North Carolina Gov. says state is ready for hurricane season | 05.23.2007 | 09:08:44 | Views: 5777 | ID: May 23: North Carolina Governor Mike Easly told the News & Observer that his state was ready for the 2007 hurricane season, which forecasters have said will be very active with already one tropical storm on the books. Despite the state's readiness, Easly also said that manpower and equipment was down because of Iraq deployments. "We feel comfortable with what we have at this point. ... We'd like more equipment, but we think we're prepared," the governor told the Charlotte paper. The governor's comments mean that the state can handle up to a category 3 hurricane but that any larger storm will require assistance from other states. The governor also told residents of the state to take steps to prepare their families for the event of a hurricane to hit their communities. At issue concerning a lack of equipment, the News & Observer reported according to Easly that, "The war in Iraq has sliced into the Guard's stock of trucks, communications equipment and other gear nationwide, hampering its ability to deal with a major hurricane, a flu pandemic or a terrorist attack. The N.C. National Guard has about half its 'dual use' equipment, such as trucks that can be used." Because of low National Guard reserves in the state and with an active hurricane season approaching, the governor said the onus for preparing for a disaster is on the residents of the state because, "We have fewer soldiers here and when they get back, they're worn out. ... Common sense will tell you there is only so much they can do."
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