Hazard Mitigation Plan

The Outer Banks Regional Mitigation Plan was developed in a joint and cooperative manner by members of a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) which included representatives of County, City, and Town departments, federal and state agencies, citizens, and other stakeholders. This plan was designed to ensure all jurisdictions in the Outer Banks remain eligible for federal disaster assistance including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) programs.

The planning area for the Outer Banks Region includes all incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas in Currituck and Dare Counties. Participating jurisdictions include:

  • Currituck County
  • Dare County
  • Town of Duck
  • Town of Kill Devil Hills
  • Town of Kitty Hawk
  • Town of Manteo
  • Town of Nags Head
  • Town of Southern Shores

The focus of the plan is on those hazards deemed “high” or “moderate” priority hazards for the planning area, as determined through the risk and vulnerability assessments. Lower priority hazards will continue to be evaluated but will not necessarily be prioritized for mitigation in the action plan.

2022 Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Progress Report

Print Report (PDF)

A.5 Mitigation Strategy
Action
Number
Action
Description
Hazard(s)
Addressed
Goal &
Objective Addresse
PriorityLead Agency
/
Department
Potential
Funding
Source
Implementation
Timeline
2022
Implementation
Status Comments
CUR1Establish appropriate buffers/setbacks between critical facilities and other uses that may be incompatibleAll Hazards2.1HighPlanningGeneral FundOn goingCurrituck participated in DCM’s Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) which included a detailed Risk & Vulnerability Assessment of critical assets (see final report link) Currituck County Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Report (PDF)
CUR2Maintain partnerships with adjacent counties and municipalities to leverage and share resources.All Hazards2.2ModerateEmergency ManagementGeneral FundOn goingContinuous - county-to-county mutual aid agreement
CUR3Encourage clustering of residential lots outside of hazard areas in subdivision design/review and discourage development intensity and infrastructure improvements in known hazard areasAll Hazards3.1ModeratePlanningGeneral FundOn goingThis is somewhat addressed by ordinance language but will be reinforced by policies in the new Land Use Plan.
Imagine Currituck, the new Land Use Plan, Adopted June 20, 2022, includes an Action for UDO AMENDMENT CC-ACT-29 “Prioritize preservation of open space near marshes and special flood hazard areas to allow for inland retreat of coastal marshes and wetlands.”
CUR4Encourage development away from high-risk and vulnerable areas and establish redevelopment standards that decrease hazard riskAll Hazards3.1HighPlanningGeneral FundOn goingWe allow higher density development as an incentive for developers to place special flood hazard area portions of large tracts in perpetual conservation. The new Coastal Resilience Tool, created for Currituck County by The Nature Conservancy, is used during subdivision review to encourage development away from high-risk areas.
CUR5Install back-up generators at the Historic County Courthouse and the fuel farm.All Hazards2.2ModerateEmergency ManagementHMGP Grant2 yearsThe county is currently engaged in the design/bid process for generators at the historic courthouse and the fuel farm.
CUR6Enhance existing and/or implement new groundwater lowering systems in low-lying coastal areas.Coastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm1.2ModerateStormwater Service Districts/ EngineeringService District TaxesOn goingAdding an additional pumping station to the existing Whalehead system in approximately 1.5 years. Ocean Sands Phase 1 is in the design phase. Due to High building costs, Limits on the County’s ability to borrow funds, and the pressing need for new schools, this project may not begin for 3 years.
CUR7Support individuals and Homeowners Associations in acquiring funding for green stormwater infrastructure to mitigate nuisance flooding.Coastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm1.2ModerateSoil & Water Conservation Board, Planning, Cooperative Soil & Water Conservation Board, Planning, CooperativeGeneral Funds and GrantsOn goingCurrituck County was awarded $248,000 through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Stream Flow Rehabilitation Program. This funding will be used to improve stormwater infrastructure throughout the county.
