Fayetteville Residents Encouraged To Prepare For Upcoming NC Hurricane Season

As summer approaches in North Carolina, so too does the increased chance of damaging hurricanes and storm systems. With NC hurricane season on the horizon - beginning June 1 and lasting until November 30 - the City of Fayetteville Emergency Management is encouraging all residents to plan accordingly.

In a statement from a recent news release, Fayetteville Emergency Management Coordinator Laura Smith emphasized the importance of having a plan prepared in the event of a natural disaster.

"Protecting your family during a disaster such as a hurricane or severe weather means having an emergency plan and kit, which will provide for you and your loved ones for up to 72 hours or three days," said Smith. "Having a plan and being prepared improves your chances of surviving and recovering from the damage of severe weather."

Thankfully, the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources has found that the Tar Heel state averages just one tropical cyclone making landfall every two years. However, due to the state's proximity to the coast, the potential for danger is always present in North Carolina during hurricane season.

The Fayetteville city government encourages all residents to be proactive in preparing a plan before a major storm system arrives. You should secure your property, ensure storm drains are cleared, any tree limbs that could damage your property are cut, and make sure your shutters are locked.

You should also take the time before a storm comes your way to create an emergency kit with everything you'll need in the event of a natural disaster. This includes:

It's also important to know where the closest available storm shelter is in case your area is deemed too dangerous to stay in during a hurricane. Click here to view possible shelters in the event of a major storm system coming through North Carolina.

In the event a hurricane makes landfall, Fayetteville Emergency Management strongly encourages residents to stay where they are until it's safe and, quite literally, the coast is clear.

While you wait out the storm, make sure to keep a source for local media handy so you can stay up to date with the weather conditions. It's easy to mistake the eye of a storm passing over your area for the end of the storm, which is why it's crucial to stay informed with the latest information.

If you choose to wait out the storm with a backup generator, it needs to be operated outside the house. Generators should never be used inside a home or garage, as the carbon monoxide output could be fatal for those inside.

Once the storm is over and officials decide it's safe to go outside, you should still proceed with caution. While the immediate threat of the storm may be gone, the lingering effects of the damage could still be dangerous.

Fayetteville Emergency Management reminds its citizens to drive extremely carefully on post-storm roads. Avoid driving through flood waters that may be hiding unseen hazards. As always the rule of thumb is, "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

Once you're outside you should immediately assess the damage done to your home. Check your immediate area for downed power lines (without touching them), gas leaks or structural damage. If you have flood insurance you should also take pictures to send to your provider.

You should also hold off on drinking water from your tap immediately following a hurricane, as the water could have potentially been contaminated. Listen for public announcements concerning the safety of the public water supply.

For more information on how to better prepare for hurricane season in Fayetteville, click here to visit ReadyNC.gov. You can also see preparedness guides for other disaster scenarios here.

Balmy summer nights are right around the corner and that comes fireflies, bonfires and North Carolina night markets. If you love a farmer's market during the day, imagine the elevated romance and atmosphere of a nighttime market, with vendors, food and music all under a blanket of twinkling stars.

Night markets are a worldwide phenomenon. History believes the concept originated in medieval China, spreading to other countries like Thailand and Taiwan, and especially grew after World War II. In the ’80s and ’90s, the bazaars became less like traditional wet markets and more bent on commerce (think pirated movies and luxury knockoffs, plus the typical street food). Thus, younger and more international crowds started being lured in and there you have it: a nighttime hullabaloo.

Luckily, the night market experience is attainable in the U.S and most importantly, for this purpose of this article, right here in North Carolina. Which stands to reason, as North Carolina is home to some of the best handmade crafts and delicious market food to be had. Handmade soaps, custom jewelry, produce from local farmers, baked goods and even custom can be found in the night markets. For the serious treasure hunter, antique vendors can usually be found selling hard to find items, anything from rare vinyl records to vintage clothing. However, if you see a cute little pet with directions to not feed after midnight for sale, you want to pass by on that deal......

Night markets not only provide a community event for people to retreat to at the end of their day, but often also help the businesses they operate near, as a varied selection of customers shop at these markets, opening nearby businesses to new customers that normally wouldn’t know about their stores. Because of this, night markets can greatly improve communities culturally, economically, and socially.

Let's meet up under the stars at one of these North Carolina Night Markets.

Charlotte's favorite night market!
30 vendors, live music + more
101 W Worthington Ave

Located in the Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary, NC, United States, North Carolina.

Discover a vibrant showcase of locally-crafted treasures while immersing yourself in an evening of music and entertainment at the Cary Night Market, organized by The Night Market Co. Join Triangle area artisans for a monthly gathering where an eclectic array of goods meets delectable food and drinks!

Located at 300 Blackwell St. on the American Tobacco Campus. Enjoy a night market filled with local handmade artists, games on the lawn, entertainment, and fun for the whole family! Friendly dogs are welcome on leash.

306 Parham St., Raleigh

Showcasing Raleigh's creativity in Moore Square in Downtown Raleigh! Find locally made goods and enjoy a night filled with music and entertainment with Triangle area artisans, food, and drinks at the Raleigh Night Market 

Midtown Park

4011 Cardinal at North Hill St. Raleigh

Get ready for a good time at North Hills Night Market – the ultimate chill spot where the food is amazing, the vibes are great, and the community spirit is off the charts. Located in Midtown Park, this event is your ticket to a laid-back evening filled with diverse eats, local talent, and all-around good vibes.

Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay Street, Raleigh

The Geek and Grub Market, established in Raleigh, North Carolina in April 2022, is a unique, family-friendly vendor market celebrating geek culture. It was founded by Erin Dunphy Dean to create a safe and fun environment for like-minded enthusiasts to sell and purchase geeky goods. This vibrant market offers not only a shopping experience but also a lively atmosphere filled with entertainment and community engagement, embodying a spirited celebration of all things geek.

The Plant

220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC, United States, North Carolina

 Enjoy live music, food, vendors, adult beverages, fairy hair, and so much more!

A twist on the usual nighttime market, with an element of mystic and magic! Dirtbag Ales and Taproom presents the Misfit Market, a truly unique experience.

5435 Corporation Dr.

Hope Mills, NC