Emergency Response Information

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Current Event: NONE

NOTE: This page is currently INACTIVE.

In the event that potential impacts from a storm become forecast for this area, this page will be updated with preparedness and response information.

PREPAREDNESS & FORECAST INFORMATION

For information on severe weather forecasting, as well as Town preparation and response, please review the content provided in the tabs below:

CLICK HERE to view the latest NWS forecast information

STORM RESPONSE CONTACT FORM

For questions or concerns regarding storm preparations, potential impacts, or Town response efforts, please use the Storm Response Information Contact Form linked below.

CLICK HERE to submit a Storm Response Contact Form

IMPORTANT: DO NOT use this form to report an emergency! If there is an immediate danger, please CALL 9-1-1 to have emergency response staff dispatched to the area.

Please note that during an emergency, the primary focus will be providing information consistently to ALL.

Questions or concerns will be prioritized and responded to in the order they are received.

Before submitting a form, be sure to check the Severe Weather Information page FIRST, as individual concerns may have already been answered in a previous notice.

Please DO NOT attempt to directly call of email individual Town staff, as that may slow the response process down for everyone.

PREPARATION BEFORE THE STORM

While no evacuations or bridge closure are expected at this time, knowing what to do and how to prepare are vital steps in responding to changing conditions, if those actions become needed.

What To Do

If vacationing on Oak Island: Contact your accommodations provider for instructions and please evacuate promptly. Leave early and expect delays. Take all belongings with you. You will not be allowed reentry in the event of storm damage. Be aware, visitors may be evacuated prior to residents.
Evacuate early: Don’t wait to evacuate. Evacuation routes will become very congested.
Flooding: Can begin well before a hurricane nears land. Plan to evacuate early and keep your vehicle fully fueled.

Hurricane Supply Kit

For full information on building a Basic Disaster Supply Kit, visit Ready.gov/Kit.

Evacuation

To view the Brunswick County Hurricane Evacuation Map, CLICK HERE.

Oak Island has THREE evacuation routes, which all lead to to US-17:

NC 211
HWY 87
NC 133

Routes are marked with blue hurricane evacuation route signs:

Tips when evacuating:

Plan to be away from your home for at least three days. Pack sufficient clothing, personal items, and needed prescription medications. If you are going to a public shelter, listen to the radio and TV for specific instructions on what you should bring.
Carry proof of residency with you, such as a driver’s license, property tax or recent utility bill or receipt, etc. Re-entry to the island may be limited to residents only. Carry insurance information and any other important papers.
Leave promptly. Do not wait until the weather gets bad, because the bridges may close or the roads may flood.
If you are working off the island and need to return to evacuate your family, you will be allowed to do so if it is safe to cross the bridges.
Police will be patrolling the Towns of Oak Island and Caswell Beach to protect your property. Please follow their instructions.
Shut off and secure propane tanks before you evacuate.
Evacuations are generally ordered during daylight hours and take several hours to complete.
The order for evacuation will be publicized on local radio and TV stations, local radio, Oak Island’s cable TV Station, and on the website.
Emergency personnel may also broadcast evacuation information as they patrol. In some cases they may go door-to-door.
Inform a family member of your plans.
Turn off the water at the shut-off valve (not the Town’s meter) and electricity at the switch or fuse.
Lock your house.
Emergency information will also be updated on a message at (910) 201-8088 as needed and as Town staff is able, given the current conditions.

Pet Safety

In the event of an evacuation, TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU.

Be sure to include your pets in your disaster preparedness planning. Remember if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. Pets are only allowed in specific, designated public shelters for health and space reasons, and will be housed in a separate location at the shelter. Click here to see what Brunswick County shelters will allow pets.

The following is required if you evacuate with your pet to the Brunswick County Shelter:

Up to date vaccinations for your pets
Proper identification for your pet
A carrier/crate and leash
Ample amount of food and feeding accessories
Necessary medications and care instructions
Proper clean-up items

Hurricane Information & Resource Guide

Sometimes a computer or internet connection isn't always available. No need to worry though, the Town of Oak Island has printed copies of the information provided on this page, through the Hurricane Information & Resource Guide.

This brochure includes insights on what do before, during, and after a storm, along with FAQs and tips on what to expect during an emergency event's response and recovery. It also provides information on evacuation routes, so that you can determine when, and where to go to ensure your own personal safety.

