Are you hurricane-ready on the Outer Banks, or are a few details still on your to-do list? Living on barrier islands comes with unique risks like storm surge, overwash, and road closures, so a clear plan matters. This guide gives you a practical checklist tailored to Dare County so you can prepare, act, and recover with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Know OBX hurricane risks
- The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Stay alert during this window and track official updates from the National Hurricane Center. Check the NHC outlook and advisories.
- Storm surge, overwash, and rapid coastal erosion can make NC 12 and other roads impassable for days. Learn local flood patterns and plan for delays. Review Dare County’s flooding guidance.
- Dare County issues evacuation orders and uses two main routes off the islands: Highway 64 West and Highway 158 North. There are typically no in-county emergency shelters, so plan to relocate inland. Follow county evacuation guidance.
Your hurricane-ready timeline
Preseason prep months ahead
- Align your insurance. Review wind coverage and named-storm deductibles, which are common in North Carolina. If you need flood insurance, buy early because policies usually have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. See NC windstorm basics and FEMA’s waiting period rules.
- Confirm your flood zone and elevation paperwork. Ask if an elevation certificate exists and understand local elevation standards and flood vent requirements. Start with Dare County’s build responsibly page.
- Create a household plan and inventory. Decide where you will go, include pets, store copies of IDs and insurance off-site, and photograph the home and major items. Follow FEMA’s documentation tips.
- Consider wind-hardening projects if budget allows. Reinforce roof-to-wall connections, evaluate garage doors and openings, and plan for approved shutters or impact protection.
- Plan safe power options. Decide on a portable or standby generator, schedule electrical work for transfer switches, and install CO detectors. Review generator safety.
Two weeks to 72 hours before landfall
- Sign up for local alerts and identify transportation options if you need assistance during evacuations.
- Service critical systems. Clean gutters, secure loose siding, check the roof, and trim dead limbs.
- Build a 7 to 14 day supply kit suited for island conditions. Pack water, shelf-stable food, prescriptions, first-aid items, flashlights, batteries, phone chargers, copies of IDs and insurance, cash, and fuel for vehicles.
48 to 24 hours before
- Protect openings and the exterior. Install approved shutters or pre-cut plywood, secure garage doors, bring in outdoor items, and move vehicles to higher ground.
- Reduce flood exposure. Place sandbags at low-entry points if you have them, and make sure crawlspace flood vents are not blocked. See local flood construction guidance.
- Stage documents and essentials. Keep important papers in a waterproof container and top off fuel and cash.
Evacuate when ordered
- Leave promptly and expect delays. Use Highway 64 West or Highway 158 North as directed. There are typically no in-county shelters, so go inland and bring pets with vaccination records and kennels. Monitor county evacuation updates.
If you must shelter in place
- Choose an interior room away from windows and stay put until officials say it is safe. Do not drive through floodwater. Track updates through official sources like the National Hurricane Center.
First 24 to 72 hours after
- Do not return until officials allow re-entry. When safe, photograph all damage before cleanup and save receipts for temporary repairs and lodging. Use FEMA’s documentation checklist.
- Practice generator safety. Operate generators outdoors at least 20 feet from structures and install CO detectors. Read CPSC safety guidance.
- Protect your septic and well. Avoid using a flooded septic system and do not drink well water until it is tested. Follow EPA’s post-flood steps.
Property checks to do now
- Confirm your flood zone and mapping. Look up your address and note your zone designation and base flood elevation. Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
- Ask about local elevation standards. Dare County enforces elevation and flood vent rules that affect permitting and rebuilding. Review build responsibly guidance.
- Understand special coastal zones. If your home is in a V or VE zone, expect additional design and construction requirements. Check with the planning office for specifics.
- Check wind protection. Verify whether your windows and doors have impact protection and consider upgrades that strengthen the load path from roof to foundation.
- Elevate mechanicals where possible. Plan to move HVAC, electrical panels, and water heaters above expected flood levels to reduce risk and support insurance.
Insurance, claims, and recovery basics
- File claims promptly and document everything. Take photos and videos before cleanup, and save receipts for temporary repairs and lodging. FEMA outlines documentation best practices.
- Know your deductibles. In North Carolina, windstorm or named-storm deductibles are common and often structured as a percentage of dwelling coverage. Review NC DOI guidance.
- Plan ahead for flood insurance. Policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, so you cannot buy coverage right before a storm and expect it to apply. See FEMA’s waiting period.
- Use local permits and reputable contractors for repairs. Avoid fraud, keep records, and follow county requirements that align with flood and elevation rules.
Local quick resources
- National Hurricane Center forecasts and advisories
- Dare County evacuation routes and orders
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Dare County build responsibly and flood standards
- Dare County flooding and storm impacts overview
- NC Department of Insurance windstorm and hail guidance
- CPSC generator safety
- EPA septic and well safety after flooding
- FEMA damage documentation tips
A prepared home protects your investment and your peace of mind. If you want a local perspective on how hurricane readiness fits into your buying, building, or selling plans, reach out to Brad Beacham for guidance tailored to your property and town.
FAQs
When is hurricane season on the Outer Banks?
- The Atlantic season runs June 1 through November 30, and you should monitor official updates throughout this period using the National Hurricane Center.
What are the main evacuation routes off OBX?
- Dare County directs traffic to Highway 64 West and Highway 158 North during evacuations, and you should follow county orders and expect delays.
Do I need flood insurance if I am not in a high-risk zone?
- Flood risk varies by property, and NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so check your address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and plan early.
How much should I stock for an island stay?
- Plan for 7 to 14 days of supplies, including water, nonperishable food, prescriptions, first-aid items, flashlights, batteries, chargers, cash, and fuel if you must remain on-island.
How do I use a generator safely after a storm?
- Operate generators outdoors at least 20 feet from structures, install battery-backed CO detectors, and never run generators or grills inside enclosed spaces.
When can I return after an evacuation?
- Only return when Dare County announces re-entry is allowed, since roads can remain flooded or blocked and utilities may be unsafe even after the storm passes.
