CAMBRIDGE ­— Dorchester County has a possibility of being impacted by Hurricane Matthew this weekend and the Department of Emergency Services (DES) is asking Dorchester residents to begin preparing for possible storm conditions.

DES will continue to monitor the storm and the National Weather Service forecasts. The National Weather Service stated Tuesday it is too early to predict the exact impact of Hurricane Matthew in our area, but it is never too early to prepare for storm impacts.

“If the weather conditions and NWS forecasts warrant, we will activate the County’s Emergency Operation Center,” said Anna Sierra, director of Emergency Services. “We will also continue to update the DES Facebook and Twitter accounts with information on the storm as we receive it. This is a great time to sign up for the Dorchester County Emergency Alert Program, which can be found on the Dorchester County website.”

Before severe weather arrives, Ms. Sierra recommends the following preparation tips, stressing that it is never too early to be prepared.

• Sign up for Emergency Alert Program, the county’s emergency text and e-mail system at https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736724055#/login

• Monitor the National Weather Service forecasts at http://www.weather.gov/akq/

• Check your supplies in your “Family Emergency Supply Kit” a list of recommended items can be found here http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/checklist3.pdf

• Refill any medications that could possibly run out during the storm.

• Update your Family Emergency Plan, a template can be found here. http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m18066257_Family_Disaster_Plan_Template_English.pdf. Don’t forget to include your pets in your emergency plans!

• Follow Dorchester County Department of Emergency Services on Facebook and Dorchester Co. DES on Twitter.