Prepare now for severe weather, flooding

Severe weather can be the byproduct of tropical systems that make landfall hundreds of miles from Greensboro.

Flooding on Yanceyville/Cornwallis
Yanceyville Street and Cornwallis Avenue
flooded during heavy rains two weeks ago.

The recent parade of hurricanes and tropical storms emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the problems that are often associated with tropical systems. Now, during National Preparedness Month, is the time to take care of the details that can be overlooked when an emergency situation occurs:

  • Determine whether you live in a potential flood zone.
  • Develop a flood emergency plan.
  • Make sure you have flood insurance. Even a few inches of water can bring thousands of dollars in repair and restoration costs.
  • Prepare a family disaster supply kit that includes fresh water, food, a first aid kit, clothing, bedding, medications, a manual can opener, and a battery-powered weather radio.

City officials conduct planning meetings any time a weather emergency looms.

“We pay special attention to inland hurricanes because of the increased risk of urban flooding,” said Marilyn Braun, coordinator of Greensboro Emergency Management.

For more information about emergency preparations or National Preparedness Month, visit www.greensboroready.com. 

New surveillance cameras planned for buses

The cameras will work with the "drive cams" currently installed on GTA buses.

The Greensboro Transit Authority is adding new surveillance cameras to many of its buses and paratransit vehicles to enhance service quality, effectiveness and efficiency. The cameras will capture sound and video and will monitor on-board activity any time the bus is in operation. The cameras will also aid in accident investigations, said GTA Public Transportation Manager Libby James.

The new cameras will work with the “drive cams” currently installed on GTA buses. James said the drive cams are activated only when the bus makes a sudden stop or when turned on manually by the driver.

By Spring 2009, the new cameras will be installed in 25 of the GTA's 40 fixed-route buses and in five of its 42 paratransit vehicles. GTA used federal and state transportation grants worth $305,000 to pay for the cameras, with $39,000 in matching funds provided by the City of Greensboro.

Library announces title for One City, One Book

Book's themes include aging, health care and family conflict.
One City, One Book
The Greensboro Public Library has selected The Pleasure Was Mine by Tommy Hays for its community-wide reading project, “One City, One Book.” The selection committee chose the book for its universal themes – no matter who you are, at some time in your life you’ll experience issues of aging, health care and family conflict. The “One City, One Book” kickoff event, set for Sunday, October 19 at 3 pm, will feature a reading by the author. For more information, visit www.greensborolibrary.org.


Questions or comments about this newsletter should be addressed to: Jim Collins 373-2105 or email.

Subscribe to receive City Connections in your email.


Did You Know

The Greensboro Police Department has provided its first update on changes made in response to a report from Carroll Buracker and Associates, a consultant hired to review the GPD’s management and staffing. The update was provided to City Council during its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2. Additional follow-up reports will be presented every 60 days. Read the progress report here.

September 1 marked the launch of the Greensboro Transit Authority’s newest bus route. GTA Route 15 Yanceyville Street / Brightwood School Road provides public transportation to the north Greensboro area reaching Brightwood School and Lees Chapel roads. Route 15 departs on a fixed schedule from the J. Douglas Galyon Depot downtown and serves such destinations as the Central Library, Children’s Museum, Rankin and Brightwood Elementary Schools, Aycock Middle School, Wal-Mart on Cone Boulevard, and the Guilford County Department of Social Services.

“Partners in Safety,” a new series of safety-themed television programs, is now airing on Greensboro Cable Channel 13. The one- to two-minute programs feature Greensboro Police officers sharing tips on how you can protect yourself, your family and your property. Each program focuses on a different topic and features a different officer. “Partners in Safety” airs between regular full-length programs.

The 110th annual Central Carolina Fair takes place from Friday, September 12 through Sunday, September 21 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. This year’s event features spectacular rides, carnival food and games, thousands of exhibits, and wholesome family entertainment. For the fair schedule and ticket information, visit centralcarolinafair.com.