CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Fire Department firefighters are standing by to respond to weather-related emergencies, with equipment checked and supplies packed, department members said Saturday, Oct. 10. The task force can conduct water and trench rescues and respond to collapsed structures, according to Dennis White, an engineer with Rescue 10. Firefighters are also tracking stream, creek and river levels to watch for potential trouble spots. Captain Jerry Rodgers said preparations draw on lessons from past emergencies, including knowledge of areas vulnerable to flooding and other impacts. At the department’s operations center, Captain Watts described a monitoring display that shows rain and stream gauges across North Carolina, including whether river levels are rising or falling. Responders pack extra clothes, food and water so they can remain self-sufficient for days. White said that capability matters when firefighters are sent to places where a disaster has damaged the local support system. As of Saturday, the task force had not been sent to an emergency. Firefighters said they hoped the quiet would continue, while remaining ready to deploy on short notice.