Hurricanes are a part of nature that everyone that has lived in the Cape Fear area long has come to know all to well in the past few years. This page presents some basic Hurricane safety tips that should be followed.

Each year from June 1 through Nov. 30, hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea combined. Hurricanes are one of nature's most powerful forces, turning warm ocean water into powerful winds capable of mass destruction. The heavy rains brought by hurricanes not only threaten coastal areas, but they also lash areas hundreds of miles inland. In some cases, flooding occurs days after a storm actually hits shore. Hurricanes' winds are in excess of 74 mph, and they can bring storm surges and tornadoes.

Before the hurricane:

Although these are some items you can complete during a hurricane or tropical storm watch, some of these tasks can be completed at any time during the year. This way, you'll have the piece of mind knowing that you're prepared for a storm at any time. Rather than standing in long lines the last minute or running the risk of certain items being sold out, you can be home beginning your efforts in protecting your life and property.

• Stay tuned to forecasts and possible warnings.

• Gather items for your safety kit.

• Stock up on water, batteries, non-perishable food.

• Bring in or tie down loose outdoor objects.

• Prepare your house.

• Check up on the elderly, those who may need assistance.

• Monitor radio, television and internet for information from county and state officials regarding evacuations and shelter locations. 

• If along the immediate coast, seek higher ground inland.

During the hurricane:

At this stage your main priority is to remain calm and out of danger. Outside your shelter raging winds are blowing torrential rain and battering your town. There is no reason, unless in an absolute emergency, that one would need to venture outdoors. Local officials have the authority to close roads and bridges and initiate curfews. It is important to your own well being that you obey the laws.

Tips:

• Stay indoors and away from windows.

• Stay tuned to radio (or TV if available) for weather bulletins.

• Use flashlights as a source of light. 

• Candles can easily become a fire hazard 

• Listen to local authorities.

After the hurricane:

Tips:

• Listen to local officials.

• Stay clear of downed power lines, trees, debris.

• Do not drive across flooded roadways.

• Stay clear of moving water especially near rivers, streams and drainage systems

• Stay tuned to radio or any available media source for weather and news bulletins.

• Use flashlights as a source of light. Candles can easily become a fire hazard

Hurricane, tropical storm alerts

• Tropical storm watch: Tropical storm conditions with steady winds of 39-73 mph are possible within 36 hours.

• Tropical storm warning: Tropical storm conditions with steady winds of 39-73 mph are expected within 24 hours.

• Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions with winds of at least 74 mph, coastal flooding and heavy rain are possible within 36 hours.

• Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions with winds of at least 74 mph, coastal flooding and heavy rain are expected within 24 hours.

These advisories are issued for counties along the coast. For inland counties, flood and wind advisories are often issued.

As tropical systems go ashore, severe weather can occur. Therefore watches and warnings for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes may also be issued

During a watch:

Tip: Although these are some items you can complete during a hurricane or tropical storm watch, some of these tasks can be completed at any time during the year. This way, you'll have the piece of mind knowing that you're prepared for a storm at any time. Rather than standing in long lines the last minute or running the risk of certain items being sold out, you can be home beginning your efforts in protecting your life and property.

• Stay tuned to future forecasts and possible warnings

• Listen to officials regarding evacuations and shelter locations

• Stock up on water, batteries, non-perishable food

• If along the immediate coast, seek higher ground inland

• Bring in or tie down loose outdoor objects

• Prepare your house

• Check on the elderly or others who may need assistance

During a warning:

• Rush to complete any remaining preparations

• Remain in safe shelter