Triangle Actively Involved in Storm Preparation

With FEMA in town and evacuees coming closer and closer, the Triangle is immersed in hurricane-related activities.

State Emergency Management emphasizes that evacuation orders for coastal areas are still in effect. Emergency coordinators are busy tracking the storm and planning to handle damage as Bertha moves inland.

A Federal Emergency Management advance team is saying it is prepared to handle any problems that might arise.

FEMA Regional Director, Gary Jones says his people are ready to go.

Emergency Management's "Situation Room" is manned around the clock coordinating emergency services in Bertha's path.

Raleigh's Salvation Army chapter is joining the battle. Three local Salvation Army workers are taking the organization's mobile canteen kitchen and supply trailer to the Outer Banks. They'll be able to serve as many as 500 meals per hour to people who need them.

The Salvation Army in Fayetteville is sending its mobile kitchen out as well, along with four workers and supplies to feed another 500 people.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross is sounding an alarm due to the possibility of increased need after the storm. Blood donors are needed, particularly those with types "O" and "B".

Coastal collection sites have closed due to evacuations, so Triangle Red Cross centers are asking for extra donations to make up for the loss

As evacuations continue away from the coast, thousands of tourists are taking their vacations inland. Hotels are booked solid as far west as Rocky Mount while some have already traveled all the way to Raleigh.

It's not the beach vacation they planned, but most seemed to be making the best of it. One relocated tourist said with so few vacation days in a year, "you'd better enjoy what you've got".