2018 Disaster Preparedness Guide

2018 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

A Special Supplement to THE COASTLAND TIMES

PHOTO BY MARY HELEN GOODLOE-MURPHY

Storm surge overtakes Rodanthe in October 2008 following what forecasters called “a garden-variety nor’easter.” Oceanfront homes were destroyed and NC 12 washed out.

Disaster preparedness: It’s all about planning Hurricane season is upon us, and it’s time to make a plan. What will you do in an emergency, where will you get up-to-date-information, what should you have on hand if stranded, where will you go if evacuated, where will you take your pets? Due to the high frequency of hurricanes in the Outer Banks, it’s a good time to formulate emergency plans. But hurricanes aren’t the only disasters you may encounter. Winter storms, wind damage, fires and even major, debilitating traffic incidents may make it necessary for families to rely on emergency plans. Authorities say evacuation plans should include what route you will take, what vehicles you will use, and where you will stay. Do you have a plan in place if communication lines and/or cell phone towers fail? When cell networks are overloaded,

texts and social media posts are more likely to make it through. Designate a meeting area and a backup meeting location for your family. Make plans to check-in with a designated family member or friend who lives in a different area. When local networks are jammed, often times long-distance calls will go through. Families should also build an emergency kit This is a list of basic items every emergency supply kit should include. However, it is important individuals review this list and consider unique circumstances of their family in order to create an emergency supply kit that will meet their needs. For more information about emergency supply kits, visit readync.gov. Area residents are advised to have on hand enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least three days. At minimum, kits should include water enough for one

PHOTO COURTESY DARE COUNTY

Storm surge from a storm in October 2014 washes out part of NC 12 in Kitty Hawk.

gallon per person, per day for at least three days; non-perishable food, emergency light sources, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications, infant and pet supplies, one blanket

per person and important family documents. Stay up-to-date with emergency alerts provided by your county, along with ReadyNC. gov, which also provides a free

mobile app. Sign up for Dare County emergency alerts at darenc.com or mobile users can text “DareEmergencyAlerts” to 30890 to sign up for text alerts.

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THE COASTLAND TIMES

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What you need to know about evacuations from the islands '

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Maple

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Shiloh

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Tarboro

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Evacuations are only called for when the lives and safety of those in the area being evacuated will be a risk. With seasonal increases in population and limited access on and off the barrier islands, major traffic delays will occur during evacuations. Once an evacuation has been called, to ensure your personal safety gather your belongings and leave as soon as possible. In addition to protecting yourself,

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Evacuation routes: Which way to go

Knotts Island

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Outer Banks and surrounding counties converge onto Highway 158. Highway 64/264 West has less congestion and traffic lights; allowing for constant speed. This route intersects Interstate 95, allowing travelers to head north or south to their desired destination. While this route may appear longer on a map or GPS, it is typically faster than evacuating via Highway 158.

Hatteras

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doing so will save a significant amount of time in traffic while helping emergency officials as they prepare for, or respond to the incident. Dare County Emergency Management encourages residents and visitors to consider using Highway 64/264 West, especially those evacuating from Hatteras Island, Nags Head and Roanoke Island. Traffic backups on Highway 158 will occur as traffic from the northern

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PHOTO COURTESY DARE COUNTY

A checkpoint near Oregon Inlet following Hurricane Matthew evacuations.

Reentry: How to get back in

Serving the Outer Banks and protecting the livelihood of our neighbors since 1973. Manteo – 252-473-3930 503 Cypress Lane, Manteo NC Kitty Hawk – 252-261-4684 3900 N Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk, NC

If you are evacuated, delay return until recommended or authorized by local authorities. A staged reentry process will be used by the Dare County Control Group to facilitate an orderly re-entry. No one will be denied entry with proper identification, which includes a driver’s license with a Dare County address, or a current tax bill or parcel data sheet with matching current government issued id. The county issues reentry permits for non-resident property owners, which are valid through the end of December 2018.

Reentry passes from prePriority Three: Non-resvious years will not be ident property owners and accepted. non-resident employees of non-critical businesses. Permits are issued one REENTRY STAGES Priority One: Essential to a household based on personnel, including util- tax registration informaity workers, government tion. There are two separepresentatives, medical rate non-resident properpersonnel and damage ty owner permits; one for property owners north of assessors. Priority Two: Perma- Oregon Inlet and one for nent residents and essen- property owners south tial personnel for critical of Oregon Inlet. Note: businesses, including food Non-resident permits with service/supply, pharma- an expiration date of April cies, banks, gas stations, 1, 2018 will remain valid property management, until Dec. 30, 2018. Priority Four: General building supply and hotels will be permitted reentry public and visitors, no pass needed only with a permit.

