Governor Roy Cooper issued an order Friday to help North Carolina farmers harvest and transport crops quickly in preparation for any future impacts from Hurricane Dorian.

The State of Emergency declaration waives certain transportation restrictions to help farmers and support relief efforts in advance of the storm, which is expected to strike the southeast in the next few days. Cooper issued the order to help farmers statewide after conferring with North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler.

“Some farmers have let us know that they are taking action now to harvest and transfer crops to protect them from potential damage and they need these restrictions lifted,” Cooper said.

“Hurricane Dorian creates an imminent threat of severe economic loss of livestock, poultry and crops ready to be harvested. At my recommendation and pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.70(g), the governor has directed the Department of Public Safety to temporarily suspend weighing those vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry or crops ready to be harvested,” said Troxler. “The governor has also declared that the maximum hours of service for drivers prescribed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-381 should be waived.

“A copy of Executive Order No. 100 is located online at www.ncagr.gov/disaster,” the statement from Troxler continued. “Farmers will be required to show a copy of the executive order upon request by law enforcement officers, exempted vehicles must produce documentation sufficient to establish their loads are being used for carrying feed for livestock and poultry, or transporting livestock, poultry or crops ready to be harvested in the State of North Carolina.”

North Carolina is not anticipated to feel the effects of Hurricane Dorian this weekend.

State emergency officials are watching Hurricane Dorian closely and Cooper encouraged North Carolinians to keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for impacts from Dorian or future disasters.

Cooper has declared September as North Carolina Preparedness Month, encouraging people, families, schools and businesses to review their emergency plans and update their emergency supply kits.

“Hurricane Dorian tracking toward the coast of Florida is a timely reminder to get your emergency plans and supplies ready,” Cooper said. “North Carolinians should make sure they are ready for this storm and for all types of emergencies and disasters.”

Prepare by taking time to:

– Review your family’s emergency plan and know your evacuation routes.

– Check your emergency supply kit, which should contain food, water, medicines, charging cords, batteries and other essentials.

– Make sure your insurance is up to date. Keep in mind that flood insurance policies do not take effect until 30 days after purchase.

“We encourage everyone to make sure their family is prepared, including elderly parents and pets,” said North Carolina Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “You need to ensure you are prepared for at least three days in the event of a disaster. You need an emergency plan in case you are required to evacuate. Planning ahead could save your life.”

Mike Sprayberry, state Emergency Management director, said that natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, mudslides, wildfires, winter storms and more can strike at any time. Having an emergency plan and a basic supply kit in place can help people weather the storm and its aftermath.

“Planning for a disaster should start now, because it’s critical that everyone knows what to do and where to go when danger threatens.” Sprayberry added.

The governor’s declaration coincides with National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in which all Americans are encouraged prepare for all types of emergencies.

For more information on how to ensure your family is disaster ready, go to ReadyNC.org or download the free ReadyNC app, which features traffic, power outage and shelter information.

Follow @NCEmergency on Twitter and Facebook during September for daily tips you can use to become better prepared for emergencies and disasters.

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