CUR8Preserve natural environmental features to naturally absorb water run-off and serve as wind buffersCoastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm, Severe Weather3.2ModeratePlanningGeneral FundOn goingOur Unified Development Ordinance contains provisions for preserving existing vegetation for buffers as well as preservation of wetland areas. Our stormwater manual contains water quality standards as well.
CUR9Retain vegetation and require buffers in areas adjacent to wetlands, water bodies and Maritime forestsCoastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm, Severe Weather3.2ModeratePlanningGeneral FundOn goingThis is ongoing through a combination of wetland buffers, implementation of CAMA regulations, and heritage tree protection standards.
CUR10Evaluate allocating a portion of occupancy tax toward the dune protection program and shoreline restoration, and expand extent of the dune protection program to include grant support of sand fencing.Coastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm, Severe Weather3.2HighPlanningOcc TaxOn goingThe county is offering yearly dune vegetation and sand fence cost share programs.
CUR11Work to pursue shoreline stabilization projects and regular shoreline monitoring.Coastal Hazards3.3ModerateEngineeringGeneral FundsOn goingCurrituck County is in year 3 of a shoreline stabilization study directed by the BOC and led by the Engineering Department.
CUR12Currituck Sound Coalition will prioritize marsh restoration planning and design for storm surge mitigation benefits.Coastal Hazards3.3ModerateAudubon, Planning, GIS, Soil & Water ConservationGeneral FundsOn goingIn August the County is participating in Coalition outreach meeting with potential VA partners where they will tour an example project.
CUR13Encourage linkage of existing and future open space areas to implement greenways throughout unique geographies of the county.Coastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm, Severe Weather3.3ModeratePlanningNo funding neededOn goingIn partnership with The Nature Conservancy the county is testing out utility of a Green Space Dashboard: Currituck County Green Space Dashboard
CUR14Seek funding for public hazard mitigation projects.All Hazards1.2ModerateEmergency ManagementGrantOn goingCounty will continue to seek mitigation funding. Submitted 7 properties for elevation under Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program (2018); application currently under review with FEMA. Submitted 8 properties for HMGP - elevation following Hurricane Matthew but projects were not considered cost beneficial. Grant writing and monitoring added to Soil & Water admin position. Also monitoring EPA flood reduction grants. County has signed agreements with State for the State centric plan. The state will now handle all contract work and county EM will now be the liaison between homeowner and state. State has bids out for contractors to lift each of the houses. Very slow process.
CUR15Continue to support efforts for planning, design, and construction of the Mid-County bridge project.All Hazards3.3ModeratePlanningNC Turnpike Authority5 yearsPlanning staff is working on terminus designs and studying impacts to properties on both sides of the bridge. Funding allocated in STIP for FY18, awaiting Record of Decision which should be issued spring/summer 2018.
CUR16Identify bridges for retrofitting.All Hazards1.2HighPlanningNCDOTOn goingOngoing. Continuing to work with DOT to maintain roadways and the Wright Memorial Bridge.
CUR17Secure funding, design, and construct an EOC/Public Safety FacilityAll Hazards3.3HighEngineering/Emergency ManagementGeneral Fund/Grant2 yearsThe new Public Safety Building is complete and operational.
CUR18Maintain and work to improve radio communications and technology throughout public safety programsAll Hazards4.2HighPublic Safety AgenciesGeneral Funds and GrantsOn goingThis project is still in process. Updates to the microwave system will be worked on first. Waiting on proposal from vendor.
CUR19Provide continuous training and information for first responders in hazard responseAll Hazards4.1HighPublic Safety AgenciesGeneral Funds and GrantsOn goingOngoing
CUR20Coordinate response to bridge incidents for the Wright Memorial BridgeTransportation Infrastructure Failure4.1HighPublic Safety AgenciesGeneral Funds/GrantsOn goingThis exercise is complete and continuous, planning will improve response.
CUR21Educate the public and inform them of the benefits of participation in the Fire Wise program.Wildfire1.1HighEmergency ManagementGrantOn goingWe have 3 communities that are in the Firewise program: Pine Island, Currituck Club, Point Harbor

