Is Your Property Storm-Ready? NC Coastal Prep Guide for Residents

If you’ve lived in or have been looking at Northeast North Carolina for any length of time, you know that storm season is not something to take lightly. From heavy downpours that can affect our low lying areas to hurricanes, our region is no stranger to high winds, storm surge, and heavy rain. With low-lying roads, rural highways that can quickly become impassable, and areas that can be difficult to get to and from for days, preparation isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Whether you're in Elizabeth City, Edenton, Hertford, Camden, Currituck, or anywhere else across the Albemarle region and Outer Banks, here’s a full guide to help you plan before a storm is even on the radar.

📦 Emergency Supplies: What to Gather BEFORE the Storm

Make it your goal to build your emergency kit before or early on in hurricane season (typically June–November). Here's what your home should have on hand:

Essentials:

• 3–7 days' worth of non-perishable food (include comfort food, protein bars, instant coffee, powdered milk)

• 3 gallons of water per person (per day)

• Manual can opener

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Flashlights + extra batteries

• Phone chargers (portable battery packs)

• Solar phone charger

• Headlamps (more practical than flashlights when hands are full)

• Glow sticks (especially good for kids at night)

First Aid:

• First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, scissors, etc.)

• Prescription medications (at least 1–2 weeks’ worth)

• Copies of important documents in a waterproof container

• Emergency dental kit

• Over The Counter & Allergy medications, anti inflammatories, fever reducers, etc(even if not usually needed)

• Antibiotic ointments and anti-itch creams

• Vitamins and immune-boosting supplements
  
  

Hygiene:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene, hand sanitizer)

• Moist towelettes / baby wipes

• Garbage bags

• Toilet paper + disposable “go bags” or camping toilet

• Dry shampoo

• Clothespins and string for a clothesline

• Bucket with lid (can double as portable toilet or utility container)

Safety & Tools:

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Whistle to signal for help

• Duct tape and plastic sheeting (for broken windows)

• Fire extinguisher

• Local maps (yes, the paper kind—cell service may be unreliable)

• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife

• Work gloves

• Zip ties, paracord

• WD-40 or silicone spray (to unstick waterlogged locks and latches)

Comfort & Pets:

• Pet food and supplies

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Games, books, or stress-relief activities

• Cash (ATMs and card readers may not work)

• Battery-powered fan

• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs (for sleeping during high winds)

• Extra collars, leashes, and recent photo of pet in case they’re lost

• Litter box + disposable litter trays for indoor pets

• Calming sprays or treats for pets

🏠 Secure Your Home

If a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast to hit, your home should be ready to withstand both wind and water:

• Trim trees and branches that could fall

• Clean gutters and downspouts

• Reinforce windows with storm shutters or plywood

• Secure outdoor furniture and decor that could become flying debris

• Know how to shut off gas, water, and power if needed

• Take photos of every room for insurance before the storm hits

• Seal important documents in ziplock bags

• Freeze bottles of water to keep fridge/freezer colder longer

• Unplug electronics and move valuable items off the floor

• Pre-fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets

🚗 Evacuation & Travel Tips Specific to Our Region

Flooding and road closures are frequent across our counties. During storms, even state highways like 17 and 158 may be submerged. Here’s how to prepare:

• Know your evacuation zone and multiple routes to safety

• NEVER drive through flooded roads

• Fill up your gas tank early

• Keep a “go bag” packed with essentials in case you need to leave fast

• Use apps like DriveNC or your county’s emergency alert system

• Pack road maps in case GPS fails

• Store an extra gas can (safely!)

• Have a portable car jump starter

• Make photocopies of your license, registration, and insurance to keep in your car

• Create a pet evacuation kit (carrier, bowls, food, medication, leash)

Local Tip: Some roads flood even during light storms—if you live in places like Weeksville, Belcross, or parts of Currituck, assume you could be stuck for days. Stock up accordingly.

📋 Create Your Personal Hurricane Plan

• Write down emergency contacts – family, doctors, vet, etc.

• Establish a communication plan with loved ones in case cell service goes out

• Designate a meeting point or shelter outside your town

• If you have elderly neighbors or family, check on their plans too

• Register for emergency alerts through your county’s Emergency Management office

• Include out-of-town contact (texting may work even if local calls don't)

• Make a checklist of what to do right before the storm (e.g., charge devices, bring in furniture, move car, etc.)

• Print out your plan in case the power goes out

• Leave a note inside your home with your contact info and where you're going, in case emergency workers come by

🧭 Stay Informed — Where to Turn for Local Info

• DriveNC.gov for road closures

• National Hurricane Center

• Local emergency management offices

• Local radio stations like WCNC

• Facebook pages from town and county governments (often updated faster than official sites)

• Know where your closest shelter is—and whether it accepts pets

• Follow local meteorologists who are hyper-focused on our region

🌊 Northeast NC Is Resilient—But Only When We're Ready

Living near the water comes with its fair share of beauty and risk. From the Albemarle Sound to our rural towns and backroads, this region has weathered countless storms before—and we’ll do it again. The difference between scrambling and surviving often comes down to preparation.

So check your supplies, talk to your neighbors, and have a plan. Storm season may be inevitable, but chaos doesn’t have to be.

Want a printable checklist, evacuation plan template, or PDF version of this guide? Let us know and we’ll get one to you.
And as always, if you're relocating to or from the area, we're here to help guide you through—rain or shine.