Copies can be found in the first floor lobby of Town Hall, or downloaded by CLICKING HERE.

RESPONSE DURING THE STORM

ALL Oak Island residents are strongly urged to evacuate once a mandatory evacuation has been declared by the Mayor.

CLICK HERE to view the Brunswick County Hurricane Evacuation Map

If you choose to stay in your home during a hurricane, be advised that you may not have certain resources available to you in the event of an emergency. Town Staff and emergency personnel, such as Police and/or Fire may not be able to reach you. Also note that certain utilities may be unavailable such as water, sewer and electricity due to utility shut off or loss of power.

If choosing to stay during a hurricane, please do the following:

Inform family and friends that you are staying
Have multiple information sources (radio, television, phone, etc.)
Fill containers with extra water
Stay away from windows and glass doors
Don't walk, swim, or drive through flooded areas

When a State of Emergency is declared and a curfew is implemented, the curfew will be monitored and enforced by law enforcement personnel. Violators of looting, price gouging, and alcohol sales will be prosecuted to the full extent.

Hurricane Watches & Warnings

When a HURRICANE WATCH has been issued:

Fuel and service vehicles
Load supply kit(s) for evacuation
Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs
Prepare to cover all window and door openings with shutters or other building materials
Use a cell phone and take pictures and / or video of home and belongings
Email files to yourself so they can be accessed in the event your home is damaged by the storm
Ensure emergency supply kits are adequately stocked with water, food, a first aid kit, and medications that will last at least 72 hours.
Prepare to bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans, garden tools, etc.

When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued:

A hurricane is expected within 36 hours
Follow instructions issued by local officials
Leave immediately if an evacuation is called
Closely monitor radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins or sign up to receive email updates from Town of Oak Island at E-Notifications
Complete preparation activities, including securing window and door openings, storing all loose outside objects, etc.
Leave mobile homes in any case
Store valuables and personal papers in watertight containers in a high spot
If an evacuation is called, take valuables and personal with you if possible

Wind Speeds & Storm Surge

Hurricane strength is classified through 5 Wind Speed Categories, measured in Miles Per Hour (MPH):

Category 1 (74-95 MPH): Very dangerous winds can produce minor damage to property, shrubbery, trees, and unanchored mobile homes
Category 2 (96-110 MPH): Extremely dangerous winds will cause constructed frame homes to sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallow rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block roads. Serious flooding at the coast.
Category 3 (111-129 MPH): Devastating damage will occur, including large trees blown down, serious flooding at the coast, with many small structures near the coast destroyed. Electricity and water may be unavailable.
Category 4 (130-156 MPH): Catastrophic damage will occur. Shrubs and trees blown down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows, and doors; and complete failure of roofs on many small residences.
Category 5 (157+ MPH): Catastrophic damage will occur. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.

Storm Surge

A Storm Surge is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm's winds pushing water onshore. Surges are often the greatest threat to life and property during a coastal storm. The destructive power of a storm surge and large battering waves can result in loss of life, buildings destroyed, beach and dune erosion and road / bridge damage along the coast.

Storm Surge notifications are divided into two categories:

Storm Surge Watch: Possible Life-Threatening Flooding Within 48 hours
Storm Surge Warning: Danger of Life-Threatening Flooding Within 36 hours

The Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map is an interactive map, provided by flood.nc.gov, which highlights geographic locations where flooding from storm surge could occur. It provides the potential height above ground the water could reach.

CLICK HERE to view the Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map

RECOVERY AFTER THE STORM

After the hurricane has passed through our area, Town staff, along with the Town's Disaster Assessment Team will begin assessing the area for any damages that may have occurred during the storm.

Once it has been determined that the island is safe, the Mayor will then lift the State of Emergency and re-open the island to its residents.

Before returning to Oak Island, you should:

Check the Severe Weather Information page (the page you are currently viewing) for re-opening notices and information.
Notices will also be shared for broadcast on local print, television, and radio media outlets.
Messages will be updated as conditions allow.
Messages will be physically posted on electronic billboards at all roadway entrances to the island.
Be familiar with the Bridge Access & Re-entry process (see tab below) and have the appropriate documents available BEFORE attempting to re-enter the island.

