CALENDAR OF UPCOMING MEETINGS

(All City meetings are open to the public)

HURRICANE PREPARATION AND SAFETY TIPS

PREPARE IN THREE EASY STEPS
Getting prepared is easier than it sounds. There are three basic steps:

• GET A KIT. Pack the following items in a container – a gallon of water per person and pet, per day; non-perishable food; flashlight and hand-crank or battery-powered radio; extra batteries; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of important papers; extra cash and any medical or baby supplies family members may need. See full details here.
• MAKE A PLAN. Have all members of your household help devise your emergency plan. Consider what emergencies could happen where you live; what to do if you are separated and how will you let loved ones know you are safe. Find full details and easy-to-use plan templates here.
• BE INFORMED. Monitor the weather in your area and stay tuned to local media stations for important updates from authorities on evacuations and other critical information. Download the free Red Cross First Aid App at redcross.org/apps to have instant access on how to handle common first aid emergencies. Learn how to get fully informed about emergencies here.

 HURRICANE SAFETY STEPS:

• Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe to do so.
• Head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way.
• Turn around, don’t drown. If driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to see flood danger.
• Make sure you have a plan and supplies for your pets. Download the free Red Cross Pet First Aid App for emergency preparedness tips, a pet-friendly hotel locator and an animal hospital locator.

Be Ready to Evacuate!  There are 10 steps you can take now to be prepared if the emergency makes it unsafe to stay home:

1. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
2. Remember you may have to get out on foot depending on the type of disaster. If you don’t have a car, or can’t use your vehicle, plan on how you will leave the area.
3. If you have a car, keep the gas tank full if an evacuation order is possible. Don’t let the tank go below half full in case gas stations are unable to pump gas.
4. Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. This could be a motel, the home of a friend or relative a safe distance away, or an evacuation shelter. Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to find shelter information and weather and emergency alerts for more than 35 different situations.
5. If you have time, let someone outside of the region know you are evacuating and where you are going. Leave a note saying when you left and where you plan to go.
6. Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing.
7. Be alert for road hazards such as downed trees, flooding, etc. Do not drive onto a flooded road.
8. Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Grab your emergency kit and drive your planned evacuation route. Include an alternate route in a different direction in case one is impassible. Make sure you have locations and maps saved on devices such as cell phones, GPS units and paper.
9. Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for them either. Prepare a phone list of pet-friendly motels and animal shelters located along your evacuation route. Keep in mind only service animals are usually allowed in shelters.
10. Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for them either. Prepare a phone list of pet-friendly motels and animal shelters located along your evacuation route. Keep in mind only service animals are usually allowed in shelters.

 During the storm:

• Stay indoors.
• Don’t walk on beaches, riverbanks or in flood waters.
• Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out. Do NOT use candles.
• Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.
• Conserve the power on at least one phone/mobile device in the household for emergency calls.
• Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors and maintain direct control of them. Prepare an emergency kit for your pets, including sturdy leashes or pet carriers, food and water, bowls, cat litter and pan, and photos of you with your pet in case they get lost.

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City of Roanoke Rapids Mosquito Control

The City of Roanoke Rapids Public Works Department is responsible for mosquito control.  Our mission is to insure public health and safety by means of an integrated pest management strategy towards mosquito control.  The City of Roanoke Rapids uses a variety of methods and techniques to reduce or eliminate potential breeding sources for juvenile and adult mosquitoes.  Our team is dedicated to not only making Roanoke Rapids a fun and exciting city to spend time outdoors safely, but also recognizes the importance of being environmental stewards towards the city's natural resources.

Mosquito Control Links:

City's Mosquito Spray Insecticide Safety Data Sheet

What you need to know about truck spraying

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City of Roanoke Rapids Now Requires a Business Registration Certificate

Changes to legislation that regulates privilege licenses in 2015 severely impacted the city’s ability to maintain accurate demographic and contact information regarding businesses that operate within the city limits. This information is crucial for Roanoke Rapids Fire and Police Departments so that they can respond to emergencies and conduct fire and safety inspections as required by the State of North Carolina.

Effective July 1, 2016, all businesses engaged in or conducting business within the city limits will be required to obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the City of Roanoke Rapids Tax Department. This certificate will be valid from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 and must be renewed annually. The cost to obtain a registration certificate is $20 for all businesses.

Authorized by the N. C. General Assembly and the Roanoke Rapids City Council, this requirement helps City officials achieve several very important objectives:

• To promote public health, safety, and welfare, and to continue to monitor business activity within the city limits.
• Rapids city limits. Equipped with this information, City officials are able to take steps to ensure that businesses locate and operate in areas that are properly zoned for the particular type of business conducted.
• To provide accurate information regarding local businesses to Police, Fire, 911, county tax authorities and citizens.

In addition to complying with city regulations, businesses benefit from being registered with the City in several other ways. Many banks and lenders require proof that a business is valid to open an account or secure a loan. Potential clients or customers often need assurance that the business is legitimate and properly registered. Having a registered business can make you eligible to receive supplier discounts that you would not receive otherwise. Obtaining a Business Registration Certificate allows a business to satisfy all of these needs.

For more information, please review the Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances Title XI: Chapter 118: Business Regulations on the city website at www.roanokerapidsnc.com.

Business owners are urged to download an application from the city website (under Downloads/Tax) or stop by the tax office of City Hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue. In 2018, renewal applications will be mailed to businesses in June and will be due by July 1.

 

Itinerant Merchants and Peddlers Must Obtain Permit from City of Roanoke Rapids

Effective July 1, 2016, all itinerant merchants and peddlers conducting business within the city limits will be required to obtain a Permit from the City of Roanoke Rapids Tax Department. This certificate will be valid from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 and must be renewed annually. The cost to obtain this permit is $20.

A reflective safety vest will be required for any individual peddling goods from place to place. The individual must supply his/her own safety vest.

North Carolina general statutes allow local governments to adopt ordinances that regulate, restrict or prohibit the activities of businesses that operate within the city limits. This authority helps City officials in their efforts to:

• Protect the public from fraud or other crimes by monitoring and regulating transient business activity within the city limits.
• Maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public and protect citizens from undue invasions of privacy, annoyance or harassment.
• Ensure that businesses locate and operate in areas that are properly zoned for the particular type of business being conducted.

This permit does not apply to any bona fide charitable, educational, religious, cultural or governmental institution or organization when the proceeds of the sales are used directly for the charitable purpose of said institution or organization.

For more information, please review Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances Title XI: Chapter 119: Itinerant Merchants, Peddlers and Vendors on the city website at www.roanokerapidsnc.com.

Business owners are urged to download an application from the city website (under Downloads/Tax) or stop by the tax office of City Hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue.

 

PRESS RELEASE - RECYCLING CONTAINER

The City of Roanoke Rapids now has a recycling container at the Public Works facility located at 1313 Hinson Street.  The public will have 24-hour access to this facility for combined recyclable materials.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (252) 533-2846.

  

BRIEFS

COMMITTEE VACANCIES: Contact Traci Storey, City Clerk, at 533-2840 for committee information.

• Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
• Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (In-Town & ETJ Member)
• Senior Center Advisory Committee