TYPICAL STORM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

TYPICAL STORM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

EVACUATION INFORMATION
* Who issues Evacuation Orders?
The Dare County Control Group made up of the Mayors of the Municipalities, the Sheriff, the Superintendent of the National Park Service, and the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. For more information: http://www.co.dare.nc.us/

* Who makes the decision to Evacuate?
The Dare County Control Group determines evacuation decisions.

* Where should I go?
For any evacuation for hurricanes, persons should go west or north to I-95.

* If it is a Mandatory Evacuation, why are you there answering the telephones?
Evacuation decisions are made to allow plenty of time for our visitors to leave safely and then allow businesses and residents time to secure their property. This phone will not be available after the storm winds reach gale force (40 mph).

* Will I be forced to leave and what are the consequences beyond the obvious if we don't?
A Declaration of a State of Emergency is declared that would proceed the Mandatory Evacuation Order. This would allow Law Enforcement officials to remove persons from high Risk areas; ocean front, trailer parks, demonstrated low lying areas, however, Public Safety Officials will not risk the lives of their personnel. There will be plenty of time to leave the area safely.

* Are property owners allowed to come in and secure their property after a Mandatory Evacuation is in effect?
Yes, plenty of time is given to allow property owners to come into the area without restriction. All work needs to be accomplished and leave before 40-mph winds arrive.

* What is the safest evacuation route in relation to the area in which they are staying?
Hatteras Island should use 64 west to I-95.
North of Whalebone should use 158 north to I-64.

* How far must I go when there is an evacuation?
Recommended traveling inland to I-95 west or Richmond north.

* Do we really need to leave Hatteras Island?
Evacuation decisions are made for the safety of the population at risk. When evacuation orders are issued you should do so.

* What does Mandatory Evacuation mean?
The Dare County Control Group issues a mandatory evacuation when projected storm conditions are predicted to cause the interruption of public safety response, loss of utilities, closure of roads from high winds / water, and threaten the safety of the population in the path of the storm.

* Does it mean I have to leave?
Mandatory Evacuations are issued for your safety. You should leave as quickly as practical upon hearing the evacuation order.

* Does a Mandatory Evacuation mean you have to leave?
Yes - the decision to evacuate is for the best interest for the safety and well being of the public.

* What happens if I decide to stay?
Anyone that does not heed the Evacuation Order must recognize that Public Safety (fire, police, EMS) may not be available. Utilities (power, water, telephone) could be damaged and not available for extended periods of time and high winds and water could isolate them for long periods of time.

* Will I be arrested if I don't leave?
No - however, law enforcement will make every attempt to move people that are in areas that are likely to be most effected by the storm.

* Why do I have to leave?
Evacuation is for the best interest of the public. When the evacuation order is given people should leave as quickly as possible.

* Do we have to leave during an evacuation?
The evacuation order is given for the safety and well being of the public; yes you are required to leave.

* Which is the fastest way off the Outer Banks?
Evacuation signs have been posted and law enforcement will assist motorists along the evacuation routes once the evacuation order has been announced.

SHELTER INFORMATION
* Where are the closest shelters and who are allowed to go to them?
Circumstances dictate shelter locations and availability. Williamston, Rocky Mount, Roanoke Rapids, Kinston, and Greenville have Red Cross approved shelters. Opening of the shelters will be broadcast once the Mandatory Evacuation is announced. Anyone may go to a shelter, however, no pets are allowed in any Red Cross Shelter.

* Will there be a shelter open on Hatteras Island?
There will be no pre-landfall shelters opened in Dare County.

* Are there any shelters?
There are no pre-hurricane shelters in Dare County.

* Is there a food shelter?
There are no pre-hurricane shelters in Dare County of any type.

* What do I need to take with me to the shelters?
All medications, eye glasses, bedding, and identification. Visitors to the area should take all belongings with them.

REENTRY INFORMATION
* When can I come back?
The Dare County Control Group, after reviewing damage assessment reports, will broadcast what areas will be open and who will be allowed to return. 877-629-4386 (all of Dare County).