We met with each community at the end of April to renew their certifications.
CUR22Educate homeowners and builders on the benefits of sprinkler systems in residential structuresWildfire1.1ModerateFire Marshal/PlanningGeneral FundOn goingOngoing through the fire marshal and planning department. The County requested special legislation to address life safety issues in residential structures greater than 5,000 sq. feet, to include a requirement for residential sprinkler system. The request was denied.
CUR23Increase public awareness and understanding of the locations and proper way to dispose of hazardous wasteHazardous Materials Incident1.1ModeratePublic WorksGeneral FundOn goingPW continues to sponsor an annual household hazardous waste day. Hazardous waste day is now advertised in the Focus on Currituck publication and on social media platforms. Participation has increased considerably.
CUR24Periodically survey the public to evaluate if public outreach efforts are effective in identifying potential flood hazards, public concern, and ways to mitigate against hazardsCoastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm1.1ModeratePlanningGeneral FundOn goingA public survey was conducted as part of participation in the Division of Coastal Management’s Resilient Coastal Communities Program.
CUR25Develop a joint public outreach document that addresses all hazards (published by the Planning and Emergency Management Departments)All Hazards1.1HighPlanning/Emergency ManagementGeneral FundOn goingThe planning department and the emergency management department publish documents in the "Focus on Currituck" publication.

The new outreach brochure, created as a joint effort by Currituck and Dare Counties through our CRS user’s group, addresses all hazards.
CUR26Evaluate effectiveness of Currituck's warning systemsAll Hazards1.1HighEmergency ManagementGeneral FundOn goingNumber of individuals registering for Currituck Alert provides a baseline for effectiveness of mass notification. Planning a campaign to increase awareness of ENS and increase number of subscribers.

Registrations still rising. Utilizing social media and Focus on Currituck publication to increase awareness.
CUR27Educate and assist vulnerable populations in developing personal preparedness plansAll Hazards1.1HighEmergency ManagementGeneral FundOn goingContinuous
CUR28Partner with other County Departments, State, local agencies to educate and inform vulnerable populations about special needs registry with Social Services through community outreach (survey, website, social media, water bill)All Hazards1.1HighDSS, EM, PIOGeneral FundOn goingContinuous
CUR29Create curriculums for all hazards preparedness to better educate the publicAll Hazards1.1HighEmergency ManagementGeneral Fund/Grantsless than 5 yearsDue to understaffing, difficulties brought on by COVID 19, and LACK OF FUNDING
CUR30Continue to educate elected officials and the public on the need for and benefits of sustained shoreline management strategies.Coastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm, Severe Weather1.1HighPlanningGeneral FundOn goingStaff continues to share information with elected officials and the public.
CUR31Educate property owners on the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains, watersheds, and other natural/coastal areas.Coastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm3.2ModeratePlanningGeneral FundOn goingThis is included in the new outreach brochure.
CUR32Educate the development and agricultural communities as well as the public on the impacts of turbidity on floodplain/natural areas and mitigating best management practicesCoastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm3.2ModerateSoil & Water Conservation Board, Planning, Cooperative ExtensionGeneral FundOn goingThe Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Cooperative Extension continue to work on this action as time and budget allows.
CUR33Develop outreach materials and offer training on Low Impact Development (LID) best management practices that can be distributed to the public and engineering communities.Coastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm3.2HighSoil & Water Conservation Board, Planning, Cooperative ExtensionGeneral Fundless than 5 yearsThe stormwater manual addresses this. Training has not been offered yet. Progress on this action has been hindered by staffing and budget constraints.
CUR34Send targeted outreach on flood risk, preparedness, insurance and mitigation options to repetitive loss property ownersCoastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm1.1HighPlanningGeneral Fund1 yearAll repetitive loss properties received a copy of our outreach brochure which addresses these concerns.
CUR35Send targeted outreach on flood risk, preparedness, insurance, and mitigation options to pre-FIRM property ownersCoastal Hazards, Flood, Hurricane & Tropical Storm1.1HighPlanningGeneral Fund1 yearThe Currituck County GIS department is working with the tax department to compile a list of pre-FIRM structures. The size of the list and budgetary constraints will dictate the nature of the outreach.
Outer Banks
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
2020