News Advisory: Local Firefighters Assist in Search and Rescue Efforts in North Carolina

Powerful and Deadly Storms Tear Through the South

Local Firefighters Assist in Search and Rescue Efforts in North Carolina

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) personnel were called at 5:30 p.m. to assist in the aftermath of tornado damage in the Sanford, North Carolina area. Five MCFRS personnel and one Howard County Fire Department (HCFD) representative were attending a scheduled training class in the North Carolina area and quickly answered the call for assistance and mobilized, joining the Sanford Fire Department, in conducting seach and rescue efforts in the storm-ravaged area.

Numerous homes and businesses were damaged as tornadoes touched down and the powerful line of storms moved through North Carolina. The storm system toppled a Lowes Home Improvement store close to the location where the training class was being conducted. The MCFRS and HCFD crew assisted in rescuing a resident trapped under debris at the home improvement complex, using specialized equipment retrieved from their training class, and successfully pulling her to safety.

The team, led by MCFRS Captain Mike Green, has been demobilized at this time and replaced by State search and rescue resources that have arrived in the area. The team is expected to return home Sunday evening.

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Another Potential Storm On Way - Be Prepared!

Surprise, surprise another potential storm is on the way! While there is still some debate as to how much, if any, snow accumulation there may be, there appears to be one weather element all of the forecasters agree upon – high winds! As many of you are all too aware, high winds can mean no electricity for your homes for extended periods of time.


As I always stress here – BE PREPARED!

One particular piece of the preparedness issue I want to hit is making sure you use BATTERY POWERED lighting equipment if your power goes out and you need some light! I saw a local news story this morning which caused me great distress as they interviewed one local young lady who stressed that she needed to make sure she had plenty of candles in case her power went out at night. If that were not enough, they then interviewed another MC family that had a power outage the last storm and they hit upon candle use and the camera showed a picture of a burning candle on this family’s WOOD table without any holder or non-combustible plate beneath it! YIKES! A potential disaster within a disaster there!

As I posted during all of our winter storms, please make sure you keep your local fire hydrant clear of any snow so that our people can readily see them and use them in case of fire.

Please take some time to prepare for this potential storm. If anything less than the worst occurs, then you will be more than ready! But please take a moment to click below and review some steps you should take, and some items you should have on hand, to prepare for the weather.

Winter Weather Tips

Winter Storms

Disaster Preparedness

Fireplace Safety Tips

Candle Safety - As some of you will use them regardless! : )

Delays, Closings, & Other Information Due to Winter Storms & Emergencies

Stay Safe,
Bill