Fire Officials Reinforce Severe Weather Preparedness After Recent Flooding

CLAYTON – Recent flooding that caused major damage across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, offered a powerful reminder of just how quickly severe weather can turn dangerous. The Clayton Fire Department is emphasizing the importance of being prepared now before the next storm hits.

Captain Bryan Belvin, Community Risk Reduction Specialist, says families should take time now to review their emergency plans and make sure everyone knows what to do.

“Make sure everything is organized before a storm strikes,” said Belvin. “Know what to grab and where to go. That way, you are not rushing or guessing when time really matters.”

Being prepared matters even more when children are involved, Belvin stressed, because they may not fully understand what is happening during an emergency.

“If you talk about your plan and practice it with them, they are more likely to stay calm during an emergency,” he explained.

To help put that plan into action, families should also prepare a basic emergency kit. It should include nonperishable food, drinking water, a flashlight, batteries, and necessary medications. Belvin said these items should be kept together in one place, like a backpack or tote bag, that you can easily grab if you need to leave quickly.

“You may not be able to cook or get out of your home if the power is out or roads are blocked,” Belvin said. “First responders will be doing everything they can, but if we cannot get to you right away, we want you to have what you need to stay safe until we can.”

Severe weather can also bring hidden dangers like fallen trees, downed power lines, and fast-moving floodwater that can appear suddenly. Belvin said the best thing to do during such conditions is to stay inside, stay alert, and avoid any areas that may be unsafe.

“That is why we always say, turn around, do not drown. It only takes a few inches of water to sweep a car off the road or knock someone off their feet,” he said. “Water seems fun and harmless. We swim in it. We enjoy it during the summer. But when it comes to flooding, we cannot control it. It is one of the most powerful and dangerous things we deal with.”

Because of these risks, Captain Belvin also urged everyone to heed weather alerts and warnings.