Where are you? You might’ve seen the declaration on garbage trucks around Dare County: “Know your location!” In an emergency, every second counts. But first responders find many visitors don’t quite know exactly where they are. Visitors may know the name of the beach house they’re renting for the week, but not the address. The Dare County Sheriff’s 911 Communications staff may not be able to immediately identify your location from a cell phone, officials said. One of the first things you should due upon arrival for vacation is note the exact street address of your vacation home.

Dare Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson says the first visitors to arrive for vacation should text to the address of the place they’re staying to everyone in the party. First responders say you should also pay attention to what street you use to

access the beach or sound and what milepost you’re near. “If you are unable to provide an address or location of the emergency, response times can be hindered in life or death situations,” Dare officials say.

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Storm surge can be devastating for coastal communities

Category 1

Winds of 74-95 mph Very dangerous winds will produce some danger: Minor damage to property, shrubbery, trees, and unanchored mobile homes should be expected. Low-lying coastal roads inundated, minor pier damage and some small craft in exposed anchorage may be torn from moorings.

Category 2

Winds of 96-110 mph Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallow rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block roads. Serious f looding at coast and many smaller structures near coast destroyed. Considerable damage to piers. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. PHOTO BY MARY HELEN GOODLOE-MURPHY

Storm surge following Hurricane Irene in August 2011 overwashes and destroys a section of NC 12 in Rodanthe.

When preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm, people often focus on the hurricane’s windspeed category. But along the coast, storm surge is far more often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane, emergency management officials said. In the past, large death tolls have resulted from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes that have made landfall. Hurricane Katrina in

2005 is a prime example of the damage and devastation that can be caused by surge.

astronomical tide. This rise in water level can cause extreme f looding in coastal areas particularly when storm surge coincides with normal STORM SURGE VERSUS high tide, resulting in STORM TIDE Storm surge is an ab- storm tides reaching normal rise of water gen- up to 20 feet or more in erated by a storm, over some cases. and above the predicted astronomical tides. WHAT IMPACTS Storm surge should not STORM SURGE? be confused with storm Storm surge is protide, which is defined duced by water being as the water level rise pushed toward the shore due to the combination by the force of the winds of storm surge and the See SURGE, 4C

Atlantic storm names 2018 NOA A has released its list of Atlantic tropical and subtropical storm names for 2018, and even before the official start of hurricane season on June 1, the first name on the list. Alberto, formed

in the Gulf of Mexico. The remaining storm names for this hurricane season are: Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon and Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine,

Oscar, Patt y, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie and William. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 and North Carolina is one of the leading states for hurricane damage.

Flood gauge coming to Rodanthe Harbor A new water level and weather gauge will soon be installed at Rodanthe Harbor. Dare County Emergency Manager Drew Pearson has advocated for flood gauges to fill the gaps between current gauges at Oregon Inlet and Hatteras village Coast Guard stations. He has requested 18 gauges along Dare’s soundside shorelines. Rodanthe Harbor is the first one. The gauges are operated by NC Division of Emergency Management as part of the Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network. Data fed from the gauge will be used for flood forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. Emergency management agencies, like Dare’s, will have access to the data. The gauge is self-contained and powered by solar energy. It is designed to run all day, every day in remote locations. It is expected that the Rodanthe gauge will be installed by the end of the 2018 summer.

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Category 3

Winds of 111-129 mph Devastating damage will occur: Large trees blown down. Serious

f looding at coast and many small structures near coast destroyed; electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. Major damage to piers.

Category 4

Winds of 130-156 mph Catastrophic damage will occur: Shrubs and trees blown down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows, and doors; complete failure of roofs on many small residences; complete destruction of mobile homes. Major damage to lower f loors of structures near shore due to f looding and battering by waves and f loating debris. Destruction of piers.

Category 5

Winds greater than 157 mph Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages for weeks to possibly months.

