Hurricane Preparedness
Resources
General Preparedness
Rebuilding
Post-Florence Data
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Drone Footage of the Shoreline (courtesy of Surf City)
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Drone Footage of Damage Assessment (courtesy of Onslow County)
Before Hurricane Season
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Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
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Have reentry pass ready.
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Register property manager at town hall.
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Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
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Inventory and photograph your home’s contents and put important papers and insurance policies in a safe place.
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Install and maintain storm shutters. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
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Install a generator for emergencies.
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Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
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Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to review your insurance policy to ensure coverage for hurricane damage and flooding.
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Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
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Register for the Town's notification system, Code Red, and receive announcements and timely notifications including flood warnings by telephone, cell phone, text, and e-mail.
Before the Storm
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Anchor or remove potential wind-borne objects.
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Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
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If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
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Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
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Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
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Fill your car’s gas tank.
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Charge your cell phone.
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Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
During/After the Storm
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Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
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Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
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Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
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If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
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Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
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Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
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Stay out of any building that has water around it.
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Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
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Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
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Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
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Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
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Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
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Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
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Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.