As we continue to move through peak hurricane season, it is reassuring to know that the Governor’s Emergency Information Bilingual Hotline is prepared. More than 95 volunteer state employees, along with a cadre of community bilingual volunteers, have been trained as operators to provide critical, perhaps life-saving, information to callers. Using web-based technology, they are prepared to provide real-time information such as which shelters are open, what their current capacity is and if they are pet-friendly; which bridges or roads are closed; and which counties have issued evacuation orders. Operators will also provide information about housing assistance and the recovery process, as well as what donated goods are needed by survivors and if volunteers are needed.
Since Hurricane Floyd in 1999, volunteer hotline phone operators have answered tens of thousands of calls from people across our state that needed emergency information. Some of the volunteers trained for this year’s hurricane season have been hotline operators for 10 hurricane seasons! North Carolinians are fortunate to have these caring volunteers who serve as the friendly voices at the hotline – helping other people when they need it most.
Are you prepared for the hurricane season? Please visit www.readync.org (English) and www.listonc.org (Spanish) to learn how.