Town of
Ocean Isle Beach
Three West Third Street
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina 28469
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS
INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS
AND VISITORS TO
OCEAN ISLE BEACH
HURRICANE SEASON
June 1st – November 30th
Storms are a potential and continuous
threat to Town of Ocean Isle Beach.
Adequate preparation and education
regarding the likelihood of these storms
will provide a substantial service to the
entire Island community. With the
cooperation of citizens and visitors
coupled with the services of Town Staff,
we can be successful in mitigating storm
damage.
This is a very important information sheet.
Please read and become familiar with the
contents. Save it for future reference.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
EMERGENCIES
Town Hall
Fire Department
Police Department
911
579-2166
579-2804
579-4221
Terms You Should Know
Hurricane: A pronounced rotary circulation with a
constant wind speed of 64 knots (74 mph) or more,
that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and
lightening. Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes.
Hurricane Landfall: The point and time during
which the eye of the hurricane passes over the
shoreline. After passage of the calm eye, hurricane
winds begin again with the same intensity as before, but
from the opposite direction.
Hurricane Season: The six-month period from June
1 to November 30 is considered hurricane season.
Hurricane Warning: A warning stating that hurricane
conditions may affect a particular area in 24 hours or
less.
Hurricane Watch: An announcement of possible
hurricane conditions for a particular area within 36
hours.
Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in sea level produced
by the strong winds and low pressure within a
hurricane. The storm surge usually occurs in the right
half of the storm as it makes landfall. The storm surge
could possibly elevate sea level from 2 to 20 feet.
Tropical Depression: Weather associated with a
tropical cyclonic system with wind speeds up to 33
knots (38 mph).
Tropical Storm: Weather associated with a tropical
cyclonic system with winds between 34 and 63 knots
(39-73 mph).
Types and Categories of Hurricanes
The National Weather Service categorizes hurricanes
by intensity on a scale of 1 to 5:
Category I
Category II
Category III
Category IV
Category V
Wind
74-95 mph
95-110 mph
111-130 mph
131-155 mph
156 + mph
Surge
4-5 feet
6-8 feet
9-12 feet
13’ – 18’
18 + feet
Check List
Monitor all weather advisories.
Hurricane Watch:
 Secure loose items.
 Board or tape windows.
 Draw potable water.
 Turn refrigerators/freezers to high cool position
 Stock up on non-perishable food items.
 Stock up on batteries/flashlights/radios.
 If possible, remove boats from the water or secure
them heavily.
 Ensure that your re-entry decal has been
permanently attached to your designated vehicle.
 Locate insurance and other important papers and
secure.
 Make arrangements for pets.
 Notify relatives or friends of your location if
evacuation becomes necessary.
 Review stock of any necessary medicines.
 Make evacuation package.
 Avoid calling emergency service numbers, unless
absolutely necessary.
Hurricane Warning:
 Prepare to evacuate. Don’t Wait To Be Told –
Leave Early.
 Before leaving, turn off all electricity at the main
shut off switch.
 Turn off all gas and fuel lines at the tank.
 Cut off water at main line.
 Beware of flying debris, downed wires, high water,
torrential rains, and high winds.
 Do not attempt to secure boats or other items that
will expose yourself to danger.
 Follow advise of emergency officials, weather
bureaus, and evacuation authorities.
 Notify friends and relatives of your whereabouts.
Call the Emergency Operations Center
(Town Hall) if you have any questions.
1-910-579-2166.
EVACUATION AND RE-ENTRY
INFORMATION
EMERGENCY SHELTERS LOCATIONS
Facilities located nearest to Ocean Isle Beach
West Brunswick High School
1320 Spaces
550 Whiteville Road, NW at Highway 17 Bypass
Shallotte Middle School
225 Village Road
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1000 Spaces
Union Primary School
1018 Spaces
180 Union School Road, NW off Highway 17 Bypass
The high school will be opened first, then the middle
school and the elementary school will be the last to be
opened.
Items that can be taken to the shelters:
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Flashlights
Special Dietary Foods
Infant Needs
Lightweight Folding Chairs
DO NOT TAKE:
Pets
Alcoholic Beverages
Weapons of any kind
As the Storm Approaches
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Listen to local radio and television stations for
storm reports. The Town will use a voice mail
message (579-2166), Local Government Channel 8
and our website (www.oibgov.com) to give the
current conditions or evacuation status of the
beach. These messages will be updated as
additional information becomes available.
Secure and protect your property.
Plan where you will stay if an evacuation is ordered.
Check your supply of batteries, water, canned
foods and medication. Purchase what you will
need.
Fill your vehicles will fuel.
Obtain extra cash from the bank. If the power if
off the ATM machines will not operate.
If you are handicapped or have special needs,
notify your local police department for assistance.
When an Evacuation is Ordered
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Plan to be away from your home at least 3 days.
Pack sufficient clothing, personal items, and
needed prescription medications.
Carry proof of residency with you, a driver’s
license, property tax or utility bill or receipt, etc.
Carry insurance information and any other
important papers.
Leave promptly. Do not wait until the weather
gets bad. The bridge will close upon winds
reaching unsafe speeds for proper crossing.
If you are working off the island and need to return
to evacuate your family, you will be allowed to do
so until such time that the bridge is closed.
Shut off and secure propane tanks before you
evacuate.
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach Police Department
will be patrolling to protect your property until
such time that the storm warrants their evacuation
Please follow their instructions.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR
PROPERTY OWNERS DECAL AFFIXED TO THE
LOWER LEFT CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD
FOR RE-ENTRY.
Re-Entry on to the Island
Following a storm, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach will
utilize a four step process for Island re-entry. Each year prior
to the Hurricane Season, the primary owner of improved
property will be mailed three decals to use for re-entry onto
the Island in the event of such an emergency. Town
ordinance states these decals must be affixed to the lower left
corner of the windshield for re-entry.
STAGE 1: Return of Town approved Damage Assessment
personnel and Emergency Operations Team only. Property
owners will be NOT be allowed access during Stage 1. The
Damage Assessment Team will utilize a “safety sweep”
approach to conduct an initial survey of assigned Island areas
to determine the safety risks associated with allowing
property owners to return to the Island. Designated storm
response team members will be called upon to assist with
clean up operations as necessary. Due to public health and
safety issues, re-entry to the Island will not be allowed until
water, sewer and electrical service has been restored.
STAGE 2: Upon the determination of no safety hazards or
risks to property owners, the Mayor or designee shall execute
a superseding proclamation to amend the State of Emergency
proclamation originally issued. This proclamation will allow
the re-entry of individuals who own improved property and
business owners.
STAGE 3: Upon the determination of no safety hazards or
risks to individuals, and improved property owners/business
owners having had an opportunity to evaluate their property,
the Mayor or designee shall execute a superseding
proclamation to amend the State of Emergency proclamation
originally issued. The proclamation will allow the re-entry of
not only those individuals allowed in Stage 2, but also
Contractors who have obtained appropriate license and
passes from the Town.
STAGE 4: Following a determination of no safety risks, and
the restoration of all essential services having been
completed, the Mayor shall execute a proclamation
terminating the State of Emergency and the associated
prohibitions. At this time, the Town will return to normal
operating conditions and the Island will be opened to the
general public.