City of Salisbury begins preparation for Hurricane Florence impacts

The City of Salisbury has started its initial preparation for impacts from Hurricane Florence scheduled to impact the region later this week.

Storm preparation began today with a meeting of weather-essential personnel. Street and stormwater services provided staff with updated personnel rosters, storm drain and catch basin clearing assignments, and equipment lists. 

In preparation for the impending storm, the City of Salisbury recently completed and implemented the following:

• Trucks and equipment have been checked and repaired, if needed.
• Chain saws have been sharpened, oiled and tested.
• Plans have been made to adjust employee schedules to assure continuous staffing throughout the events. Additional staffing from other departments are on standby and ready to help if needed.
• Essential staff will report to work as the storm approaches to begin monitoring the “Street” radio channel for road conditions. 
• Emergency Management, Fire, Police and Public Services personnel will continue to monitor the weather. Predictions are varying as to the impact of the storm.

According to public services, the removal of downed trees will start with emergency and primary routes, then secondary routes.

Residents are reminded to follow suggestions about weather preparedness at readyrowan.org, or on the Salisbury website at www.salisburync.gov/hurricane in the event of the need to remain at home for a prolonged period of time or an extended loss of power. 

Suggested preparation includes:

• Maintain at least 72 hours worth of non-perishable food per person. That is, food that does not need to be heated or refrigerated. 
• Have at least one gallon of water per person, per day. 
• Keep limbs and yard waste debris placed out for collection behind curbs.  
• Remove any debris along curb lines and on top of stormdrain grates near their homes before the storm starts.   
• A battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries will also come in handy. You will be able to monitor weather and road conditions through radio reports from local media.
• Be sure to fill any prescriptions you may need in advance, as well as extra diapers for the little ones. 
• If you do lose power, DO NOT bring charcoal grills or generators in to your home or the garage. Both of these items produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, which can be deadly when used in enclosed spaces.

 For up-to-date information on the storm in the City of Salisbury via text message, please sign up for Nixle notification alerts on nixle.com or text the word SALISBURY to 888-777, or follow the City of Salisbury on Twitter at @CitySalisburyNC, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CitySalisburyNC. Use the hashtag #FlorenceRoCo.