North Carolina Coast Guard units prepare for hurricane, advise public to do the same

united states coast guard 

News Release  

Originally published 9/10/18 4:22pm EST
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712
USCGHurricaneFlorence@gmail.com
5th District online newsroom

North Carolina Coast Guard units prepare for hurricane, advise public to do the same

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Coast Guard strongly encourages everyone in the Coastal North Carolina region to heed the warnings and direction of local emergency response personnel as the landfall of Hurricane Florence becomes more imminent.

Mariners are advised to move boats to safe haven and finish your family emergency preparations and plans before the storm impacts your area. Ensure trailers and boats are secured above likely flood areas. Remove all EPIRBs, life rings, lifejackets and loose items. Ensure the boat is tied securely to the trailer.

Florence is expected to yield tropical storm force winds as early as Wednesday evening. Coast Guard cutters, aircraft and boats will be strategically positioned outside the projected path of the hurricane to protect resources and all non-essential personnel will be evacuated. Coast Guard assistance may not be available during the storm and immediately following while we reconstitute our boat stations, aircraft, and cutters.

In the immediate aftermath, the Coast Guard’s priorities are safety of life for those in distress, reopening the ports to facilitate recovery operations and the flow of commerce, and assessing and mitigating environmental damage.

If you find yourself in need of assistance, call for help immediately. Please do not use social media to request Coast Guard assistance during emergency situations.

If you are in need of assistance call 9-1-1.

-USCG-