With Hurricane Irene passing over North Carolina this weekend, there will likely be downed trees and branches across the area. One of the biggest threats for injuries during clean up after any storm is from chainsaws.  
“Neither gas nor electric chainsaws are safe. Chainsaws are inherently dangerous tools, and people who do not have experience [...]

Every year around this time, we post the same information about being prepared for a disaster.  We do so because it is very important to be prepared.  With Hurricane Irene continuing to keep North Carolina in its sights, it is important to think about disaster preparedness and an emergency kit if you haven’t already. 
Natural disasters, such [...]

North Carolina is watching its first hurricane threat for the 2011 season with Hurricane Irene. While we hope it is simply a gentle rain event, it’s important for everyone to be prepared – especially those with a disability or a family member with a disability.
Fortunately, there are several great resources to help those who have [...]

Forecast for the next three months: hot, humid, with a chance of thunderstorms.  Summer thunderstorms are not something to be taken lightly – especially in North Carolina where thunderstorms bring danger in the form of lightning, high winds, falling trees and occasional tornadoes.  In fact, North Carolina has the second highest number of lightning strikes [...]

Hurricane Preparedness Week is this week, because believe it or not, hurricane season starts June 1st.  While we recently experienced the severe tornadoes, it has been several years since our state has been impacted by a major hurricane.  It is important that we remember North Carolina is at risk of being impacted by hurricanes, and [...]

Remember the ice storm of 2005 when commutes that typically took less than 30 minutes sometimes lasted more than eight hours.  Although we still do not know how this current weather system will impact us, it is always a good idea to learn a lesson from history and be prepared for inclement weather.  Here’s a good checklist [...]

It can’t happen. It will not happen. It will not happen to me. If it happens, there is nothing I can do. If it happens, the government will take care of me.
Many believe disasters will not impact their community or affect them and, if a disaster does happen, that they will be taken care by [...]

Barb Bisset is executive director of the WakeMed Emergency Services Institute.
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and ice storms can quickly sweep into a community and cause major disruption.  Manmade disasters, such as chemical explosions, transportation accidents, such as train derailments can easily occur and can require rapid evacuation of the area. Unfortunately, disasters [...]

It continues to be hot in central North Carolina, and WakeMed Emergency Departments are continuing to see an increased number of patients due to heat related illness and injuries.  We’ve blogged on this topic before, but thought it would be helpful to share information included on Wake County Government’s ReadyWake site.  The site includes common [...]