This page provides the latest information on Town of Wake Forest operations during severe weather. Announcements about Town services are also provided in Town news releases, on Facebook, and on Community Channel 10.
Town of Wake Forest Prepared for Irene
Aug. 25, 2011
The Town of Wake Forest is prepared for Hurricane Irene. Town crews have completed safety briefings and secured Town facilities, and Town staff will be standing by throughout the event to deal with whatever comes our way.
Forecasters say the first sign of Irene in North Carolina could come Friday evening as tropical storm force winds and rain move along the east coast. The Triangle could feel 40 to 50 mph wind gusts and see about two inches of rain by Sunday.
Town crews from Police, Fire, Wake Forest Power, and Public Works are on standby and ready to respond to any problems that develop. Vehicles and equipment have been fueled and checked for essential supplies and supply inventories have been reviewed.
Residents are urged to bring in rollout garbage and recycling carts and other light-weight items Friday afternoon to ensure that the items don’t become unintended and harmful Irene projectiles.
Currently, all Wake Forest Parks and Recreation games and practices remain on schedule for this weekend. For updated information, call the Weather Line at (919) 435-9569.
Wake County Emergency Management has no plans to open any emergency shelters over the weekend. For updated information, call (919) 856-6480.
Motorists are advised to avoid driving during and immediately after the storm. If you must travel, do not drive through flooded roadways. Instead, turn around and take an alternate route. If there is no alternate route, head to higher ground and wait for the water to subside. Do not attempt to cross over a flooded road even if it seems shallow. Fast-rising waters can wash out roadways, and just one foot of water can float many vehicles, while two feet of rushing water can carry away vehicles including SUVs and pick-ups.
The following Wake Forest-area streets are prone to flooding and should be approached cautiously during significant rainfall events:
- Durham Road/NC-98, Richland Creek
- East Juniper Avenue near North Allen Road
- Forestville Road, Toms Creek
- Forestville Road, Sanford Creek
- Harris Road, Richland Creek
- Heritage Heights Lane, 1300 Block
- Jenkins Road, Horse Creek
- Ligon Mill Road, Smith Creek
- Ligon Mill Road, Toms Creek
- North Main Street, Walnut Avenue to Cedar Avenue
- North White Street, Juniper Street to Flaherty Avenue
- Oak Grove Church Road, Dunn Creek
- Purnell Road at Jackson Road, Horse Creek
- Purnell Road, Mud Branch
- Rogers Road, Sanford Creek
- Rogers Road, Smith Creek
- West Oak Avenue, Richland Creek
- Wait Avenue, Dunn Creek
- Wall Road, Wallridge Drive to Harris Road
- Watkins Farm Road at Young Street
As is always the case in severe weather events, the Town is reminding citizens to call (919) 554-6724 for storm-related, non-emergency issues, such as power outages and downed trees and power lines. Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.
Wake Forest Power works to minimize storm impacts year-round through preventive maintenance, including trimming of trees around Wake Forest’s 70-plus miles of electric distribution lines. Wind-blown trees and limbs are the leading cause of power outages during storms.
Whenever citizens encounter trees downed during storms on roads, sidewalks or other public areas, they should always contact the Town rather than trying to handle them on their own. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, trees and limbs often come into contact with dangerous, live electrical wires which can cause serious injury or death.
Visit the Town’s Severe Weather page at www.wakeforestnc.gov/severeweather.aspx for detailed emergency preparedness information.
Gov. Perdue Urges North Carolinians to Prepare for Hurricane Irene
Aug. 23, 2011
Gov. Bev Perdue today encouraged her fellow North Carolinians to be prepared for Hurricane Irene possibly hitting the state on Saturday:
"Our state's veteran emergency management team is ready for Irene, but our fellow North Carolinians need to be just as prepared. Please make sure you have three days worth of food, water and supplies. You may lose water or electrical power during the storm, and grocery stores and other businesses may be closed. Also make sure you know the evacuation routes in case you must leave the area. Lastly, have a plan for keeping your family and pets safe. It takes just a short time to put together your hurricane kit, so please do that today. If you need tips or information on any of your preparations, please go to www.readync.org or www.nccrimecontrol.org and click on 'emergency info.'"
Here is information for assembling your hurricane kit:
To assemble an emergency kit, start with an easy-to-carry, water-tight container, such as a large plastic trash or sturdy cardboard box, lined with plastic trash bags. Next gather up the following items and place them in your kit:
Essentials
- Water - one gallon per person per day
- Water purification kit or bleach
- First aid kit and first aid book
- Non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant, soup and cereals, etc.
- Non-electric can opener
- Baby supplies: formula, bottles, pacifiers, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
- Cash and checkbook
- Important documents - insurance, birth certificates, social security cards, wills, tax and bank information, list of doctors, inventory of household goods
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
- Blanket or sleeping bag per person
- Portable radio or television with extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Essential medications
- Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
- Extra house and car keys
- Fire extinguisher - ABC-type
- Pet food, water, leash, carrier, bedding and vaccination records
- Seasonal changes of clothing, including sturdy shoes
- Books, cards, toys, things to occupy you and your child's time
Sanitation Supplies
- Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos
- Large trash cans
- Bar soap and liquid detergent
- Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Toilet paper
- Household bleach
- Rubber gloves
Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family's safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store in one place enough supplies for at least three to seven days.