* Where do I get Re-entry Passes?
Those eligible for passes should receive permits by the 1^st of June. Permits are not issued 72 hours prior to a projected landfall of a tropical disturbance.

* If a reentry sticker is lost, what type of identification will I need to get into the county?
A recent tax receipt showing ownership of improved property or a driver's license with a local address.

* Will I be turned away if I come back?
Reentry after a storm may be restricted. Prior to returning determination should be made on the situation before traveling. You can call (252) 475-5655 or 877-629-4386.

* If I leave when can I come back?
Reentry will be announced as soon as the extent of damage to the county can be determined. It may be several hours or many weeks. Announcements by the Control Group will be made through all media resources regarding reentry decisions.

* Why do residents get to come in before non-residents?
The Dare County Control Group determines the reentry process. Residents are returning to their homes while non-residents have another home. Law enforcement officials will protect non-resident properties.

* What is the process of receiving a reentry permit?
Permits are issued for a 2-year period. Resident property owners are determined from the tax list and vehicle registration. Non-residents are determined by the tax listing.

* What do I need to have to get in if I don’t have a permit?
A valid NC driver's license with a Dare County address or a current property tax receipt.

* Can we come over and pick up a reentry sticker?
No reentry stickers will be issued after the evacuation order has been issued.

* When can I come back to the Outer Banks?
After the storm has passed, damage assessment teams will provide information on the extent of damage to the Control Group. Depending on this report, decisions on who will be allowed back and when will be announced.

* When will it be over and when can I come back?
The Dare County Control Group determines the decision for reentry. Each storm will have different consequences. Announcements will be made as quickly as possible as to reentry process.

WEATHER CONDITIONS
* Whom do I call for local weather conditions?
Weather statements are broadcast at the top of every hour by all local media. The Automated Weather station at Manteo gives local weather conditions. 252-473-2826

* When is the storm going to hit?
If there is a storm threat all local media will be broadcasting updates and projected landfalls at the top of every hour.

* Is there a number or web site that can be accessed to find out the progress of the storm and when the evacuation is lifted?
The Dare County Home Page will provide all current information regarding storm location and conditions http://www.darenc.com or phone 252-475-5655 or 877-629-4386.

* Need up to date storm information faxed to us on a regular basis.
Hurricane advisories are provided by the National Hurricane Center every six hours: 05:00, 11:00, 17:00, 22:00. These are distributed to all agencies within 30 minutes after arriving at the EOC.

* How high is the water going to get?
Each storm provides a different set of circumstances, there is no accurate prediction for such a broad statement, other than when the evacuation order is given everyone should leave.

* When is it going to stop raining?
That depends on the speed and track of the storm. Rains could start as much as 12 hours before landfall and last as long as 24 hours.

* How's the weather there?
While the weather may be nice, conditions will deteriorate rapidly with the approaching storm.

* What or when is high / low tide?
Tide information is provided in local Newspapers, NOAA Weather Channel and the TV Weather Channel 25.

* Where can I get information on the storm?
Storm information is broadcast at the top of every hour on all radio networks. TV channel 16, Dare County Web Site http://www.darenc.com , NOAA Weather.

* What radio / TV stations do you post information?
All local radio stations, TV channels 3, 7, 9, 10, 13, and NOAA Weather Radio.

ROAD CONDITIONS
* Who do I call regarding road conditions for getting back to the Outer Banks after the evacuation is lifted?

All of Dare County 1-877-629-4386

NC DOT 1-877-DOT-4YOU or 511

* Once the evacuation is lifted, what roads are open outside of the area leading to Dare County? How are we to obtain this information?

Road conditions are always difficult to determine immediately after the storm has passed. Emergency Management will provide information, as we are able to collect and verify this information. NC DOY – www.ncsmartlink.org or 1-877-DOT-4YOU or 511. The Virginia State Police telephone # is 800-367-7623.

* List roads within the county that have some water left after evacuation is lifted?
Road and bridge conditions are provided as confirmed information is supplied to the EOC. Confirmed information is supplied to media agencies for broadcast.