Information provided by Dare County Emergency Management

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4C

THE COASTLAND TIMES

Forecasters predict active 2018 hurricane season NOAA forecasters say they expect an active Atlantic hurricane season — an announcement that came as the first named tropical storm of the year, Alberto, formed in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast calls for 10 to 16 named storms, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four hurricanes could be “major” with sustained winds of at least 111 mph (178 kph), the National Hurricane Center said. An average hurricane season produces about a dozen named storms, with six becoming hurricanes and three major hurricanes. P r e d ic t ion s f r om NOAA’s National Hurricane Center are slightly lower than forecasts from researchers from North Carolina State University. The 2018 season could see 14 to 18 tropical storms

and hurricanes forming in the Atlantic basin, which includes the entire Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, according to Lian Xie, professor of marine, earth and atmospheric sciences at NC State. The 1950 to 2017 average for named storms is 11.  Of those named storms, seven to 11 may grow strong enough to become hurricanes with the possibility of three to five storms becoming major hurricanes. Xie’s methodology evaluates more than 100 years of historical data on Atlantic Ocean hurricane positions and intensity, as well as other variables, including weather patterns and sea-surface temperatures, to predict how many storms will form in each ocean basin.  But if an El Nino develops later this summer, it could suppress storm development during the

PHOTO COURTESY DARE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Waves batter the Kitty Hawk coastline during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

season’s peak months from August through October, according to NOAA. El Nino is the natural warming of parts of the Pacific Ocean that changes weather worldwide and tends to reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic. Warm waters feed a hurricane’s strength, while strong wind shear can pull it apart. If El Nino does not develop and water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea warm up, that could fuel more storm development. NOA A also predicted that 2017 would be an

above-average season, and it certainly was: A trio of devastating hurricanes — Harvey, Irma and Maria — ravaged Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and many Caribbean islands. Overall, last year saw 17 named storms, including 10 hurricanes. Officials warned all coastal residents not to wait to make evacuation plans or preparations for protecting their homes and businesses. The six-month Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1. The Associated Press NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The contributed to this report. cyclone’s storm surge devastated parts of the Outer Banks.

Dare County hurricane history since 1985 1985 – GLORIA

Sept 16 – Oct 2 Max Wind Speed: 144 mph L a nd fa ll: Hat teras – 9/26/85 Category 2 at Landfall with a 6 – 8 ft Storm Surge and 104 mph winds

1985 – KATE

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Nov 15 – Nov 23 Max Wind Speed: 123 mph Landfall in Florida Affected NC 11/22/85 Tropical Storm when arrived in NC with 52 mph winds

1991 – BOB

Evacuation – all of Dare with 104 mph winds and County 6 – 10 ft storm surge Created breech in island between Frisco and Hat1996 – FRAN teras Village Aug 23 – Sept 10 Evacuation – all of Dare Max wind Speed: 121 County mph Estimated $400 million Landfall: Cape Fear Category 3 at landfall in damages with 115 mph winds and an 8-12 ft storm surge 2004 – ALEX No evacuations in Dare Aug 3 County Category 2 at the time of landfall Caused sound side 1998 – BONNIE flooding Aug 19 – Aug 31 Most damage in the Max Wind Speed: 115 form of flooding damage mph to cars and homes Landfall: Cape Fear Estimated $2.4 million Category 3 at landfall in damages 6-8 ft storm surge Evacuation – all of Dare County 2005 – OPHELIA Sept 13 – Sept 16

Aug 16 – Aug 29 Max Wind Speed: 115 mph 1998 – EARL Never made landfall in Aug 31 – Sept 8 Max Wind Speed: 85 NC Reached Category 3 off Max Wind Speed: 98 mph of NC Coast mph Passed NC Coast as a Hit North Carolina Tropical Storm when Tropical Storm 8/19/91 reached NC Evacuation – Hatteras Island only Estimated $19,500 in 1993 – EMILY 1999 – DENNIS damages Aug 22 –Sept 6 Aug 24 – Sept 8 Max Wind Speed: 115 Max Wind Speed: 104 mph mph 2010 – EARL Never made landfall in Landfall: Dare County Aug 25- Sept 5 NC 9/14/99 Max Wind Speed: 145 Reached Category 3 off Tropical Storm at land- mph of coast fall 69 mph winds Passed 100 miles off of Affected NC 8/31/93 Evacuation – all of Dare the NC Coast Evacuation – all of Dare County Evacuation - all of HatCounty Estimated $10 million teras Island and Ocean Estimated $12 million in damages front of all towns in damages Estimated $500,000 in damages 1999 – FLOYD 1996 – BERTHA Sept 7 – Sept 19 Max Wind Speed: 155 July 5 – July 17 2011 – IRENE Max Wind Speed: 115 mph Aug 20 – Aug 28 Landfall: Topsail Island mph Max Wind Speed: 120 Landfall: Topsail Beach 9/16/99 mph Category 2 at landfall 7/13/96 Landfall just south of Category 2 at landfall with 109 mph winds the Outer Banks Evacuation – all of Dare with 104 mph winds and a Evacuation all of Dare County 5 ft Storm surge County Significant flooding Estimated Damages: 2003 – ISABEL $53,975,960 Sept 7 – Sept 29 Max Wind Speed: 160 mph 2012 – SANDY Landfall: Drum Inlet Oct 25 – Oct 31 9/18/03 Max Wind Speed: 70 Category 2 at landfall mph

