INC NEWS - City Prepares for Enersto

[RW Pickle]

>From the City PR Dept.
RWP
27 Beverly

City of Durham Prepares for Tropical Depression Ernesto
 
Durham, N.C. – As Tropical Depression Ernesto makes its way toward North
Carolina, City of Durham officials are prepared to respond if necessary to
downed trees, localized flooding or citizens in need of help.
 
The Durham Police Department has additional officers placed on stand-by
and investigators will report to work in full uniform tomorrow so they can
be available to direct traffic or assist in other duties.  Officers have
been assigned to work at shelters if necessary and all vehicles, including
reserve vehicles, are fueled and ready to go.
 
The Durham Fire Department has ensured that all chainsaws are operational
and fueled as well as all emergency apparatus.  Fire station supplies are
adequate and emergency generators are operational.  The department’s swift
water rescue team is ready and all equipment is prepared for use along
with the department’s fleet of reserve fire trucks.
 
The City’s Urban Forestry Division with the Department of General Services
is prepared to remove trees and branches on City streets and property that
may fall during tomorrow’s anticipated storm.  The division has readied
its equipment and tools, such as chainsaws, and alerted staff that they
may need to work extra hours if needed.  The division has also been in
contact with Duke Energy in order to coordinate efforts if necessary.
 
City officials are asking residents to be cautious and mindful of driving
on wet roads and to be alert when approaching flooded or washed-out
streets.  Drivers should never attempt to cross a flooded street or road
since just a few inches of water can float a car.  Residents are also
reminded to store enough food and water for three days, along with
flashlights, batteries and an AM/FM radio.  Finally, Durham residents
should be mindful of downed power lines and report them immediately to
Duke Energy at 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766) or in Spanish at
1-866-4APAGON (1-866-427-2466).
 
For additional tips on how to prepare for hurricanes, residents are
encouraged to visit the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
website at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/docs/hurricane.htm#besafe.