With Hurricane Florence bearing down on North Carolina, Orange County has now officially declared a state of emergency. UNC-Chapel Hill will be closed after 5 p.m. Tuesday and several athletic events, including UNC football’s home opener against UCF, have already been canceled.

We’ll keep you updated on closings, cancellations, and delays, but it’s a safe bet to assume that events on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday are not going to happen.

As you begin to prepare for Hurricane Florence, here are the essentials you should keep in mind:

  • 7 gallons of water per person
  • 7 days worth of non-perishable food (canned food, anything you don’t have to cook… think about apples and oranges too, they don’t go bad right away)
  • Food and water for pets!
  • Manual can opener
  • Flashlight, radio, and batteries
  • Cell phone with charger
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (for pets too!). Don’t forget extra contact lenses.
  • Baby items
  • Sun screen and bug spray
  • Garbage bags
  • Hand sanitizer or hand wipes
  • Change of clothes (sturdy shoes!)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Toiletries: toilet paper, paper towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hygiene products
  • Have a zipped waterproof bag and put copies of your important documents in it (IDs and insurance forms, immunization records for pets)
  • Extra cash
  • Generator
  • For pets: collar, leash, ID tags, medicine, toys, carrier, muzzle if needed, current photos if they get lost
  • Fill your gas tank

Most importantly, HAVE A PLAN! If there’s a hurricane warning, take shelter – in a room without windows if possible. Secure any loose items outside. Evacuate if told to do so and stay tuned to emergency information and alerts.

Follow 97.9 The Hill WCHL on Twitter and Facebook to stay tuned for the latest information.

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