What you need to know to prepare for a weather-related emergency during the coronavirus pandemic

Those preparations will look different this year in part due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"In a pandemic, emergencies don't stop and neither does the Red Cross," said Mike Sprayberry, the director the North Carolina Emergency Management.

Red Cross Regional CEO Barry Porter said volunteers have now been trained on how to respond to weather emergencies during a pandemic.

Sprayberry explained that means equipping first responders from urban search, to water and helicopter with proper person-protective equipment has been on the top of their minds for months.

"We want to make sure that, as they go out into the field and execute, that they are appropriately prepared, so we've been working on that for a while," he said.

One of the biggest differences you might face during a weather-related emergency is where you seek refuge.

Sprayberry explained shelters should be the last resort.

"The best bet would be to stay with friends and family, or go to a hotel because you don't want to be in a place where you are with a lot of other people and could get the virus," explained Sprayberry.

People are also encouraged to pack two emergency kits: one for home and another in case you have to leave.

Porter recommenced packing PPE into the emergency kits.