Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness

In the Town of Hamilton, there are various types of emergency events that can occur. The majority of these are weather-related.

The official Atlantic Hurricane Season goes from June 1 through November 30 and typically peaks late August through the month of September. The area is also prone to an occasional strong northeaster (nor’easter) than can occur during the winter months. Assemble or restock your disaster supply kit with essential supplies to sustain your family and your pets for up to three days. Have an evacuation plan ready to execute, if and when needed. Go to readync.org for preparedness information.

Please be prepared to evacuate when an order is issued by:

Knowing the correct evacuation route(s)
Ensuring that your vehicle is fueled

During a hurricane, or an emergency-related event, information will be on the local radio, television stations, and local government social media outlets. Please do not take any chances, and follow the instructions of emergency management officials.

Town of Hamilton Social Media:

Facebook: @townofhamiltonNC

To assist citizens during an emergency, a phone bank is set up in the Martin County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to handle requests for special assistance, receive reports of property damage, power outages and street blockings or closings. If you are in need of assistance with any of these items during an emergency, you should call 252-789-4530. Visit their website by clicking here for the most current information along with frequently asked questions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Important Links

The following is a list of links that are designed to help prepare you for various emergency situations and will also provide information throughout an emergency. Please take some time to look these over. It is never too early to be prepared!

What to do Before Hurricane Season

Know Your Zone– Check your property flood zone status and make sure that it is properly ensured. For more information on flood risks in our area, visit the North Carolina Flood Risk Information System website by clicking here.

Make an evacuation plan with your family. Decide on places to go, routes to take you there, and where you will stay.

Get your Disaster Supply Kit stocked and ready

Install hurricane shutters or purchase pre-cut 1/2″ outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.

Hurricane Watch vs. Warning

WATCH: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are POSSIBLE in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 48 hours.

WARNING: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are EXPECTED in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 36 hours.

What to do When a Hurricane Watch is Issued

Hurricane Watch– Hurricane conditions are POSSIBLE within 48 hours.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, or the following local television stations: WITN (7), WNCT (9), WCTI (12), WRAL (5), WTVD (11), and WNCN (2 on Crystal, 17 on Antenna).

Prepare to bring inside any lawn or deck furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash bins, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.

Prepare to cover all windows of your home with shutters or other building materials. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.

Fill your car’s gas tank.

Secure any mobile home tie-downs.

Be sure your emergency supply kit is stocked with batteries, canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications to last your family at least 72 hours

Use your cell phone to take pictures and/or video and email it to yourself so that they are easily accessible in the event of damage to you property.

What to do when a Hurricane Warning is Issued

Hurricane Warning– A hurricane conditions are EXPECTED within 36 hours

Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so. The Hurricane Evacuation Route for Hamilton is US 64 (west) towards Rocky Mount, NC and points west.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, or the following local television stations: WITN (7), WNCT (9), WCTI (12), WRAL (5), WTVD (11), and WNCN (2 on Crystal, 17 on Antenna).

Complete preparation activities. If mandatory evacuation is not ordered and you decide not to leave, stay indoors and away from windows.

Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.

Be alert for tornadoes as they can happen during a hurricane, and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.

Store any valuables in watertight containers and in a high spot. If you evacuate, take them with you.

Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Preparing a Personal Evacuation Plan

Know your evacuation route. The Hurricane Evacuation Route for Hamilton is US 64 (west) towards Rocky Mount, NC and points west.

Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places–a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately! If you are a visitor, be sure to take all of your belongings as there is no way to know when re-entry will be allowed following the storm.

Assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit

BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

First aid kit and essential medications.
Important family documents such as insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a water tight container
At least a 3 day supply of nonperishable food and can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Whistle to signal if help is needed
Items for personal hygiene, garbage bags, and plastic ties
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
Items for your pet including food, water, medicines, and medical records.
Local maps
Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if advised to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)

What to do After a Hurricane is Over

If you DID NOT evacuate:

Remain indoors until local authorities say it is safe to go outside.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, or the following local television stations: WITN (7), WNCT (9), WCTI (12), WRAL (5), WTVD (11), and WNCN (2 on Crystal, 17 on Antenna).
Stay at home until the local authorities say it is safe to go outside. Immediately following a storm, authorities and power companies will be out to assess damage. Please stay at home as much as possible to allow for them to do their jobs as quickly as possible.
Once it is safe to go outside and you begin to survey your property for any damage, be sure to use caution and be aware of any hazards, such as downed power lines and sharp debris.
If traveling, avoid standing water as there is no way to see how deep it is or if there is submerged debris.

If you DID evacuate:

Reentry will be announced as soon as possible. Check local media sources for more information.

Preparing for High Winds

Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

Prepare to cover all windows of your home with shutters or other building materials. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.

Prepare to bring inside any lawn or deck furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash bins, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.

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