(RALEIGH) -- On April 16th, the largest tornado outbreak in state history swept across central and eastern North Carolina. Emergency Response Specialist Jordan Rink with Wake County Emergency Management says the public has shown active interest in being ready for a future catastrophe.

"The public's response has been one of interest in being more prepared, one that they've had an interest in what they can do ahead of time," Rink said.

The storms impacted more than 30 counties, claimed 24 lives, injured 133 people, destroyed and damaged thousands of homes and businesses.