Once you have returned to Oak Island and your property, you should:

Be patient as the Town begins the clean-up process.
Avoid walking and / or driving through flood water.
Be aware of electrical wires and other dangerous debris.

Making a Flood Insurance Claim

Starting the recovery process begins with three steps:

Determine Your Flood Loss and Report Your Claim
Start Cleaning Up, but Document Your Damage First
File for FEMA Disaster Assistance

The Flood Insurance Claim Information page is available to provide detailed instructions for each of these steps, as well as guidance through the claims process.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

BRIDGE CLOSURE, ACCESS, & RE-ENTRY

Bridge Closure & Re-Opening

CLOSURE and reopening of both the G.V. Barbee Bridge (Country Club Drive / Long Beach Road) and Swains Cut Bridge (Middleton Avenue) will be JOINTLY decided by the Town of Oak Island and Town of Caswell Beach.
ACCESS to both bridges will be controlled by the Oak Island Police Department.
NOTICE of the bridge closures and re-openings will be will be posted on this page and provided through the OKInformation system. Please verify any Bridge Closure or Reopening notices through this page only before relying on third-party websites or social media pages.
WINDS of 40 mph (sustained) or locally observed dangerous conditions will automatically enact bridge closures without advance notice, Once closed, the bridges will not re-open until the storm has passed and a safety assessment has been conducted.
TRAVEL during bridge closures will be limited to only properly identified emergency personnel.

Access & Re-Entry

In any event where the bridges are closed, access to the island portion of the Town will proceed along the following Re-Entry Plan:

Checkpoints MAY be established to control traffic flow onto the island.
If a currently active Declaration of Emergency limits re-entry, residents, property owners, property managers, and contractors, will need to have the following ready at bridge checkpoints:
- RESIDENTS: will need to show an electronic or printed proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license, showing an Oak Island address within the closed portion of Town.
- PROPERTY OWNERS: will need to show an electronic or printed proof of ownership, such as a recent tax or utility bill, along with a name-matched photo ID showing an address within the closed portion of Town.
- BUSINESS OWNERS / MANAGERS / CONTRACTORS: will need to show an electronic or printed proof of property ownership / property owner authorization for addresses within the closed portion of Town.

The purpose and intent of this plan is to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public, while likewise protecting personal and real property on the island from vandalism and theft.

The primary focus of the Re-Entry Plan will be to prioritize establishing infrastructure and utilities as needed; to allow for safe conditions where residents, property owners, and businesses can assess their property damage.

PRINTED COPIES

Internet and cellular data networks may not be available in the aftermath of a storm. It is a strongly recommended to create printed copies of these documents BEFORE the storm, and have them available BEFORE trying to re-enter. Please DO NOT try to search for these documents while at a checkpoint!

PARTNER AGENCY INFORMATION

In an emergency, knowing who to contact for the right information is critical. While this page provides information related to the Town of Oak Island, there are other regional areas that may also be of concern.

Please use click on the tabs below for contact information from the following:

ADDITIONAL AGENCIES

BRUNSWICK & NEW HANOVER COUNTIES

In the event of a storm or natural disaster affecting Brunswick County, information will be provided from Brunswick County Emergency Services:

WEBSITE: www.brunswickcountync.gov/emergency
ADDRESS: 3325 Old Ocean Highway, Building C, Bolivia, NC 28422
PHONE: 910-253-5383
EMAIL: Emergency.Services@BrunswickCountyNC.gov

In the event of a storm or natural disaster affecting the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County, information will be provided from New Hanover County Emergency Services:

WEBSITE: https://emergency.nhcgov.com
PHONE: 910-452-6120
EMAIL: Emergency.Services@BrunswickCountyNC.gov

BRUNSWICK ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION (BEMC)

BRUNSWICK NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

The Brunswick Nuclear Plant is owned and operated by Duke Energy, and is located near Southport, NC. As seen in the map below, the Plant encompasses nearly all of the Town of Oak Island in the Plant’s 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone.

Use the links below to learn more on the Plant's emergency planning and response procedures:

2023 Emergency Preparedness Instructions
Emergency Contact List
DUKE ENERGY PHONE: 800-419-6536

ROAD CONDITIONS

UTILITY PROVIDERS