SURGE From 3C mov i ng c yc lon ic a l ly around the storm. The impact on surge of the low pressure associated with intense storms is minimal in comparison to the water being forced toward the shore by the wind. The maximum potential storm surge for a particular location depends on a number of different factors. Storm surge is a very complex phenomenon because it is sensitive to the slightest changes in storm intensity, forward speed, size, angle of approach to the

coast and the shape and characteristics of coastal features such as bays and estuaries. Adding to the destructive power of surge, battering waves may increase damage to buildings directly along the coast. Water weighs approx i mately 1,700 pounds per cubic yard; extended pounding by frequent waves can demolish any structure not specifically designed to withstand such forces. The two elements work together to increase the impact on land because the surge makes it possible for waves to extend inland. Additionally, currents created by tides combine

Significant road damage to NC 12 in Kitty Hawk and Rodanthe 7-8 inches of rainfall Emergency ferry activation due to NC 12 road damage Estimated Damages: $13+ million

2014 – ARTHUR

July 3 – July 4 Max Wind Speed: 101 mph Category 2 at landfall Earliest hurricane on record Landfall between Cape Lookout and Beaufort Mandatory evacuation issued for Hatteras Island

2016 – HERMINE

August 28 - Sept 3 Max Wind Speed: 73 mph Category 1 with tropical sustained winds E x tensive f looding in villages on Hatteras Island Storm surge of 4 feet about normal tide Estimated storm damages: $5.4 million

2016 – MATTHEW

October 7 - October 9 Max Wind Speed: 94 mph Category 1 with landfall in South Carolina Highest Dare County wind reported at 94 mph NWS reported rainfall 12+ inches in Kill Devil Hills Estimated statewide damages: $1.5 billion

2017 – MARIA

Sept 25 - Sept 27 Max Wind Speed: 75 mph Category 1 State of Emergency Declared Mandatory evacuation of visitors on Hatteras Island No estimate of damages available with the waves to severely erode beaches and coastal highways. Buildings that survive hurricane winds can be damaged if their foundations are undermined and weakened by erosion. In confined harbors, the combination of storm tides, waves, and currents can also severely damage marinas and boats. In estuaries and bayous, salt water intrusion endangers the public health, kills vegetation and can send animals, such as snakes and alligators, f leeing from f looded areas. - Information provided by NOA A and Dare Count y E m e r ge n c y Management

