Greensboro, N.C. - U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) today released the following statement on National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which began on Sunday, May 27th and continues through Saturday, June 2nd to coincide with the beginning of hurricane season:

"As hurricane season officially begins this week, I urge all North Carolinians to prepare for storms that could affect our state in the coming weeks and months by creating an emergency supply kit, knowing evacuation routes and having a plan to communicate with loved ones during and after an emergency.

"Last year, I toured parts of our state that were devastated by Hurricane Irene, and I was encouraged by the hard work and resolute spirit that North Carolinians demonstrated in the aftermath of the destructive storm. This week serves as reminder that we must stay vigilant and take every possible step to ensure that our families, friends, and loved ones remain safe in the event of a hurricane."