Durham City/County Emergency Management

11/06/2026

Durham, spread the word - Durham County Library is the cool place to be!

Escape the heat today through Sunday (during normal business hours, Main Library only on Sunday) and join us at your favorite library location. The A/C is keeping us cool!

Please visit DurhamCountyLibrary.org for hours and locations.

05/06/2026

North Carolina has hurricanes on the mind right now.

A winning game plan starts before the pressure is on. Build a strong hurricane starting lineup and stay informed at ReadyNC.gov.

08/05/2026

Take Action Today!

Hurricane season begins June first, and now is the time to make sure you and your family are ready before the next storm develops. Start by understanding your risk from wind, flooding, tornadoes, storm surge, and extended power outages. Remember—hurricane impacts are felt far beyond the coast and can affect communities anywhere across North Carolina.

Review your emergency plans with your family. Make sure everyone knows where to go if evacuation becomes necessary and how to stay in contact if communication systems are disrupted. Check your disaster supply kit and replace expired items. Confirm you have enough food, water, medications, and supplies to last several days after a storm.

Take time to review your insurance coverage, document important belongings, and make plans for pets. If you live in a flood-prone area, be sure you know your evacuation zone and understand when to leave if officials issue an order.

Stay connected to trusted sources like the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center, and your local emergency management officials. Understanding forecasts and alerts helps you make timely decisions when storms threaten.

Even if you are already prepared, there is always more you can do. Preparation today helps protect your family tomorrow.
Visit ReadyNC.gov for preparedness checklists, evacuation information, and resources to help you stay ready this hurricane season.

Durham County Government City of Durham, NC Government Ciudad de Durham en Español

07/05/2026

Stay Protected During the Storm!

Whether you have evacuated or are sheltering in place, continue to monitor forecasts and follow instructions from local officials.

Conditions can change quickly during a hurricane or tropical storm.
If flooding or storm surge threatens your area, move to higher ground immediately and stay away from flooded roads and damaged bridges.

Destructive winds can also be life-threatening. The safest place during high winds is an interior room away from windows, with as many walls between you and the outside as possible. If an Extreme Wind Warning is issued, take shelter immediately and remain there until conditions improve.

Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including Wireless Emergency Alerts and NOAA Weather Radio. Tornadoes can develop quickly in hurricane rain bands, sometimes far from the storm’s center, so be ready to seek shelter if a warning is issued.

Stay alert, stay sheltered, and continue listening to trusted officials until the storm has passed.

Durham County Government City of Durham, NC Government Ciudad de Durham en Español

06/05/2026

When a storm is forecast to impact your area, take action immediately!

If a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, now is the time to protect your home and finalize your plans. Bring loose outdoor items inside, secure exterior doors, and board up windows if needed. Move your vehicle to a safe location. If evacuation becomes necessary, unplug small appliances and be prepared to shut off utilities if instructed by local officials.

Make sure your emergency supplies and go-bag are ready. Include medications, chargers, hygiene items, important documents, and enough food and water for at least three days. Keep your phone fully charged and your vehicle fueled or charged in case you need to leave quickly. Don’t forget supplies for your pets.

Check on neighbors who may need extra assistance, especially older adults and those with limited mobility. Sharing forecast information and helping someone prepare or evacuate can make a lifesaving difference.

Always follow evacuation orders from local officials. Leaving early helps keep you from becoming trapped by worsening conditions.

If roads near your home flood during heavy rain, they are likely to flood during a tropical system. Never drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and two feet can carry away most vehicles.

Durham County Government City of Durham, NC Government Ciudad de Durham en Español

05/05/2026

Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 3–9.

With storm season starting June 1, now’s the time to update your emergency plan and supply kit.

Make a plan. Build a kit. Stay informed.

Get preparedness tips at the link in our comments.

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

This week is ! Throughout the week, we will share information that will help you prepare for this year's hurricane season.

First, it is very important to understand forecast information and know what to do when alerts are issued. When a tropical system threatens North Carolina, there is important information available days in advance. Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and weather information shared on this page can provide details about a storm’s track, rainfall, wind speeds, flooding risk, and potential impacts. Make sure you rely on trusted sources and always check for the latest updates.

It’s also important to understand the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means conditions are possible—this is the time to prepare. A warning means conditions are expected or already happening—this is the time to take action.

Also, make sure to sign up for AlertDurham for local weather and emergency alerts. https://alertdurham.com/

Durham County Government City of Durham, NC Government Ciudad de Durham en Español