Food Bank branches have activated our disaster preparation plans as we work through the aftermath of major storms.

Emergency power is ready to go; delivery trucks and mobile refrigeration units are fueled up; and our commercial kitchen is in high gear preparing ready-to-heat meals for impacted families. We’re actively working to connect our partner agencies with additional nonperishable food, tarps, and other supplies to support local communities.

Build a Solid Emergency Kit

Even with all the preparation alongside our emergency response partners, we know it’s incredibly important for each family to be ready to weather a storm at home for an extended period of time — with the possibility of closed roads and downed power lines. So in addition to a three-day supply of water and shelf-stable food, we recommend including several core items in your emergency supply kit.

For Health & Safety

□ First aid kit
□ Personal hygiene items
□ Full change of clothing
□ Prescription and over-the-counter medications
□ Battery-operated radio
□ Flashlight
□ Extra batteries and powerbanks for phones
□ Important family documents in a waterproof, portable container

For Infants & Toddlers

□ Infant formula
□ Bottles or cups with lids
□ Diapers or pull-ups
□ Wipes
□ Diaper rash cream
□ Extra blankets

For Seniors

□ Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches)
□ Hearing aids and extra batteries
□ Glasses
□ Medical equipment
□ Foods required to meet dietary specifications

For Pets

□ Dry or canned food
□ Extra water
□ Leash
□ Harness
□ Carrier
□ Pet-specific mediations

For folks who are new to the area, North Carolina Emergency Management has produced a helpful guide to hurricane impacts — and what to do before, during, and after a storm hits.

Stay Safe When the Power’s Out

Our partners at Duke Energy and other local utilities are ready to respond — and have shared a few reminders to help keep our families and loved ones safe: 

• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. DO NOT drive over or stand near downed power lines. Assume all lines are energized. Electric current passes easily through water.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside unless there’s a fire or other immediate danger. If you must exit, jump clear of the car and land on both feet, ensuring no part of your body touches the vehicle.
• If using a generator, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn the generator off when utility crews are in your area. The electrical load on the power lines can be hazardous for crews making repairs.
• Turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box if rising water threatens your home or if you evacuate your home. Learn about damaged meters.

Find Food & Essential Resources After the Storm

Our network of 700+ pantries, no-cost markets, meal sites, and delivery programs moves mountains to ensure everyone in our communities has access to food and other essential resources in the wake of a storm.

Use our FoodFinder tool to find locations and hours of operation near you – and be sure to call ahead if there’s any concern that your local site may be impacted by the storm.

Support Storm-impacted Communities

Disasters create hardship and leave community members vulnerable, especially those who are already food insecure. It’s essential that we are ready to provide emergency food, water, and other essential resources in the immediate aftermath of a disaster — and able to prioritize longer-term recovery assistance and hope as our communities work to rebuild.

If you’re fortunate enough to be outside of a storm’s path, please do what you can to support our neighbors in need. It takes all of us to regroup, recover, and rebuild.