Hurricane Preparedness Information

Hurricane Preparedness Information

FOR MORE INFORMATION
THE WEATHER CHANNEL
Keep Tuned In !

Even though meteorologists have made improvements in the forecasting and tracking of severe weather, especially hurricanes, there is no way to predict far in advance exactly how a storm will affect an area or when it will hit. This unpredictability makes "begin alert" a vital factor in protecting homes, possessions and lives.
While trained officials and volunteers create a network, to organize and oversee such things as evacuations and storm preparations, the responsibility for keeping in touch with changes in the threat lies with the public. By being aware and staying tuned in to local radio stations and television broadcasts, the general public is able to find out what to do, when to do it and where to go. In addition, 24-hour-a-day storm information can be received from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.

Evacuate Early !

Flooding can begin well before a hurricane nears land. Plan to evacuate early, and keep a full tank of gas during the hurricane season. Learn the best evacuation route before a storm forms, and make arrangements with friends or relatives inland to stay with them until the storm has passed. Leave early, in daylight if possible. Never attempt to drive during a hurricane. Wait until the all-clear is given after the storm. Flash flooding can occur after a hurricane has passed. Avoid driving on coastal and low-lying roads. Storm surge and hurricane-caused flooding are erratic and may occur with little or no warning. If you are vacationing on the Outer Banks please evacuate when ordered by local officials...take all personal belongings with you.

Protect the Property
you're leaving behind!

Move your most valuable possessions that you can't take with you to higher points within your home.

Turn off gas, water, electricity. Check to see that you have done everything to protect your property from damage and loss.

Lock windows and doors.

REMEMBER: High profile vehicles (campers, tractor trailers, boats, etc.) are at risk while traveling during high winds...especially on bridges!

Flood:
GET OUT ....
OF THE CAR !

Never attempt to drive through water on a road. Water can be deeper than it appears, and water levels rise very quickly. Most cars will float dangerously for at least a short while. A car can be buoyed by floodwaters and then swept downstream during a flood. Floodwaters also can erode roadways, and, and a missing section of road-even a missing bridge-will not be visible with water running over the area. Wade through floodwaters only if the water is not flowing rapidly and only in water no higher than the knees. If a car stalls in flood-water, get out quickly and move to higher ground. The flood-waters may still be rising, and the car could be swept away at any moment.

Hurricane
Evacuation Kit

Keep kit ready to go within hours. Include batter-operated radio and flashlight, plus the following:

First Aid Kit

2-week supply of medicine

Blankets or sleeping bags

Extra clothing

Lightweight folding chairs/cots

Personal items including books, toys, and snacks

Infant necessities

Important papers (valid ID) and money

Important Papers

Keep the following documents with you at all times!

Drivers License and other identification

Insurance policies

Property inventory

Medic-alert or device with special medical information

Maps to your destination

Evacuation Routes

Dare County has two evacuation routes...US Hwy 64/264 West and US Hwy 158 North.

Don't wait to evacuate!

Routes become congested as the storm approaches our area.

There are no American Red Cross-approved shelters in Dare County (pre-storm). Inland shelter locations will be broadcast on local radio stations.

Map of Routes

Evacuation routes are well marked with BLUE hurricane evacuation route signs.

FERRY SERVICE CEASES WITH THE ONSET OF 40-mph WINDS

Basic Supplies

KEEP BASIC SUPPLIES HANDY
for ALL emergencies:

EMERGENCY LIGHT SOURCES....like flashlights (and extra batteries), lanterns, candles and matches.

PORTABLE RADIO.............................and extra batteries.

FIRST AID KIT...............................containing Band-Aids, aspirin, etc. (plus any medications that must be taken regularly).

BABY SUPPLIES...........................such as food, canned milk or formula, disposable diapers, etc., if needed.

FOOD............................................that doesn't need to be refrigerated or cooked, such as canned meats, vegetables, fruits, juices, etc. Store enough for several days.

WATER..........................................stored in plastic jugs or other covered containers. Plan on one quart per person per day for drinking.

Personal and Community Preparedness

National Flood Insurance-Community Rating System:
In recent years the National Flood Insurance Program has been successful in requiring flood protection standards for new construction, in turn making affordable flood insurance available. Now flood insurance rates may be even less in communities participating in the new Community Rating system (CRS). The Rating System awards credits for lower insurance rates to communities which exceed minimum NFIP standards. Check with your local building inspections department about flood insurance in your community.

Before the Hurricane Season...

Know the hurricane risks in your area.

Learn safe routes inland.

Learn location of official shelters.

Review needs and working condition of emergency equipment, such as flashlights, battery-powered radios, etc.

Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand

Obtain and store materials, such plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.

Clear loose and slogged rain gutters and downspouts.

Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed.

Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.

Review your insurance policy.

SAFE BOATING PRECAUTIONS

Heed and have respect for National Weather Service warnings. Begin safe anchorage trip before storm tide arrives.

Trailer boats should be removed from the water and stored.

Out of area boats should inquire and plan a desirable and convenient location for anchorage or follow local boats to a safe anchorage area.

Safe anchor rigging should consist of new or good tie ropes, with extra length and at least 3 or 4 substantial anchors for the craft.

If possible, boats should anchor in groups with bow lines individually tied high to tree or poling on mainland with loose rope for rising tide, and the sterns well anchored to hooks. Boats in the group should also be tied together at bows and sterns using protective bumpers.

Do not tie up parallel to bank, receding tides often beach of capsize boats in this type anchorage.

Be sure that a navigable passage at stern of secured boats is made available for late arriving boats seeking safe anchorage beyond the first boats anchored.

Safe anchorage boats should be tied high, using a half hitch knot (loop knots slip). Rope lengths should be sufficient to take care of excessive high water.