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018

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THE COASTLAND TIMES

Dealing with wind-damaged roofing

wind itself. When inspecting the roof after a wind event, investigate what might have blown onto or across the roof. Also, it’s a good idea to check your gutters and downspouts as debris can easily clog them and create other headaches down the road. Keep trees trimmed and away from your roof. Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofi ng materials. On roofs that have equipment or decks located on them make sure heat HOW WIND DAMAGES pump doors are fastened YOUR ROOF Wind moving over your properly and all equipment roof causes an uplift pres- is attached securely. sure and the effect of this is not the same on all loHOW TO CHECK FOR cations of your roof. Areas ROOF WIND DAMAGE like the corners and pePerform an outdoor inrimeter of the roof can be spection: Look for misssusceptible to higher uplift ing and damaged shingles pressures, while the cen- (damaged shingles might ter of the roof might have be curled, cracked or torn) lower stresses. Location on your roof or around and surrounding houses/ your property. If this type buildings can also make of damage is localized (i.e., different sections of your it covers less than 30 perroof more susceptible to cent of the entire roof), wind damage. According roofing repairs might be to the National Roofi ng able to address the probContractors Association lem. More extensive dam(NRCA), most wind dam- age might necessitate roof age to a roof starts on the replacement. Also keep edge. Anywhere the roof- in mind that not only the ing material is even a lit- roof itself, but the chimtle bit loose, the wind can ney, ventilation pipes, roof get below it and push it up, flashing, gutters and fencthus giving the wind more ing can also become damto grab onto next time and aged. Be sure to inspect creating a chain peeling them for damage as well. effect. This type of wind If you suspect that your damage can start very roof is damaged, here is a small but continue to grow basic list of what to look over time through repeat- for: ed exposure to wind. Composition shingles: Once an area of roof curling, loss of granuladeck/plywood is exposed, tion, broken, damaged or rain can get in and start missing shingles to cause leaks and water Wood shingles/shakes: damage. Homeowners can Mold or decay, splitting or avoid this type of wind curling damage by making sure Flat roof: Obvious patchmaterials on the edge and es, cracks or tears, several corners of their roof are blisters and/or wrinkles strong enough and in good (also check patched areas condition to withstand from inside the attic) high winds. Flashing: Tears, buckling around roof penetrations Roofing cement: Excess FLYING DEBRIS AND cement, crumbling TREE DAMAGE Soffits and fascia: Decay, Significant wind events also move debris which stains Soffit and ridge vents: can make its way onto your roof. Roof equipment such Clogged or damaged vents, as vents and heat pumps, f lashing and shingles tree branches and other around them curling or debris can sometimes be missing Gutters: Decay or rust, more damaging than the In our area the most frequent cause of storm damage is wind. Strong winds can create stress points on a roof membrane or shingle that can weaken and damage it. While roofs are designed to resist typical wind loads, they can be incrementally damaged over the time by high winds and debris carried by the wind. Replacing missing shingles and fi xing the initial roof damage quickly is important to prevent subsequent water damage and high costs that will inevitably result from a roof system that is not working as it should.

leaky seams, loosely attached to structure, bent or sagging, missing sections of gutter or downspout, fi lled with debris. Clogged gutters can easily freeze shut and cause excessive weight on gutter fasteners, ice dam conditions, and slippery walks below. Chimneys: Leaning, lose or missing flashing, damaged bricks, cap or cracked joints. Chimney flashing is especially prone to tearing because a chimney settles independently from the house. Perform an indoor inspection: Moisture marks, brown, yellow, or grey stains, and peeling paint on walls and/or ceilings could all indicate a damaged, leaking roof. Also check your attic for damp rafters or leaks. And if you experience a sudden surge in energy costs, it could be a sign that your roof ventilation has been compromised. Call in a professional: Call in a roofer for a professional inspection. Getting on your roof yourself is not recommended as it can lead to personal injury and also further damage to your property. A trained professional also has the tools and safety techniques to get up on your roof and

ReadyNC app provides realtime help in disaster situations Ready to weather a disaster? There’s an app for that. ReadyNC launched in 2014 to help North Carolinians and visitors prepare for everything from minor traffic emergencies to severe storms on a daily basis. The app is free and available in the AppStore for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices. The mobile app is an all-in-one tool offering the latest weather, traffic and hazard information and know what to do to be safe. While the app’s not meant to replace calling 911, it can be used to find life-saving information. Available on the ReadyNC is real-time traffic and weather information; critical information on how to be safe during different hazardous events; real-time information about opened shelters for evacuees (including addresses, capacity, directions and if the shelter is pet-friendly); real-time updates on flood levels of major nearby creeks and rivers; phone numbers and links to all North Carolina power companies to report outages; basic instructions on how to develop emergency plans and what to put in your emergency supplies kit; real-time information on which counties have issued evacuation orders; contact numbers and links to websites for those who need help recovering from a disaster; direct links to

check for damage.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR ROOF HAS WIND DAMAGE

If you have roof damage caused by wind and/or flying debris, it’s important to get it fi xed immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur. If roof damage is extensive we recommend promptly completing a temporary dry-in of damaged area to allow insurance adjusters the opportunity to determine if roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Temporary dry-in should be completed in a manner not to damage areas of roof that were not damaged in storm. Roof replacement and roof repair costs are lot less when you don’t have to add in the other costs of repairing leaks and water damage. Contact your insurance agent to assess the situation and determine whether you should file a claim. Thoroughly document any See ROOFING, 8C