* Once the evacuation is lifted and roads are passable, will we be able to get back to our motel / cottage?
Calling ahead before traveling is recommended to insure businesses are open and are able to provide services.

* Is the bridge closed?
All bridges will be open; however, as winds exceed 40 mph the traffic conditions will be very dangerous. Motorists will be cautioned against travel across bridges after winds exceed 40 mph.

* Are bridges going to close?
All bridges will remain open. Motorists must realize that winds of 40 mph make crossing bridges very dangerous.

* Will bridges and roads close?
Bridges and roads will only be closed if they become impassable because of damage or high water. Evacuation orders will be given in plenty of time to allow everyone time to leave.

* Who closes bridges and roads?
The NC Department of Transportation and Law Enforcement agencies within their jurisdiction can close a roadway.

* Are the roads passable?
All roads and bridges should be considered open. Local media will broadcast any closings.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
* Can I give you my family's name and information on where we're going for relatives whom may call looking for me?
This information should be arranged with someone (close friend or relative) outside of Dare County where the potential for loss of phone service is not as great.

* What if I don't chose to leave?
A hurricane on the Outer Banks will cause loss of all utilities service, roads will not be passable for extended periods and damage to buildings can be expected. Persons remaining here will have to survive on their own for at least 72 hours.

* Do you need carpenters, tree surgeons, carpet cleaners, etc. from outside the area to rebuild? After the storm damage assessment teams will do extensive review of all areas. The NC Division of Emergency Management will publish a telephone number for all those interested in providing goods and services after the storm has passed. No on should attempt to enter the storm area unless proper authorization is approved. Dare County will issue these only to those who have a demonstrated need to be in the area.

* Will EMS and Fire stations be open?
As the storm approaches with high winds and water, EMS and fire personnel will be limited, and if winds exceed 60 mph, may not risk moving in the storm.

* Are doctors working?
All medical facilities will be closed.

* Will EMT's be going out on the road?
Public Safety personnel will cease to respond to calls after wind speeds reach 60 mph or the location of the call could jeopardize the safety of the responder.

* Why is there no answer at the Rental Agency?
The Evacuation Order is for everyone. Businesses must prepare their property for the storm and may not be able to answer telephone inquires.

*My family is coming to the Outer Banks next week on vacation, will everything be okay by then?

Any plans to visit the Outer Banks should be confirmed before traveling to the area. Don’t risk coming and having to turn around once arriving. Call 252-475-5655 or your rental agency before leaving on your trip.

* Can I come into the county to secure my property?
Evacuation Orders are given in plenty of time for individuals outside of the area time to come and secure their property and then leave.

REFUND INFORMATION
* Is there a State Law governing refunds for rentals during a mandatory evacuation?
No, each rental agency has established guidelines for weather related evacuations written into the rental agreement. Read and understand the contract before signing. The state information line for concerns is 919-716-6000 the North Carolina Better Business Bureau.

* Where do I obtain a letter of proof of Evacuation to submit to my insurance company?
A copy of the Evacuation Order can be obtained after the emergency from the Dare County Office of Emergency Management (252-475-5655) 8:30 - 5:00 Monday through Friday.

* Why don't all Realtors / Hotels have the same refund policy?
Each is an independent business. Visitors should read all contracts and policy statements, if questions about refunds are a concern.

* Who dictates refund policies?
The owners / Board of Directors of each agency or business.

* Who do I contact to dispute refund policies?
NC Better Business Bureau, 919-716-6000.

* What is the refund policy?
Each Rental Agency provides a contract that must be signed by the individual renting the property. The contract describes all reimbursement policies regarding storm / evacuations.

* Whom can I call about this?
The Attorney General Consumer Hot-line (919-716-6000).

* Will I get my money back that I paid for the cottage if I leave?
Each rental agency offers a contract that states the conditions for refunds. Renters should read and understand these conditions before signing.

* Will my rental company reimburse me?
That depends on the Rental Agreement each renter signs prior to occupying the property. Each agency is different. Read and understand the contract before signing.