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From the Desk of the County Manager, March 6, 2026

Focus on National Severe Weather Preparedness Week with guest writer Elizabeth Schroeder
March 6, 2026

Greetings, Durham!

I am Elizabeth Schroeder, Chief Emergency Manager for Durham County.

As many of us welcome the warmer weather, I challenge you to take a moment to review your preparedness plans and restock your supplies after our recent winter weather events. This week in North Carolina, we join communities across the country in observing National Severe Weather Preparedness Week — a joint initiative launched by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness of local hazards and encourage and empower us to take simple steps to be better prepared for the impacts of severe weather.

Preparedness starts at the individual level. It is important that we all have preparedness plans in place; we cannot appropriately care for others until we have cared for ourselves first. Governor Josh Stein issued a list of reminders and tips for North Carolinians as our state has experienced several severe weather occurrences in the past year alone.

 

This week, be intentional about your preparedness measures.

  1. Make a plan. Know what you will do, where you will go, and who you will contact in the event of a disaster. Schedule time on your calendar to have conversations with your household, family members, friends, and neighbors. If you do not already have a plan, take time to develop one. If you already have a plan, take time to review, revise, and practice your plan and ensure your contacts are up to date. I encourage you to review www.ready.gov, which provides simple steps to help you write a plan that best meets your and your household's needs.
  2. Assemble emergency supply kits to keep in your home, vehicle and office. Determine the supplies you will need to support your household for at least 72 hours. The ready.gov website also provides items to consider adding to your disaster supplies kit, as well as the best locations to store it. This includes water and non-perishable food (check the dates and replace expired items regularly), plus essentials like flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.

  1. Sign up for Alert Durham. Visit https://alertdurham.com/ to receive emergency notifications by text, email, or phone. Already registered? Sign in to review or update your contact details.

  1. Stay informed about local hazards. As reminders, residents should use the following safety tips:
  • Severe weather can bring heavy winds (that can cause downed limbs, trees and lines, creating travel hazards and power outages), heavy rainfall (that can cause treacherous driving conditions – turn around don’t drown- and flooding), and even spawn tornados.
  • Know the terms: WATCH means severe weather is possible. WARNING means severe weather is occurring; take shelter immediately.
  • Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room and away from windows and go there immediately if you hear or see a tornado.
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge. If driving, you should leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequate structure.
  • If you are outdoors, and there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area. Watch out for flying debris.
  • Following a storm, wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when walking on or near debris, and be aware of exposed nails and broken glass.
  • Be aware of damaged power or gas lines and electrical systems that may cause fires, electrocution or explosions.

The best time to prepare for a disaster is before one happens.  While the impacts of Tropical Depression Chantal and Winter Storms Fern and Gianna are fresh in our minds, let us apply our lessons learned and be even better prepared for next time.  

I am always inspired by the ways our community comes together daily, and especially in times of disaster, to support one another. Durham is strong and resilient, and we ask that you do your part to be prepared so that together, we can continue to serve and support this wonderful community!

I invite you to visit the Durham County Office of Emergency Services website for additional resources. Together, we will continue to keep Durham citizens safe in case of an emergency!

Warm regards,

Elizabeth Schroeder

Chief Emergency Manager