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6C

THE COASTLAND TIMES

Make a plan for your pets by Gregory Clark

greg.clark@thecoastlandtimes.com

Emergency managers and animal organizations say when you prepare evacuation kits, you shouldn’t forget to include your pets needs in your family plan. Leaving your pet behind if you’re forced to evacuate should not be an option. Your pet is susceptible to the same dangers as you would be exposed to during a storm. As hurricane season

begins, now is the time to prepare. Pet owners should make sure their animals vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date. You should also obtain your pet’s medical records from their veterinarian. Medical documentation is required by most shelters. Make sure you have adequate food and water for your pet. Your pet should wear current tags and you might consider having a microchip implanted for identification in case your pet were to run off. Include

leashes, collars and pet carriers in the plan. Paulette Freeman, a Dare County Animal Control officer, says some dogs and cats can become skittish as a storm approaches. She suggests outdoor pets be brought inside before a forecast storm reaches the area. That way you won’t waste time trying to find your pet or be forced to leave without them when an evacuation is ordered. There are no designated shelters in Dare County, so people and their pets will

need to look inland. Dare County Emergency Director Drew Pearson says the state has realized that pets are part today’s family. When emergency shelters are open some will be designated as pet-accommodation facilities. As a rule, the facilities separate pets and people. Pearson says the public shelters aren’t ideal for everyone but it is a refuge from the storm. He says many evacuees prefer to use family or pet-friendly hotels as a sanctuary. He said knowing where you are going and planning for an extended stay out of area is important. Finding public shelters in advance that allow pets can be difficult even for local officials. Keith Acree of the NC Department of Emergency Management says by law each county must include an emergency shelter plan for families with pets. That shelter may be near or at the evacuation center but rarely can pets stay in the same area designated for people. A list of public shelters may not be known until a storm threatens and an

Volunteers with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals helped rescue hundreds of pets throughout the southeast United States in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

evacuation is imminent. Large animals such as horses and livestock take even more planning. In addition to medical records, a horse owner needs to know how they will transport their animals. They should have a plan if they need to rent a trailer. In past evacuations large animal shelters in Martin County and Raleigh have been used during storm events. Horse owners are required to feed and care for their animals while they are being sheltered. After a major storm the area could be without electricity, water and a way to obtain necessities for days or even weeks. Although

most will evacuate when facing a major hurricane threat, some won’t. Those who don’t leave should make sure their pets have enough food and water for an extended period. After the storm passes, Dare County Animal Control will attempt to rescue abandoned and injured animals, shelter them and reunite them with their owners. The Outer Banks SPCA and Dare County Animal Control can help you plan your pet evacuation kit. For tips on what you need for an evacuation plan with pets you can call the Dare County Animal Shelter at 252-475-5620.

What to do before, during and after a major weather crisis

Farm Bureau Insurance Prepare with Your Agent: of North Carolina provides • Keep your insurance a list of tips on what to do before, during and after a coverage current with rismajor weather crisis or oth- ing building replacement costs. Make sure you have er catastrophe.

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enough coverage for the furnishings and other items you have purchased since you first bought insurance. Buy flood and earthquake insurance, if you are eligible and vulnerable. • Review your insurance policy with your agent periodically. Be sure everything important to you is covered. Keep your policy information in a safe place where it can be retrieved easily after a disaster. Create a quick-reference list containing your agent’s telephone number, all your policy numbers, and the insurance company names. Prepare at Home: • Alert police and fire departments to special conditions; provide the name and location of any individual requiring special assistance in an emergency. • Prepare an inventory list of personal valuables, household furnishings, and equipment so losses can be authoritatively itemized. • Know how to shut off your gas, electricity, and water, and how to board up vulnerable places around the house, such as doors and windows. • Plan a family evacuation and relocation strategy. • Keep a supply of nonperishable foods and an emergency water supply; have essential drugs and a first-aid kit available in your medicine chest. Keep these supplies fresh. • Keep fresh batteries available for transistor radios and flashlights, and an extra supply of fuel for portable grills and stoves. • Have the necessary tools available to protect your residence from the elements or to make emergency repairs after a catastrophe.

