As we approach the Atlantic hurricane season—which officially begins on June 1, 2024—it’s crucial to remember the importance of being prepared for potential storms that may impact our area.
The best time to prepare is before hurricane season begins. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. The Town of Kill Devil Hills encourages everyone to take some time this week – Hurricane Preparedness Week – to prepare.
It only takes one storm to change your life and community.
Know Your Risk: If you live in or own property within Kill Devil Hills, you’re potentially at risk of being impacted by storm surge and flooding. Visit our website, www.kdhnc.com/1070/Flood-Information, to check your flood zone, view flood maps and find additional information about how you can reduce the risk of flood damages.
Insure Your Home and Document Possessions: Whether you rent or own your home, it’s imperative to ensure your property and belongings are adequately insured against wind, hail and flood damage—even if you aren’t located within a flood zone. Remember that it typically takes 30 days for wind and flood damage policies to take effect. For more information on flood insurance, visit www.FloodSmart.gov. Take the time to document your possessions: photos, serial numbers, or anything else that you may need to provide your insurance company when filing a claim.
Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a personal plan with family members and other housemates that includes the evacuation route you will take, what vehicle(s) you will use, where you will meet and where you will stay. Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency. Be sure to account for your pets. Click here to access a template to create your plan.
Build an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential supplies, such as a three-day supply per person of non-perishable food, as well as water, medications, personal hygiene items, flashlights, batteries, solar-powered cell phone chargers or fully charged power banks, a portable radio, cash and change, a first aid kit, pet supplies and important family documents. Click here to access a detailed list of recommended supplies.
Sign Up for the Special Medical Needs Registry: Some members of our community are particularly vulnerable before, during and after storms occur, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Those who may require assistance with evacuation or preparations are encouraged to sign up for Dare County’s Special Medical Needs Registry. For more information and to sign up, visit www.DareNC.gov/SpecialNeeds.
Obtain a 2024 Reentry Permit: In order to enter Dare County following a mandatory evacuation that has been issued to ensure public safety, individuals must present a valid ID showing a Dare County address, or a current reentry permit (along with a valid corresponding ID), and follow a staged reentry process. For more detailed information—and to obtain your 2024 reentry permit— visit www.DareNC.gov/Reentry.
Register to Receive Emergency Alerts: All Kill Devil Hills residents, visitors and property owners should sign up to receive customized emergency alerts—including severe weather watches and warnings, public safety and emergency-related warnings, countywide evacuation orders and other time-critical notifications—by visiting www.OBXAlerts.com.
For more information on hurricanes and hurricane safety, visit ready.gov/hurricanes or email emergencymanagement@kdhnc.com.