CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (May 29, 2025) – As hurricane season officially begins June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30, Carteret County Emergency Management and Carteret County Government are highlighting the proactive steps residents should take now to prepare for potential tropical storms and hurricanes.
Stephen Rea, Director of Carteret County Emergency Management, emphasized the county's vulnerability due to its coastal location. "It only takes one storm to have a major impact on our community," he said, stressing the importance of early preparation.
Emergency officials recommend three key steps for safety:
Build an Emergency Kit: Households should assemble a kit containing at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person, along with essential items like medications, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, baby supplies, and pet food. A complete checklist is available at https://www.carteretcountync.gov/2295/Emergency-Supply-Kit and www.ReadyNC.gov.
Develop a Plan: Residents in evacuation zones should identify their routes and follow instructions from local authorities. Evacuation zone information can be found on the state’s Know Your Zone website. Individuals needing medical, access, or functional needs during an emergency are encouraged to register for the county’s Medically Fragile Registry, which helps emergency responders plan for and support them. Residents are also encouraged to consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), noting that policies typically have a 30-day waiting period. More information is available at www.FloodSmart.gov.
Stay Informed: Residents are urged to sign up for Carteret CodeRed Alerts, the county’s emergency notification system, at www.carteretcountync.gov/525/Emergency-Notification, and follow Carteret County Government and Emergency Services on Facebook for real-time updates. Staying informed through these channels is important for receiving the latest forecasts and potential evacuation orders.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic hurricane season typically sees 14 storms form over the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of America, and Atlantic Ocean. NOAA also stresses that preparedness, including knowing what to do before, during, and after a storm, is key for increasing survival chances.
Before a Hurricane:
- Build a comprehensive emergency kit, including a seven-day supply of food and water, medications, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and pet supplies.
- Keep phones charged, vehicles fueled, and have extra cash on hand.
- Sign up for local alerts and warnings from trusted sources.
- Secure outdoor items such as furniture, decorations, and garbage cans.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitation purposes.
- Prepare to cover windows and doors and reinforce garage doors.
- Know how to turn off utilities and propane tanks if necessary.
During a Hurricane:
- Evacuate immediately if instructed.
- If sheltering, seek a FEMA safe room, storm shelter, or an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor not prone to flooding. Avoid enclosed attics.
- Stay informed by monitoring emergency broadcasts.
- Use generators outdoors only and away from windows.
- Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Remember: "Turn around, don't drown."
- Heed flood warning signs.
After a Hurricane:
- Check on neighbors.
- Monitor authorities for instructions.
- Exercise caution during cleanup, wear protective clothing, and work with a partner.
- Avoid contact with wet electrical equipment and turn off power at the main breaker if safe.
- Stay out of floodwaters due to potential debris and live power lines.
- Reserve phone calls for emergencies; use text messages or social media for other communication.
- Document property damage with photos for insurance purposes.
- Watch for and report all fallen power lines to Duke Energy Carolinas at 800-769-3766 or Carteret-Craven Electric Co-op at 252-247-3107.
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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