Hurricane season officially starts June 1, and preparation is key, not only for emergency officials but for businesses and residents as well.

The coast in the Wilmington area is often included in a hurricane's cone of uncertainty (probable storm track based on models) and storms have caused major damage in recent decades to communities in the Cape Fear region. Knowing which resources to use ahead of a potential storm and putting a plan in place can be a great help, said Anna McRay, assistant emergency management director for New Hanover County.

"We focus on the need to make sure that everybody has a plan, that they're making a kit and that they're staying informed and pointing people towards those resources to help them formalize those plans and personalize them," McRay said on Thursday's WilmingtonBiz Talk, broadcast live on Facebook. "Because we can give you tons of resources, tons of templates, ideas about how to enhance your business continuity processes and all of that, but it really comes down to you being able to kind of internalize those and make them what you need them to be." 

One resource she pointed out is Ready.gov, and McRay recommended business owners look at the business-specific page on that website. The site also includes numerous preparation topics, including pets and kids.

Additionally, New Hanover County Emergency Management is continuing its ReadyNHC outreach by offering a Lunch & Learn session on Wednesday, May 11, that will cover hurricane and tropical weather preparedness.

A county release on the event stated, "Attendees can take part in this event two ways – in-person at the HR Training Room at New Hanover County Government Center (230 Government Center Drive) and virtually for those who cannot physically attend. To sign up for either method, follow this link."

McRay said officials talk with key stakeholders, including the area's employers, about having a plan for everything from "armadillos to zombies. And we invite everybody to come to the table and help us plan for armadillos to zombies and make sure that we're ready for anything that comes down the pike."

To hear more of the discussion with McRay, click on the video below. Also listen to this and other WilmingtonBiz Talk discussions on the Business Journal's podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.