Tornado drill this Wednesday and spring storm season put readiness front and center across our southeastern communities
By BC News Staff Writer
North Carolina’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT) recently met for a full round of training, discussion, and exercise work designed to strengthen how the state deploys resources before, during, and after a disaster. The session focused on coordinated resource management, information flow, and priority setting, along with the use of out‑of‑state support available through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Teams also reviewed current response plans and procedures to ensure they remain ready for real‑world activation.
For communities across Columbus and Brunswick counties – where hurricanes, tornadoes, and fast‑moving thunderstorms are part of life – this statewide readiness matters. When storms roll in off the coast, sweep across our area and push inland from the beaches, SERT’s work helps ensure that help moves quickly and gets where it’s needed most.
That focus on preparedness extends to the public this week as North Carolina observes Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the state’s annual March campaign highlighting the risks of spring storms. As part of the effort, the National Weather Service will conduct the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Schools, businesses, and households across our region from Whiteville to Bolivia, from the farm roads to the waterfronts, are encouraged to take part and review where to shelter during a tornado warning.
Local emergency managers often remind families that readiness starts at home. Having a family plan, maintaining a disaster kit, and staying informed are three of the most effective ways to improve personal safety.
One simple question could guide preparation: If you had to leave your house within five minutes, could you find all of your important documents in time?
Digital copies of essential records should be stored in a secure, password‑protected cloud account or on a waterproof flash drive. Physical copies belong in a fireproof, waterproof box that anyone in the household can grab quickly.
More preparedness guidance, planning tools, and hazard information are available at ReadyNC.gov
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