Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Assemble a kit with enough supplies to last three to five days, minimum. Include non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other essentials. Consider both sheltering in place and evacuation needs, as supplies may differ for each. In rural areas like Down East, power restoration and road access may take longer than in urban areas—consider packing extra days’ worth of supplies. Visit ReadyNC.gov for detailed checklists.

Create a Communication Plan

Disasters can strike when household members are apart. Creating a communication plan ensure that members know how to reconnect when it is safe to do so. A communication plan should include:

• Contact information for family members, schools, workplaces, doctors, and emergency contacts

• A designated safe meeting location

• Medical and insurance information

• Pet care contacts, if applicable

Since internet and cellular networks may be down during a storm, print the plan and share copies with all household members. Ready.gov offers a fillable form to create a Family Emergency Communication Plan and sends a PDF version to save and print.

Identify Evacuation Routes and Shelter Options

Create an evacuation plan, including preferred destinations and multiple route options. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has designated evacuation zones based on flood risk and population density. All of Down East falls within Zone A, which is typically evacuated first.

In Carteret County, primary evacuation routes include U.S. Highway 70, NC Highway 101, and NC Highway 58. These routes are marked with blue and white evacuation signs. Expect delays and heavy traffic during a regional evacuation.

Shelter locations will be announced before a storm’s arrival. Carteret County provides short-term shelters during hurricanes, but these are not equipped for extended stays. Residents should bring their own supplies, such as bedding, food, medications, clothing, and infant care items. Long-term shelters may be established after the storm passes for displaced individuals. More information is available on the Carteret County website.

Collect Important Documents

Gather important documents, such as insurance policies, property deeds and titles, birth certificates, and identification. and store them in a secure, water and fire proof location. Store them in a water- and fire-proof container and keep copies in your emergency kit. Review insurance policies annually to ensure adequate coverage for storm-related damage.

Register for Emergency Alerts with CodeRED

CodeRED is a notification system used by Carteret County to quickly share emergency and health-related alerts via phone (landline or cell). Registration is free and available through an online form on the Carteret County Emergency Management website.