Officials urging Carolinians to prepare emergency kit ahead of Helene: What to include [Video]

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTV) – With Tropical Storm Helene picking up steam as it heads toward land, communities across the southeastern United States are bracing for its impact.

According to WBTV meteorologists, counties west of Charlotte could see 4-6 inches of rain on Thursday and Friday, with anywhere from 6-10 inches possible in the mountains. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph will also be possible as Helene blows through.

Ahead of Helene’s arrival in the Carolinas on Thursday, several agencies are warning residents to prepare.

One of those agencies monitoring the storm is the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), which among other things, is encouraging people to put together an emergency kit.

Inside the emergency kit should be enough food, water, medication and other necessities to last at least 72 hours.

In addition to food, water and medicine, FEMA said hurricane emergency kits should also include the following items: