Union County, NC
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The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. While most people think only coastal regions are susceptible to damage, inland areas such as Union County often see high winds, flooding and even tornadoes that result when a hurricane moves through the area. This list of resources will help residents and businesses stay safe during hurricane season and throughout the year.
Make a Plan
Before hurricane season begins, make a plan to ensure your family's safety. Take time to understand what hurricane watches and warnings mean, sign up for local community alerts to stay well-informed, and prepare your property for potential storm impact.
Action Items:
- Sign up for UC Alerts to get real-time notifications in the event of an emergency or severe weather.
- Determine an evacuation route(s), learn where shelters are and pack a "go bag."
- Learn whether your home is in a flood zone by going to our GIS and Mapping page and reviewing the county map. To see the flood zones, go to Map Layers > Natural > 2014 FEMA Zones to turn on the flood zone layer.
- Review your insurance policies, create an inventory of your belongings, and take photos of your home and possessions. Back this information up so you can access these items electronically.
- If you or your loved ones have a disability, make sure to review our preparedness page for people with functional needs.
- Protect your property by installing sewer backflow valves, anchoring fuel tanks and preparing your well.
- Place any important documents in a waterproof container to help keep them dry and easily accessible.
- Have an evacuation plan for your pet and ensure your pet is microchipped.
- Ensure your electronic devices, especially your cell phone(s), are fully charged. Keep a back-up power source charged as well.
- Download the Union County Sheriff's Office free smartphone application to stay informed about local conditions and traffic delays (Apple/iOS | Android).
Build a Kit
Build an emergency kit with enough supplies to last for three to seven days. Make sure to include prescription medication, extra eyeglasses, your cell phone and charger, food for your pet(s), flashlight, and extra batteries.
Action Items:
- Build an emergency kit.
- Gather emergency items for your pet(s).
- Bookmark our Numbers to Know page in case you need to contact any of the utilities and other service providers after the storm.
Be Informed
Stay tuned to local authorities before and after the storm for information about weather forecasts, shelter operations and directions for returning to evacuated areas.
Action Items:
- Sign up for UC Alerts to get real-time notifications in the event of an emergency or severe weather.
- Find opportunities to get or give help after a storm by visiting the UC CARES page on our website.
- Follow Union County Government on social media for local updates: Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and Nextdoor.
- Download the Union County Sheriff's Office app:
Hurricane Resources
Local Resources
- Numbers to Know
- UC Alerts
- UC CARES
- Union County Emergency Communications
- Union County Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
- Union County Flood Zone Maps
State Resources
National Resources
- American Red Cross
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- National Weather Service
- Ready.gov: Floods
- Ready.gov: Hurricanes
- National Flood Insurance Program
- Prepare Your Pets for Disasters
- Prepare Your Business
- Turn Around, Don't Drown
- Utility shut off and safety skills
For hurricane-related disaster mental health counseling, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If you require FEMA assistance, call 1-800-621-3362.