Special Montreat Minute 9/25/24

We want to inform you about the potential for heavy tropical rainstorms in the coming days. These storms could bring strong winds, fallen trees, and the possibility of power outages. Additionally, heavy rain may cause flooding in some of our flood prone areas.

The Town’s public works department has been busy preparing. The team, led by Barry Creasman, has been cleaning culverts, clearing storm drains, and checking stormwater outfalls to ensure we are as prepared as possible for the rain. Town staff will be closely monitoring the storm and available to keep roads clear, remove fallen trees, and deal with other issues as they arise.

Here are some important tips to help you stay safe and prepared:

• Secure loose outdoor items (furniture, trash cans, tools) to prevent them from being blown away.
• Stock up on essentials like non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid kits.
• Avoid driving during heavy rain and high winds. Roads may be dangerous due to fallen trees or flooding.
• Plan ahead if you rely on electric medical devices—make sure you have a backup in case of power outages.
• Charge your devices and have portable chargers ready to keep communication lines open.
• Stay informed by monitoring weather updates and emergency alerts via local news.
• Avoid floodwaters and stay clear of rivers, streams, and flooded areas. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down.

Our team is ready to respond to emergencies, but your safety starts with being prepared. If you see downed power lines, stay away and report them immediately by calling 911.