The Triangle isn't on the coast, but we're absolutely affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Florence (2018) and Hurricane Matthew (2016) proved that inland flooding and extended power outages are real threats here. Plus we get ice storms, tornadoes (yes, really), and severe thunderstorms. Here's how to prepare your family.Flooding: Our rivers (Neuse, Eno, Cape Fear tributaries) can overflow dramatically. Crabtree Creek flooding has shut down parts of Raleigh multiple times.
Wind damage: Sustained winds of 40-70mph bring down trees and power lines.
Extended power outages: 3-7 days without power is common after major storms. Some areas waited 10+ days after Florence.
Tornadoes: Tropical storms can spawn tornadoes as they move inland. Water: 1 gallon per person per day, minimum 3 days. For a family of 4: 12 gallons.
Food: Non-perishable, easy to prepare. Canned goods (with manual can opener), peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit, granola bars, baby food/formula if applicable.
Medications: 7-day supply of all prescription medications. Don't wait until a storm is coming — keep this updated.
Flashlights and batteries: At least 2 flashlights. Headlamps are even better for hands-free use with kids.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: NOAA weather radio. When the power is out and your phone dies, this is your connection to information.
Phone chargers: Portable battery packs (charged!). A car charger as backup.
Cash: ATMs don't work without power. Keep $200-$300 in small bills.
First aid kit: Including children's Tylenol/Motrin, bandages, antibiotic ointment, any allergy medications. Diapers and wipes: A 1-week supply beyond your normal stock
Formula: If you use it, have a week's supply. If breastfeeding, know that stress can temporarily affect supply — stay hydrated.
Comfort items: Favorite stuffed animals, blankets, a few special toys. Stressed kids need comfort objects.
Activities: Coloring books, card games, books. When the power is out and screens are dead, you need entertainment.
Glow sticks: Kids love them, and they're safer than candles for nighttime lighting.
Sleeping bags or extra blankets: If heat goes out in winter storms. Insurance policies (homeowner/renter, auto, health)
Photo IDs
Birth certificates
Medical records and prescription lists
Bank account information
Emergency contact list Designate an out-of-area contact that all family members can check in with. Long-distance calls sometimes work when local ones don't.
Teach older kids your phone number and the out-of-area contact's number.
Meeting place: If separated, where does everyone go? Pick two: one near your home, one outside your neighborhood.
School plan: Know your school's emergency procedures. How will they communicate closings and early releases? (Wake County uses automated calls and the WCPSS website.) Know your flood zone: Check FEMA flood maps at floodsmart.gov. If you're in a flood zone, have an evacuation plan.
Know your route: I-40 West toward Greensboro/Winston-Salem, or I-85 North toward Virginia are typical evacuation routes.
Pet plan: Most emergency shelters accept pets, but verify. Have carriers and pet supplies ready. Charge everything: Phones, tablets, battery packs, laptops. Start 48 hours before the storm.
Fill bathtubs with water: For flushing toilets if water pressure drops.
Fill your car with gas: Gas stations can't pump without power. Fill up 2-3 days before a storm arrives.
Move outdoor furniture inside: Patio chairs become projectiles in high wind.
Identify your safe room: Interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. A closet, bathroom, or hallway works. Practice going there with kids so it's not scary. Stay inside and away from windows.
Monitor weather via NOAA radio or phone alerts (as long as batteries last).
If you lose power: Keep refrigerator and freezer closed. A closed freezer keeps food safe for 48 hours. A closed fridge, about 4 hours.
Never use a generator indoors. Carbon monoxide kills. Generators go outside, away from windows.
Never drive through standing water. "Turn around, don't drown" is not just a slogan. Six inches of water can knock you down; twelve inches can carry a car. Wake County Emergency Management: wakegov.com/emergencymanagement
Durham County Emergency Management: 919-560-0660
Orange County Emergency Services: 919-245-6100
Red Cross - Triangle Area Chapter: Shelter, supplies, and support during disasters Discard any perishable food that's been above 40 degrees F for more than 2 hours
Meat, dairy, eggs, and leftovers should be discarded if the power was out more than 4 hours (refrigerator) or 48 hours (full freezer)
Condiments, hard cheeses, and fresh fruits/vegetables are usually fine Practice, don't scare. Frame emergency prep as being "ready helpers," not as something scary.
Make a game of finding the flashlights, packing the go-bag, or going to the safe room.
Validate their feelings. If they're scared during a storm, that's normal. Hold them, explain what's happening in simple terms, and reassure them that you have a plan.
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Understanding Triangle Weather Threats
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Even 150+ miles from the coast, the Triangle can experience:
Ice Storms
The Triangle's most unique weather threat. Freezing rain coats everything in ice, bringing down trees and power lines. The city essentially shuts down. School closings can last a week. If you're from the North, don't underestimate this — Southern ice storms are different from Northern snowstorms.
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
Spring and early summer bring severe weather. The Triangle is in a moderate tornado risk zone. Most tornadoes here are EF0-EF1, but stronger ones have occurred.
Building Your Family Emergency Kit
The Basics (72-Hour Supply)
For Families with Kids
Important Documents
Keep copies (physical or digital in a waterproof bag) of:
Making a Family Plan
Communication Plan
Evacuation vs. Shelter-in-Place
For most Triangle storms, you shelter in place. Evacuation is rare but can happen for extreme flooding:
Home Preparation Before a Storm
During the Storm
After the Storm
Power Outages
Duke Energy is the primary Triangle power provider. Report outages online or at 1-800-769-3766. Check their outage map for restoration estimates. After major storms, restoration can take days.
Cooling/warming centers: Raleigh, Durham, and Cary open public buildings as cooling/warming centers during extended outages. Check your city's website or call 311.
Local Emergency Resources
Food Safety After Power Loss
When in doubt, throw it out. Specifically:
Teaching Kids About Emergencies
An emergency plan isn't about living in fear. It's about being prepared so that when a storm comes, you can focus on keeping your family calm and safe instead of scrambling to figure out what to do. Take an hour this weekend to get your supplies together. Future you will be grateful.
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emergency preparednesshurricanestormsafetyraleighdurhampower outageweather