will close at noon Wednesday and will remain closed until further notice.

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