In Hurricane Erin update, Gov. Stein urges NC residents to take 'this storm seriously'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Ahead of an anticipated impact from Hurricane Erin, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein addressed the state on Wednesday as the powerful storm continued to churn in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Local states of emergency have been declared in Dare (County) and Hyde County, and mandatory evacuations are in place for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands," said Stein in a media briefing from the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh. "Yesterday, I declared a state of emergency across North Carolina to facilitate that emergency response and keep you safe."

Stein said the state has deployed three swift water rescue teams to the coast, mobilized 200 National Guard members with boats, high clearance vehicles, and aircraft, and has even secured a commitment from Georgia for Chinook helicopters in the event assistance is needed for food, supplies, and water.

LATEST UPDATES | Hurricane Erin moves closer to NC, bringing tropical storm warnings, watches

"I want to emphasize the importance of taking this storm seriously," added Stein, "because it's a serious storm and conditions can change quickly."

Among the updates, Stein urged soon-to-be-affected North Carolinians to be prepared as Erin approaches.

"First, stay informed," said Stein.

The governor has encouraged state residents to get their information from trusted media and traditional sources for updates on the storm. "I would not get my information from social media. It is just too easy for salacious, really dramatic stories to take root and then and spread like wildfire," Stein added. "Even in a hurricane, because that's what people click on. Don't get your news from social media. If you see something on social media that sparks your interest, just go to a traditional website or news source and find out whether it's true."

Secondly, Stein said North Carolinians should have a disaster kit ready in the event of evacuation. This kit, the governor said, should be complete with the following:

• Cash
• Prescription medication
• Phone chargers
• Important documents (insurance policies, financial records, personal records)

In addition to the aforementioned, Stein also noted North Carolinians should develop a plan on how to respond if necessary, to protect life. The state has the website KnowYourZone.NC.Gov with information available.

Lastly, Stein strongly encouraged residents to avoid driving in floodwaters.

"Too many people have died due to driving into flooded roadways," said Stein. "If you see standing water, turn around. You do not know how deep it is or how fast the water is running."

For more information on roadway impacts, residents should visit DriveNC.Gov.