Before Storm

Port during the storm

What parents can do to quiet kids' fears

Vanessa Clarke

While hurricanes can be scary for adults, they can also be terrifying for children - though for very different reasons. Jonathan Barnes, clinical director for Eastpointe, which covers Lenoir, Wayne, Duplin and Sampson counties, said the younger the... Full story

FAQS

Thirteen to 17 named storms - seven to 10 of them hurricanes. That's what National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters are predicting for the 2007 hurricane season. And if those numbers aren't disturbing enough, a report by... Full story

Flood Insurance Facts

Top 10 facts every consumer needs to know about the National Flood Insurance Program

Everyone lives in a flood zone.• You don't need tolive near water to be flooded.• Floods are caused by storms, melting snow, hurricanes, and water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems, dam or leavee failure, etc.... Full story

Farm preparations

Officials with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offer the following tips for farmers preparing for a major storm like a hurricane: ¸ Store or secure items or equipment. ¸ Identify places to relocate animals away from... Full story

Financial planning a vital part of readiness

Important to have cash on hand, records secured during hurricane

FRANCINE SAWYER

Along with the bottled water, food, tools, and flashlights, there is something else you’ll need this hurricane season — financial planning. Many banks and financial institutions can offer advice on how to get through the season with... Full story

For some, bigger is better when it comes to generators

For the right price, one can power up more than just the bare necessities

KELLY CHAMBERS

Bobby Pittman laughs in the face of Mother Nature. Gone are his days of portable generators. Last year, the Jacksonville resident upgraded by making an investment he hopes he never has to use. He has had his home hardwired to run off a generator.... Full story

High and dry

The last place your boat should ride out the storm is on the open sea

SUE BOOK

Being “up the creek” isn’t a bad thing for a boat during a hurricane. When the prevailing wind is hurricane force — above 74 mph — the universal advice is to get your boat as far up river as you can. Marina operator... Full story

Storms can cause financial damage before landfall

It’s not always cheap to be wellprepared for a hurricane

FRANCINE SAWYER

Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage, but preparing for one can put a dent in your checkbook. Buying items needed in a typical hurricane kit can cost hundreds of dollars, and if you want to board up your windows or have power through a generator,... Full story

Planning in the present

Past season not an indicator of future activity

AMANDA HICKEY

The 2007 hurricane season will not be as quiet as the ’06 season if the preseason is any indication, according to Director of Carteret County Emergency Management Allen Smith. And that can cause problems. The less active a hurricane season is,... Full story

FAQ: Frequestly asked questions about hurricanes

Advice on preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm

Thirteen to 17 named storms — seven to 10 of them hurricanes. That’s what National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters are predicting for the 2007 hurricane season. And if those numbers aren’t disturbing enough, a... Full story

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