Gov. Mike Easley declared a state of emergency Thursday as Tropical Storm Hanna began moving toward the East Coast, but he also warned North Carolina residents to stay aware of Hurricane Ike, a powerful storm churning in the Atlantic.

The declaration is the first step toward getting federal assistance for flooding and debris removal should Easley decide to seek outside help. Forecasters expect Hanna to make landfall in Wilmington late Friday or early Saturday as a tropical storm or low-grade hurricane.

But Easley said the declaration would remain until North Carolina is out of trouble with Ike, which quickly strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane this week and could take a similar path as Hanna in the Caribbean. Tropical Storm Josephine is farther east in the Atlantic.

That potential sequence of storms should persuade all North Carolinians to prepare for lost electricity, evacuations or other storm-related emergencies, Easley said. He said doesn’t want anyone “to be caught flat-footed” during Hanna and not prepare for the other possible storms.

He stressed that everyone who could potentially be affected by the storm assemble preparedness kits — including enough food, fuel and clothing to last at least three days. The governor’s office also said it would open a 24-hour-a-day bilingual phone service with emergency information starting Friday morning.

“Everybody in North Carolina: Pay attention for the next few weeks. We’re in storm season,” Easley said.

Although some residents in coastal communities were stocking up on flashlights and batteries, many said they weren’t planning to take any drastic steps.

In Carolina Beach, Jimbo Andrews and Carl Burger enjoyed a drink at Kelly’s Beach Club, where TVs were tuned to the Weather Channel but conversation was tuned to Friday night’s hurricane party.

“We have a barbecue, liquor, and flashlights,” said bartender Kassie Jones, who expects about seven friends to swing by.

Andrews, a 20-year island resident, said Ike was the storm that worried him. Hanna, he said, would probably get him out of some yard work.

But hardware store owner and former Carolina Beach mayor Dennis Barbour said people need to focus on Hanna.

“I think people need to focus on the danger,” said Barbour, who said he’s been through 10 hurricanes. “Ike can go across Florida or into the Gulf (of Mexico). Hanna is coming toward us.”

State officials also plan to focus on Hanna through the weekend. Easley has activated the North Carolina National Guard to help respond to the storm, with up to 270 troops expected in place by Friday. Another 144 state troopers are ready for immediate deployment, as are a dozen swift water rescue teams in the eastern two-thirds of the state.

Easley said the storm could produce up to 5 inches of rain before it exits the state by Saturday. Residents should expect flooding in Greenville, Elizabeth City and other areas in the storm’s predicted path, along with other low-lying areas east of Interstate 95, he said. Winds of up to 80 mph could topple trees and power lines.

Until then, some vacationers are going to enjoy the beach.

Bob Stoner and his wife enjoyed a quiet, nearly empty Carolina Beach as they sat in chairs on the sand on the eve of Hanna’s expected arrival.

“They say the day before and after a hurricane are beautiful,” he said, adding that they plan to leave Friday only to avoid the rain.