Hurricane Season Isn’t Over Yet, Stay Ready!

By Matthew Mauzy, Chief, South Orange Rescue Squad

 

Hurricane season is winding down – and hopefully, that means no more activity like we have been seeing for the past few weeks. While we have been fairly fortunate locally, between Helene and Milton, first responders across the country have their hands full, still assessing and responding to the damage.

Several of our members were directly involved in the response to Helene in Western North Carolina. I deployed with the North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team and Assistant Chief of Technical Rescue (TRT) Joshua Asbill deployed with the Carrboro Fire Department. SORS alumni still work in emergency medicine, response and management across the region, and some of our volunteers completed technical rescue training there.

Matthew Mauzy, Chief, South Orange Rescue Squad

Hurricane Weather Beyond the Coast

If you live or grew up at the coast, you may remember Hurricane Preparedness Week. For the rest of us in central North Carolina, we’re used to having four (relatively) normal seasons. But we know that impacts from hurricanes stretch beyond the coast.

Orange County can still see flash flood events that can be dangerous, particularly in low-lying parts of the county. SORS’ TRT often responds to rescue people from flooded residential areas around the county. You can avoid that by remembering “Turn around. Don’t drown”. It doesn’t take much water to create an emergency. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 12 inches can sweep your car away.

Our area is also prone to fallen trees and downed power lines, so don’t go outside unless it is a true emergency (as in your current place of shelter is no longer safe). And Chapel Hill and Carrboro were under a tornado watch for most of the morning Helene was ravaging the mountains and ended up with two tornado warnings!

Hurricane Readiness Tips

That’s why it’s important to be prepared before a storm or emergency happens, and there are several resources available to help!

Watch v. Warning

Staying on top of the local forecast is crucial. Watches mean conditions are right for floods, wind or tornados. A warning means the event is happening now. Our colleagues at the Normal, Ill., Fire Department came up with the taco system to help you remember the difference. A taco watch means you have all the ingredients to make tacos. A taco warning means you are having tacos right now!

(image via South Orange Rescue Squad)

Hurricane Safety Tips

Once the weather arrives, take these tips to stay safe:

    • Pay attention to weather alerts.
    • Don’t wade into moving water above your ankles.
    • Don’t drive through water if you can’t see curb or road markings.
    • Avoid contact with flood and stormwater – it may contain critters, toxins and live power lines.
    • Take shelter on the lowest level during a tornado warning, away from exterior walls and windows if possible. Wear a bike or sports helmet if you have one.
    • Watch for overhead hazards like sagging roofs, downed power lines and falling debris, branches or trees.
    • Get inside a vehicle or structure during lightning storms.
    • Call 9-1-1 if you need help.

Hurricane Helene made it clear that tropical weather can have dire consequences far away from the coast. And the “hurricane season” is getting longer. This year, the National Hurricane Center extended it to November 30.

Having a hurricane plan and knowing how to avoid hazards are the best ways to stay safe.

Follow the South Orange Rescue Squad on social media for more health and safety tips!

The South Orange Dispatch is a monthly column on Chapelboro by the South Orange Rescue Squad: an all volunteer, 501c3 non-profit providing EMS and technical rescue services in the Carrboro-Chapel Hill area of Orange County since 1971.

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