Down East Storm Readiness Plan
Down East communities face unique storm risks—especially increasing flooding along Highway 70 and lack of communication following storm events. To better prepare, a coordinated, community-based storm readiness plan is now underway.
Led by the Down East Resilience Network’s Storm Preparation Committee in partnership with Carteret County Emergency Services and local leaders, this effort is focused on building a practical plan tailored to the realities of Down East. This effort builds on years of work by local partners, residents, and organizations.”
The plan will address key needs before, during, and after storms, including:
Communications
Emergency access
Staging and restocking
Coordination of help-groups coming in to communities
Community-Led Planning
This work is grounded in local experience and ongoing community input.
At Storm Night 2026: Community Discussion and Roundtable (May 28, 2026), 120+ attendees and representatives from organizations listed below came together to share resources and strengthen coordination around storm preparedness, response, and recovery:
Carteret County Emergency Management
National Weather Service
NC Department of Insurance
Chalk & Gibbs Insurance Company
NC Farm Bureau
NC Join Underwriters Association (Storm Plan)
Carteret County Health and Human Services
Carteret County Long-Term Recovery Alliance
Carteret County Amateur Radio Society
NC State University - UNC Chapel Hill Sunny Day Flooding Project
Emergency Veterinary Programs / NCDA&CS
Carteret County Senior Services
Carteret County Cooperative Extension
A key focus of the evening were communication challenges in Down East, including:
Staying connected with family and neighbors during outages and road closures
Receiving timely updates from Emergency Management
Building personal and community PACE plans (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency communication methods)
Early concepts also include expanding local communication networks, such as coordinated use of marine radios and stronger links between community organizations and emergency services.
Get Involved
This plan is still in development, and community participation is critical.
Fill out the Survey Below to help create a Down East community communication directory:
Below, read testimonials and see photos (courtesy of Carteret County Emergency Management) from May 28’s Storm Night 2026.
Take Action
Practical Steps for
Storm Preparedness
Storms are a part of life Down East—but their impacts don’t have to be devastating. By taking simple, proactive steps before, during, and after a storm, residents can reduce risks and recover more quickly. Here, you’ll find practical actions you can take—from signing up for emergency alerts to building a supply kit and safeguarding important documents. Preparing ahead of time helps protect people, property, and peace of mind.
Before Hurricane Season: Get Ready
-
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 Carteret County Emergency Management.
-
Collect Important Documents
Gather important documents, such as insurance policies, property deeds and titles, birth certificates, and identification. 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.
-
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.
-
Create a Communication Plan
Disasters can strike when household members are apart. Creating a communication plan ensures that members know how to reconnect when it is safe to do so.
-
Create an Evacuation Plan
Create an evacuation plan, including preferred destinations and multiple route options.
In Carteret County, evacuation routes are marked with blue and white evacuation signs and include U.S. Highway 70, NC Highway 101, and NC Highway 58. Expect delays and heavy traffic during a regional evacuation.
-
Identify Shelter Options
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. Long-term shelters may be established after the storm passes for displaced individuals.
When a Storm is Approaching
Monitor Official Weather Updates
The Newport/Morehead City National Weather Service (NWS) office provides real-time weather information and official storm forecasts for Carteret County and much of eastern North Carolina. Weather forecasts and briefings are available on the Newport/Morehead City NWS website and social media: Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Stock Up On Supplies
Before a storm arrives, ensure access to adequate supplies to last through power outages or travel restrictions. Stock up on non-perishable food and drinking water, medications and first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, clothing, fuel for vehicles and generators. Additionally, charge phones, power banks, and backup communication devices.
Secure Outdoor Items & Protect Windows and Doors
Notify Family, Friends, and Neighbors of Plans
Be Ready to Evacuate or Shelter in Place
Bring in or tie down loose outdoor objects that could become projectiles in high winds. Secure windows and doors using hurricane shutters or plywood. Avoid using tape—it does not prevent glass from breaking.
Clearly communicate evacuation or shelter-in-place plans with others. Sharing this information helps ensure that loved ones and nearby residents are aware of each other’s safety and whereabouts before, during, and after the storm.
Follow local emergency instructions closely. Registering for CodeRED ensures that official evacuation and shelter information is received in real time.
If evacuating: Leave early to avoid heavy traffic and deteriorating weather conditions. Stick to designated evacuation routes.
If sheltering in place: Have enough supplies on hand to remain self-sufficient for several days beyond the storm’s passage. Monitor updates on road conditions and do not return home until local officials confirm it is safe.
Long-Term Resilience
There are many actions residents can take to help reduce the potential impacts from storms. These are discussed on other pages of this website, linked at right.