NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 1999

FLOYD RELEASE 1 8:00 AM

CARY OFFICIALS
PREPARE FOR FLOYD IMPACT

CARY, NC – Officials with the Town of Cary are preparing for the high winds and possible flooding that may affect the area because of Hurricane Floyd. The Town’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be prepared this morning in the likely event that activation is needed later today, and personnel are on standby to handle Town issues on a 24-hour schedule. The Town’s FLOYD HOTLINE is open at 469-4090, and comprehensive Floyd information is available on the Town’s website at www.townofcary.org.

"We’re ready," said Cary Town Manager Bill Coleman. "Our staff has been working for the last several days to check and recheck our systems, to ready fuel and equipment—including back-up generators. We’re prepared to meet the community’s needs should Floyd cause problems." Coleman pointed out that the Town had learned a lot from dealing with Hurricane Fran, and past storms Bonnie and Dennis served as further readiness tests.

Thus far, Town of Cary offices remain open and on regular schedule today, but should conditions warrant, Town offices could close early. No decision has been made yet about Town office openings/closings for Thursday.

"This is the time for the Town and citizens to make final preparations for the storm," said Coleman. "During the storm, we’ll be looking out for the safety of our staff and making sure they’re ready to clear roads and get the town back on track as soon as possible after the storm." Town vehicles including fire, police, and public works will be pulled from the streets until conditions become safe for them to operate, and Town services, including 9-1-1 response, may be delayed.

Citizens are advised to complete ALL preparedness tasks immediately, including securing any loose outdoor items such as trash cans or lawn furniture. Floyd is a dangerous storm with winds in the Triangle possibly reaching hurricane force by morning.

Cary Citizens with any NON-EMERGENCY questions or those needing to report downed trees or other property damage not posing immediate threats to persons should call the FLOYD HOTLINE. All actual emergencies threatening life and health should be reported to 9-1-1.

The next update from the Town of Cary will be issued around 2:00 PM today unless changing conditions warrant further action.

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