We’ve compiled a list of hurricane protection tips and resources to help keep you, your family, and your home safe before, during, and after a storm hits.

Prepare for Hurricane Season

NORTH CAROLINA’S HURRICANE SEASON RUNS FROM JUNE 1ST THROUGH NOVEMBER 30TH.

Losing power during major events can feel scary, but properly preparing can change the situation entirely. We put together a checklist to help you prepare for hurricanes.

HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS & CHECKLIST

Safety is the focus of the hurricane checklist

Here’s a list of the many things to consider before, during, and after a hurricane.

Some of the safety rules will make things easier for you during a hurricane. All are important and could help save your life and the lives of others.

As a member of North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperative, we also offer a complete guide for hurricane safety preparation containing a hurricane tracking chart, defined hurricane terminology, a hurricane preparation checklist, evacuation tips, and power restoration information.

DOWNLOAD THE HURRICANE WATCH GUIDE

  • When a hurricane threatens the area, you will have to make the decision whether to evacuate or to ride out the storm out at home. If authorities recommend evacuation, you should leave. Their advice is based on the strength of the storm and its potential for death and destruction.
  • If you live on high ground, away from coastal beaches, you should consider staying. You should know the storm surge history and elevation of your area and safe routes inland. You should know the location of official evacuation shelters.
  • Trim dead wood from trees in your yard. Check for loose rain gutters and downspouts. 
  • The National Weather Service advises that, in general, you should plan to leave if you live on the coast or an offshore island, if you live in a mobile home or if you live near a river or in a flood plain.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Preparing for hurricane season will help you stay safe, potentially saving lives and money.

You cannot prevent hurricanes, but you can minimize damage to your home and injury to your family by gathering supplies, preparing your home, and planning for a possible storm before the hurricane season starts.

BEFORE A HURRICANE

When a Hurricane Watch is issued you should:

  • Fuel your car.
  • Check mobile home tie-downs.
  • Moor small craft or move to safe shelter.
  • Stock up on canned goods.
  • Check supplies of special medicines and drugs.
  • Check batteries for radio and flashlights.
  • Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors.
  • Tape, board or shutter windows to prevent shattering.
  • Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting from their tracks.
  • Check often for official bulletins on radio, television, or National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.
DURING A HURRICANE

When a Hurricane Warning is issued for the area and your home is sturdy and on high ground, you should:

  • Stay tuned to radio, television or the weather radio for official bulletins.
  • Board up garage and porch doors.
  • Move valuables to upper floors.
  • Bring in pets.
  • Fill containers, including bathtub, with several days’ supply of drinking water.
  • Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold and do not open unless necessary.
  • Use phone only for emergencies.
  • Stay indoors on the downwind side of the house, away from windows.
  • Beware the eye of the hurricane.
If you live in a mobile home or in an area which might be affected by the storm tide or stream flooding, you should leave when a Hurricane Warning is issued. Before evacuating, do the following:
  • Plan to leave early, in daylight if possible.
  • Shut off water and electricity at main stations.
  • Take small valuables and papers, but travel light.
  • Leave food and water for pets. Shelters will not take them.
  • Lock your house.
  • Drive carefully to nearest designated shelter, using recommended evacuation routes.
AFTER A HURRICANE

When the “all-clear”’ is given, you should do the following:

  • Drive carefully, watching for dangling electrical wires, undermined roads and flooded low spots.
  • Drive only where necessary and avoid sight-seeing.
  • Report broken or damaged water, sewer and electrical lines.
  • Use caution re-entering your home.
  • Check for gas leaks and check food and water for spoilage or contamination.

Real-time outage numbers for electric cooperatives statewide are available 24/7 on our Outage Map.