CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (May 2, 2025) – With the Atlantic hurricane season drawing closer, Carteret County emergency management officials are emphasizing the need for residents to begin preparing now. National Hurricane Preparedness Week, observed from May 4-10, serves as a timely reminder of the potential impacts of tropical weather on coastal North Carolina.
Stephen Rea, Carteret County Emergency Services Director, highlighted the importance of proactive measures. “Living in our beautiful coastal community means we face the risk of significant weather events originating in the Atlantic and Gulf,” he stated. “Developing a family plan before a storm threatens, assembling a well-stocked emergency kit with essential food and supplies, and establishing reliable ways to receive critical weather updates are vital steps for everyone’s safety.”
Emergency management officials recommend several key actions to ensure preparedness before, during, and after a storm:
- Plan for Inland Shelter: While local shelters may open based on storm severity, residents are strongly encouraged to make arrangements to stay with friends or family inland as a primary option.
- Know Your Evacuation Zone: Residents should visit the state’s Know Your Zone website to understand their specific risk for storm surge flooding. Evacuating to the interior of the state is generally advisable for those living closer to the coast.
- Stock Essential Supplies: Prepare a minimum of a one-week supply of necessities for each family member, including food, water, medications, toiletries, pet provisions, and clothing. Power outages and impassable roads are likely, making non-perishable items key.
- Secure Your Home: Begin preparing your property now by trimming trees and removing any dead or leaning ones. Have a plan in place to easily secure windows and doors as a storm approaches to protect against wind and flying debris.
- Stay Informed: Visit CarteretCountyNC.gov to learn about local hazards, register for emergency alerts, and subscribe to National Weather Service updates. During an emergency, monitor local media and the Carteret County Government Facebook page for continuous updates.
Rea cautioned against underestimating any storm. “It’s important to remember that the intensity scale doesn’t tell the whole story. A Category 1 hurricane can pose just as significant a threat as a Category 5, albeit in different ways,” he explained. “Past experiences don’t guarantee future outcomes. Being prepared and having a solid plan are essential for everyone’s safety.”
Individuals with medical, access, or functional needs that could heighten their risk during an emergency are encouraged to register for the county’s Medically Fragile Registry to ensure appropriate planning and support. Information on this registry and enrollment details are available on the county website.
Residents are urged to stay informed by monitoring local news outlets and NOAA Weather Radios for the latest weather forecasts and potential evacuation orders. It is also important to familiarize themselves with local evacuation routes and to heed all instructions from state and local authorities.
To further assist the community in preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, Carteret County will host its annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, located at 3505 Arendell Street in Morehead City. This free, family-friendly event will offer a comprehensive resource for hurricane preparedness, with local, state, and federal experts providing information on what to expect during hurricane season and how to prepare homes and families. The expo will feature presentations from meteorologists, emergency managers, county staff, and community organizations, along with booths from North Carolina Emergency Management and other vendors, as well as representatives from Carteret County departments ready to answer questions.
Additional information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness can be found at www.carteretcountync.gov/138/Emergency-Services or www.ReadyNC.gov.
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