The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season is underway. Currituck Emergency Management encourages all citizens to remain prepared in case a severe storm comes towards the county. Key reminders include:

Prepare an emergency safety kit and hurricane plan for your family.

• • Include a 3 day supply of food, water, clothes, flashlights, batteries, cell phone chargers, medicines, first aid kit, and other necessities.
  • Check the expiration dates on all supplies and medicines.
  • Check your homeowner’s insurance policy for any changes you may need.
  • Talk to your family about hurricanes and your emergency safety plan.
  • Consider any special medical needs for your family and include those in your plan.
  • Remember to include your pets in your emergency plan. The Currituck Animal Shelter does not take in pets during a storm.
  • Make a checklist of tasks you’ll need to prepare your home and property before a storm.
  • If you have a generator, stock your fuel supply before the storm and keep it in a safe place.
  • Visit ReadyNC.gov for helpful suggestions and checklists.

Develop an evacuation plan.

• • There are NO pre-storm shelters in Currituck County. Listen to local radio stations or watch the county website www.currituckgovernment.com for out-of-county shelters that will host Currituck County evacuees.
  • Take your Currituck County Access permit when you evacuate. This will serve as your re-entry pass after the storm.
  • Discuss your evacuation plan with your family.
  • Fuel your vehicle ahead of time, along with general preventative maintenance (check fluids, air pressure in tires, etc.).
  • Make sure you have everything needed to change a flat tire.
  • Have current maps or GPS devices with you in case traffic is unexpectedly rerouted.
  • Take a cell phone charger for your vehicle, first aid kit, and important documents (birth certificates, passports, deeds, etc.).
  • Pack enough water and snacks for everyone.
  • Remember to take your pets and pet food.
  • Listen for evacuation notifications and leave as early as possible to avoid the heaviest traffic volume.

Stay informed throughout hurricane season.

• • Monitor www.weather.gov for the latest news on storms in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Sign up for Currituck Alert to receive timely alert messages from Currituck County.
  • Text SAFECOROLLA to 888-777 for Currituck County beach information.
  • Call Currituck Emergency Management at 252-232-2115 if you have any questions about hurricane preparedness or evacuations.