We were planning to use this space to announce the debut of our newest feature, Funday Fridays — a weekly column with lots of information about family-friendly community happenings. However, in view of the threatening weather and likely dangerous conditions we will be experiencing, we’ll use this space to urge all of our readers to stay home, exercise caution & common sense, and use this indoor occasion to enjoy quality time with your family members.
Monitor local news outlets to keep up with the latest severe weather information. Be prepared to evacuate or follow safety officials directions as soon, and as carefully as possible.
The City of Sanford and Lee County have announced a county-wide 9pm curfew, effective immediately and continuing through September 30, unless rescinded earlier. Public officials urge residents to remain safely indoors. Public safety officers, emergency recovery personnel and media are among the few exempted categories for travel at night until further notice. Read the entire Lee County State of Emergency Announcement here.
Sanford’s Central Carolina Hospital has initiated its Severe Weather Plan and its Emergency Department will remain open and fully operational during the severe weather event. The Plan helps the hospital to proactively take steps to provide the highest quality medical care possible during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. This plan includes extra staffing to care for higher patient volumes and to provide transfer access to neighboring facilities as needed. The hospital will be working closely with Lee County Emergency Management, has ample ability to generate its own electrical power in the event of widespread electrical outages, and will be sharing ongoing updates via its website, social media and news media outlets. Read the entire Central Carolina Hospital Severe Weather Plan Announcement here.
Lee County Government has opened a pet-friendly emergency shelter at SanLee Middle School located at 2309 Tramway Road in Sanford through the duration of the severe weather event. All parties, pets included, must check-in at the shelter registration desk. Pets – dogs, cats, and birds only – will be sheltered separately in a nearby facility. For more detailed information, including provisions for pet care at the facility, please read the complete Emergency Shelter announcement.
For more information on an ongoing basis, monitor local media outlets and the City of Sanford’s special Hurricane Florence web page. To receive real-time City of Sanford Web Alerts, sign up here.
The Welcome To Sanford team wishes you and your loved ones the best possible outcome during this dangerous storm event. Be safe. Be smart.
