Emergencies can include hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, extreme heat, winter weather, extended power outages, fires, and medical events. Preparing in advance is especially important for anyone who uses prescription medications, mobility equipment, oxygen, refrigerated medicine, or electrically powered medical devices.

Sign Up for Emergency Notifications

Do not rely on social media alone for urgent information.

• Register for Village of Pinehurst emergency notifications.
• Register for Moore County public safety notifications.
• Enable emergency alerts on your mobile phone.
• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio available.
• Follow official Village, County, emergency management, and National Weather Service information during an emergency.

Make a Personal Emergency Plan

Your plan should identify:

• Where you will shelter
• Where you will go if you must evacuate
• How you will get there
• Who will check on you
• How you will communicate if telephone service is disrupted
• Who has access to your home
• How pets will be transported and cared for
• How you will manage medications and medical equipment
• Where important documents are stored

Share the plan with family members, caregivers, trusted neighbors, and anyone who may assist you.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Consider including:

• Water and nonperishable food
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First-aid supplies
• Several days of prescription medications, when permitted
• A current medication list
• Copies of identification and insurance information
• Emergency contact information
• Cellphone charging devices and backup power banks
• Cash in small denominations
• Eyeglasses, hearing-aid batteries, and mobility supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Masks, gloves, and disinfecting supplies
• Pet food, medications, leash, carrier, and vaccination records

Check the kit at least twice a year and replace expired food, medications, batteries, and supplies.

Plan for Medical and Accessibility Needs

If you depend on electricity for oxygen, refrigeration, mobility equipment, or another medical need:

• Ask the equipment provider about backup power options.
• Contact the electric utility about available medical-needs notification programs.
• Keep equipment model and serial numbers available.
• Identify an alternate location with power.
• Make arrangements before severe weather arrives.
• Do not wait until an outage to determine whether equipment can operate on a generator or battery.

Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, crawlspace, or enclosed porch. Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide.

For national preparedness guidance specifically developed for older adults, visit Ready.gov: Older Adults.

Staying Safe During Extreme Weather

Extreme Heat

Older adults can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, particularly when taking certain medications or managing chronic health conditions.

During extreme heat:

• Stay in an air-conditioned location when possible.
• Drink water regularly unless a health care provider has limited your fluid intake.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Check on friends and neighbors.
• Never remain in a parked vehicle.
• Seek medical attention for confusion, fainting, chest pain, or other serious symptoms.

Severe Storms and Tornadoes

• Move to a small interior room on the lowest level of the building.
• Stay away from windows.
• Wear sturdy shoes.
• Use a helmet or protect your head with cushions or blankets.
• Keep a flashlight and phone nearby.
• Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Power Outages

• Use flashlights instead of candles.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
• Never use grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Check on neighbors who live alone.
• Contact 911 if loss of power creates an immediate medical emergency.