Orange County Emergency Services is encouraging residents to prepare for hurricane season by learning the Ready, Set, Go emergency notification system.

The model was adopted with the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. It is designed to provide clear, timely information before and during severe weather events and other emergencies.

"By understanding these notifications ahead of time, residents can make informed decisions and act quickly when conditions become dangerous," Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders said.

Hurricane season in North Carolina runs from June 1-Nov. 30, with peak activity typically mid-August to late October. Last July, Tropical Storm Chantal brought more than 10 inches of rain to parts of Orange County, resulting in widespread flooding, damage and numerous emergency responses.

GET READY: Prepare Now

Emergency officials will issue a GET READY notice through social media, news releases and other communication channels when conditions could lead to evacuation or other protective actions.

When a GET READY notice is issued, community members should:

• Review emergency plans with others.
• Gather emergency supplies and medications.
• Fuel vehicles.
• Charge phones and other electronic devices.
• Monitor weather conditions and official updates.

Preparing early helps protect your family and reduces last-minute delays during an emergency.

GET SET: Be Prepared to Leave Soon

Emergency officials will issue a GET SET notice through OC Alerts, Orange County's emergency notification system.

Sign up for alerts at ocalertsnc.com. When registering or updating your contact information, select Hillsborough water and sewer alerts under the Community Alerts section of the registration.

A GET SET notice means conditions are worsening and evacuation may become necessary. Community members should:

• Finalize emergency preparations.
• Pack essential belongings.
• Secure homes and property as time allows.
• Identify where to go if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Be ready to leave quickly if directed by emergency officials.

GO: Evacuate Immediately

Emergency officials will issue a GO notice through a wireless emergency alert (WEA). This is a critical emergency message sent directly to compatible mobile phones in a targeted geographic area. These alerts are designed to quickly notify the public of imminent threats to safety, including severe weather emergencies, evacuations and other life-threatening situations.

A GO notice means there is immediate danger from flooding, storm impacts or other hazards. Community members in affected areas should:

• Evacuate immediately using recommended routes.
• Follow directions from emergency officials and first responders.
• Avoid flooded roadways and hazardous areas.
• Continue monitoring official information sources for updates.

Resources

Check out these resources that can be helpful if severe weather occurs.

Multilingual Graphics — Ready, Set, Go graphics are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Karen and Burmese. Help share them to spread the word.

Ready Hillsborough and Ready Orange — These pages provide preparedness resources, key contacts and information on how to report a problem.

Storm Resources — This page summarizes town preparations and operations. It also provides reminders and resources for personal preparations and a list of local roads that typically flood.

Emergency Alerts — This page provides alerts in the Hillsborough area and links to information about boil water advisories and notices and what to do.

Town News — Get town news emailed directly to you. During an emergency event, the town emails news releases as they are posted or updated. One weekly news digest is typically sent in normal conditions.

Social Media — Follow the town’s @HillsboroughGov social media and Orange County social media for updates before, during and after a storm.