News

Residents Encouraged to Stay Ready During Hurricane Season

Now that hurricane season has officially begun, Currituck County urges all residents and property owners to stay prepared in case a storm comes toward the region.  It’s always best to plan ahead and prepare during calm weather so you’ll be ready in case a storm comes our way. There are many things that can be done to help protect lives and property!

Put together an Emergency Safety Kit – A good emergency/evacuation kit should be able to sustain you, your family, and pets for a
minimum of 3 days. Items to put in your kit include:

  • One gallon of water per day, per person
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First aid supplies
  • Prescription medications
  • Phone charger
  • Infant items, such as diapers
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Spare clothes and blankets
  • Pet food, water, and supplies
  • Cash

Plan how to Prepare Your Home – Make checklists of actions you’ll need to take to secure your home, vehicles, and outdoor items. This may include tasks such as boarding up windows, moving outdoor furniture indoors, securing boats, etc. In addition, you should:

  • Make sure your insurance policy is updated and document home and possessions with photos or video.
  • Gather important documents and place them in a waterproof container.
  • Test generators and buy gasoline.
  • Make a plan for pets and farm animals. If you evacuate, remember to take your household pets with you.

Evacuation Assistance is Available – Currituck County offers evacuation assistance for citizens who may need it, including those with medical or functional needs. If the county orders an evacuation, transportation assistance to an inland shelter can be provided for those in need. Call the Department of Social Services at 232-3083 to sign up.

Things to remember about evacuations:

  • Currituck County does not open any pre-storm shelters due to the probability of flooding. If an evacuation is ordered, please heed this direction and travel to a safer inland location.
  • When evacuating, communicate your evacuation plan and intended destination with family members and friends.
  • Residential Re-Entry Permits – Re-entry permits are mailed to Corolla and Carova residents and property owners every two years, and current permits are valid for the 2021 season. If you have misplaced your permit, proof of residency or ownership will be required to allow you access to your property, such as a driver’s license, tax bill, or utility bill.
  • Business Re-Entry Permits – Essential personnel and critical businesses may complete the online application to receive their business re-entry permits.

Stay Informed – Monitor weather updates and warnings from trusted sources, including:

Sign up for Currituck Alert – You can choose to receive timely alerts via text message, email, or recorded voice message from Currituck County Emergency Management. Register online here.

* If you have any questions regarding hurricane preparedness, contact Currituck County Emergency Management at 252-232-2115.