Ocean Isle Beach Police Department
Hurricane Police Headquarters
6072 Beach Drive SW (NC HWY 179)
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Telephone Numbers: 910-579-9567 910-579-9559

General Information:
"Hurricane" a word born from colonial Spanish and Caribbean Indian words for evil spirits and big winds. Born in warm tropical waters, hurricanes are not the largest storm systems in the atmosphere, but they are deadly. During the last century, it is estimated that over one billion dollars in damage has been caused due to hurricanes.

The number of people injured or killed in the United States due to hurricanes has been dropping. Improvements in emergency response and better weather forecasting has led to an improved state of readiness in all areas. With a rapidly growing population and large influx of tourists along coastal areas (such as Ocean Isle Beach), a growing number of people are at risk every year from hurricanes. Although we cannot control a hurricane or its path, we can reduce our own vulnerability through proper preparedness.

The greatest risks associated with a hurricane include storm surge, high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes. Hurricanes are measured in categories, Category 1 being the lowest, and 5 being the worst. Storm surge is a large dome of water up to 100 miles wide. The water will sweep across the coastline near landfall. The surge can be more than 15 feet deep at its peak. This is the greatest threat to us here at the coast. Damaging winds can occur well before the eye of the hurricane actually meets land. It is possible for 10 or more inches of rain to fall in the area where the storm comes ashore. The resulting flood waters can cause significant damage and make roads impassible. Tornadoes can form on the outside edges of a hurricane's path. Therefore, it is essential that we are prepared for and consider the effects of a "pre-hurricane" tornado.

Hurricane Preparation
Here are a few helpful hints to aid you in preparing for a hurricane:

• Plan an evacuation route. Be ready to drive at least 40 miles inland to locate a safe place to stay. Remember, others are evacuating also, so the nearest hotels and motels will be full early.
  

• Protect your windows. Permanent shutters are recommended. 1/2 inch plywood cut to fit each window is a lower cost solution. Don't forget to mark panels for repeated use. Pre-drilling holes every 16-18 inches is recommended.
  

• Make arrangements for pets. Pets most likely will not be allowed into shelters. Contact the Humane Society for information on animal shelters in our area.
  

• Teach children about the dangers of a hurricane. Show them how to turn off water, gas, and electricity. Teach them when to dial 911.

Have supplies on hand, including but not limited to:
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered radio
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food and water
Can opener (manual)
Prescription medication
Cash and credit cards
Good shoes and extra clothes

The Ocean Isle Beach Police Department is committed to resident and tourist safety in the event of a hurricane. The Police Department has proven policies and procedures to handle evacuations and re-entry. For information concerning evacuation and re-entry, visit Emergency Hurricane Information

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