AFTER A CATASTROPHE First Steps: • Your Agent is Your Advocate: Get in contact with your agent as quickly as possible and let them know about your losses. Of course, if you need emergency assistance, always call 911 first. • If you are relocated temporarily, let your agent know your temporary address. Prepare for Your Adjuster: • Following a major storm or catastrophe, even with many additional adjusters on site and others en route, it will take time to process an extraordinary number of claims. If your home has been destroyed, or the damages make your home unlivable, tell your agent that you need priority help. See INSURANCE, 8C

In the event of an emergency, fast, accurate and reliable information is key.

Are you signed up to receive emergency alerts from Dare County Emergency Management? Dare County Emergency Management has the ability to send emergency alerts to residents, visitors and property owners via text, email, and over the phone. Registered users pick how time-sensitive messages are received and which devices, phone numbers and email addresses notifications are sent to.

Text “Join DareEmergencyAlerts� to 30890 to sign up for text alerts Dare County Emergency Management. Follow Dare County Emergency Management on Twitter @DareCountyEM

Run from water. hide from wind.

stoRM sURge is the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane, regardless of wind speed.

www.DareNC.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018

8C

THE COASTLAND TIMES

INSURANCE From 6C • Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property for the adjuster. Be sure to keep a copy for your own records. Your list should be as complete as you can make it and should include: a description of the item (and number if more than one); date of purchase or approximate age; cost at time of purchase; and estimated replacement cost today. Include as much of this data as is available. • Collect canceled checks, invoices or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property. • Where necessary, secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster when he or she arrives. • Even if home or business furnishings and effects look like “total losses”, do not get rid of them until they have been examined by an adjuster. Making Repairs: • Make only those repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your home or business. This must include covering breaks in a roof, wall or windows with plywood, canvas, or other waterproof material. Do

ROOFING From 5C damage that occurred and keep receipts for all work, including any you do yourself, such as covering windows or holes in your roof to facilitate reimbursement if you file a claim. Many policies will cover these expenses when submitted with a claim.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Caution! After any storm, there will be “fly-by-night”

not have permanent repairs made without first consulting your agent. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed. • Keep all receipts for expenditures you have made to repair damage or to estimate the extent of your damage. • Minor repair estimates should be copied and forwarded to your agent. These smaller claims may not require an on sight inspection by an adjuster. The estimate should contain: detailed specifications of the proposed repairs, and detailed repair cost prices and replacement prices. The estimate should also be accompanied by detailed photographs of the damage. • If immediate repairs are necessary, take photographs of the damaged areas. These will help you with the presentation of your claim and will assist the adjuster in the investigation of your claim.

records of expenses incurred in preventing further damage.

First Steps: • Notify your agent. Make sure you tell your agent who insures your home or other structure for wind loss. The adjuster working your flood claim will need to know this information. • You should complete temporary repairs to avoid further damage. Keep

Special Precautions: • If your car has been damaged or submerged in a flood, move it to high ground and let it dry out. • Do not attempt to start or operate it until it is thoroughly dried. • Before you enter a flooded building, make sure it is not in danger of collapse. • Do not smoke or use an open flame until you are sure it is safe to do so. • Do not turn on the electrical system; it may have become short circuited. • Let the building air to remove foul odors or escaped gas. • When entering a flooded building, be alert for holes in the floor, loose boards, hanging or loose plaster, snakes and other hazards. • The main electrical circuit should be turned off. Be extremely careful to stand on a dry surface and avoid touching the metal handle of the switch box. Use a piece of heavy rubber, plastic or a piece of dry wood to open the metal door and throw the switch off. • If you have gas service, it should be turned off at your meter, tank, or supply line. • Be alert for fumes. Call your local utility if you detect any fumes.

outfits going door to door and claiming they are legitimate roofing companies. Most of the time, they do the work quickly and get out of town even faster before you have a chance to address any issues or problems, leaving you little recourse. Always ask to see their business licenses, proof of insurance, certifications, permanent business address and Better Business Bureau rating. A reputable roofing contractor should be based locally and have a history of being in business in one

location. They should also be able to help you with your insurance claim and know what is covered, what is excluded, and how to help prevent you from spending more than your deductible out-of-pocket. More importantly, the roofing contractor should ensure that everything on the claim is clearly and specifically identified as legitimate damage related to a storm, so that you’re protected against insurance fraud and its heavy penalties. - Information provided by Gallop Roofing & Remodeling

WHAT TO DO ABOUT FLOODING

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