Planning is better managed if we look at hurricane preparation as not just seasonal but year-round. The following are some suggestions to help you plan for you and your family in the event of a hurricane affecting our area.

• Know where ahead of time you will go in case you are told to evacuate. Choose more than one location. Make sure you notify family and friends where you are going and how they can contact you.
• Make sure you have an alternate route to your evacuation location. Major roads may be jammed with traffic or rerouted. Take a map!
• There are six basic items you should stock in your home. Water, Food, First Aid Supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, and emergency supplies. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy to carry container, such as plastic or vinyl container with a lid, a backpack, or a duffel bag. For a detailed listing of items to put in your kit, go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency link below.
• For evacuation purposes, have important family documents ready to take with you. Insurance policies, wills, immunization records, bank account numbers, written and video inventory of valuable household goods, family records (birth, marriage, death certificates), and photos.
• If a hurricane threatens Wrightsville Beach, visit this website often and stay tuned to local media for evacuation instructions.
• Last but not least, be sure you have purchased your Town sticker for your vehicle. They are available at the Wrightsville Beach Parking Office located at 5 Live Oak Drive. In the event of a hurricane evacuation, they may not be available for purchase. Get yours now!

During Hurricane season, it is important that we make arrangements to take care of our pets. Leaving them home after an evacuation is not the answer. Begin crate training early, as this will reduce the stress on your dog/cat when they must be crated for a length of time.

Look into pet friendly hotels/motels/shelters where you may seek refuge. If you stay with friends or family, be sure your pets are also welcome. This will save you a lot of time when time is essential.

• Purchase and stow line specifically for hurricane use. As a general rule, line should be twice the diameter of your normal line.
  
• Monitor National Weather Service marine broadcasts (162.550 MHz). Pay close attention to local TV and radio for information on how the hurricane will affect our area. Be ready to take action if an evacuation order is given.
  
• All boat hurricane preparations should be completed 48 hours before a hurricane arrives. This will allow you to concentrate on your family and home.
  
• Secure all hatches and tape all windows from the inside.
  
• Check the batteries for a full charge and make sure bilge pumps are working.
  
• Shut off all fuel lines and close thru hull fittings.
  
• Remove all electronics to prevent destruction or theft.
  
• If you have a trailerable boat, remove the boat from the water and secure both boat and trailer to high land. Trailer should be firmly anchored to prevent or minimize damage.
  
• If you have a boat at a dock, DO NOT STAY ON YOUR BOAT! Remove all articles on deck including bimini top, side curtains, sails and dinghies. Store these items ashore. If possible unstep the mast and secure it ashore. Double up lines including spring lines. Use several cleats to distribute the load on the boat. Allow as much line as possible for tide and storm surge. Attach chafing gear such as reinforced radiator hose where lines will rub. Disconnect electric, water, and other connections from the dock.
  
• If you will be anchoring out, DO NOT STAY ON YOUR BOAT! Have a pre-planned "hurricane hole". Avoid shoal areas and look for areas with high embankments. Consult responsible marine literature for best anchorage and anchoring methods.
  
• In all cases, make sure your insurance is up to date and adequate for your needs.

Additional Information

• A Hurricane Watch means that a hurricane conditions are possible in a specified area within 36 hours. This is the time to buy perishable goods and those items with a shelf life such as batteries. Put your plan into action.
  
• A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions will affect a specified area within 24 hours. All of your storm preparations should be complete. At this point officials will be making determinations if and when evacuations will be necessary. All flood zones should be ready to evacuate. The entire community of Wrightsville Beach is a flood zone. Be ready!
  
• Unfortunately, many people believe that they have been through a major hurricane when in reality, the nature of storms we have experienced have been mild to moderate in intensity. We have not experienced a strong category three, four, or five hurricane. Hurricane Fran in 1996 produced an 11 foot storm surge here at Wrightsville Beach. Hurricane Hugo in 1989 produced a 20 foot storm in South Carolina. A 20 foot storm surge would be catastrophic. When the next hurricane comes, pay close attention to weather updates and bulletins. A house is not worth losing your life.
  
• After the storm, stay away from downed power lines and ponding water. Wait until an area is declared safe before entering. Do not drive into flooded areas. Do not "sight-see". Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you know for certain it is not contaminated. Avoid using candles or other open flames indoors. Use flashlights and battery operated lanterns. When you return home, be prepared for the worst. If things aren't too bad, your spirits will be lifted. Keeping a good outlook on things is very important.
  
• For additional information on Hurricane Preparedness, please stop by the Wrightsville Beach Fire Department located at 10 Seawater Lane.