Join us in this episode as we interview Wallayce Todd of Community CPR to explore the vital role of community connections in the rural areas of Columbus County after storms. Learn how her organizing, Community CPR, and neighborly bonds transform lives, foster resilience, and strengthen the social fabric of our region's rural communities.

Ten Things to Do to Prepare for a Storm and Flooding:

1. Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a family emergency plan, including communication methods, evacuation routes, and meeting points.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit: Pack essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents.
3. Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and sign up for local emergency alerts to stay updated on the storm's progress.
4. Protect Your Home: Install storm shutters or board up windows, clear gutters and drains, and secure outdoor furniture and items that could become projectiles.
5. Prepare for Power Outages: Have backup power sources like generators and stock up on extra batteries and power banks for electronic devices.
6. Elevate Important Items: Move valuable items, electronics, and documents to higher ground or upper floors to protect them from potential flooding.
7. Check Insurance Coverage: Review your home and flood insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for storm and flood damage.
8. Plan for Pets: Ensure you have supplies and a plan for your pets, including food, water, and carriers for evacuation.
9. Know How to Turn Off Utilities: Learn how to safely turn off gas, electricity, and water in case of emergency.
10. Stay Connected with Neighbors: Build a network with your neighbors to share resources, information, and support before, during, and after the storm.

Never drive into flood water, as it can be deceptively deep and dangerous, risking your safety and the safety of others.

Hosted & Produced by Akshay Gokul

When it rains in coastal North Carolina stormwater pours off our plethora of parking lots into the neighborhoods, parks and eventually the Cape Fear River, and with the stream of water pollutants with it. Our increasing number of surfaces don’t allow the water to soak into the ground. Local groups are advancing public education which acknowledge the big public policy issues at play, but also offer solutions we can all take.

The episode features staff from Heal Our Waterways and the Cape Fear River Watch.

Here are ten things you can do about stormwater in Wilmington, North Carolina, New Hanover County, along with helpful links:

1. Install Rain Barrels: Collect rainwater from your roof to use in your garden.
   • New Hanover County Rain Barrel Program
2. Create a Rain Garden: Plant a garden designed to absorb rainwater runoff.
   • NC State Extension on Rain Gardens
3. Use Permeable Pavements: Replace impermeable surfaces with materials that allow water to seep through.
   • EPA on Permeable Pavement
4. Plant Native Vegetation: Native plants require less water and help reduce runoff.
   • NC Native Plant Society
5. Reduce Lawn Fertilizer Use: Excess fertilizer can wash into storm drains and pollute waterways.
   • NC State Extension on Fertilizer Management
6. Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste: Prevent chemicals from entering storm drains.
   • New Hanover County Household Hazardous Waste Program
7. Clean Up Pet Waste: Pet waste left on the ground can wash into storm drains.
   • EPA on Pet Waste Management
8. Install Green Roofs: A green roof can absorb rainwater and reduce runoff.
   • NC State Extension on Green Roofs
9. Participate in Community Clean-Ups: Join efforts to clean local waterways and reduce pollution.
   • Cape Fear River Watch
10. Educate Your Community: Raise awareness about stormwater management practices.
    • NC Coastal Federation

Implementing these actions can help manage stormwater and protect the environment in Wilmington and New Hanover County.

Hosted & Produced by Akshay Gokul

In this episode of Community Rising, we spotlight the vital work of Seeds of Healing, Inc. Join us as we speak with Bonetta Spratley, Christopher Marville, and Dr. LeShonda Wallace to learn how they are advancing HIV testing and awareness in coastal North Carolina. Discover the innovative approaches they use to combat stigma, provide support, and empower individuals living with HIV. Listen in to hear inspiring stories and learn how you can contribute to this essential cause.

Learn more about the resources provided by visiting Seeds of Healing website.