Our recent heavy rains, flooding and snowstorm serve as an unwelcome reminder that weather in this part of North Carolina can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. To help residents be more prepared for extreme weather, Buncombe County has joined with Nixle, an emergency communication system that allows the county to quickly notify citizens of weather emergencies. To sign up, just text “BCALERT” to 888777, and you’ll automatically receive a text alert of any life-threatening emergency.

Residents are also encouraged to work within their neighborhoods to keep everyone safe, including checking on elderly or disabled neighbors when bad weather strikes.

For more tips on emergency preparedness, please click here.