8/19/2025
Discovertopsailisland.com
Weathering the Storm: A Complete Guide to Hurricane & Tropical Storm Preparedness
As Hurricane Erin sweeps offshore, coastal communities from North Topsail Beach to the Outer Banks stand on high alert. With heightened storm activity predicted for this season, now is the time to act. From creating your emergency kit to safeguarding your home, preparation can make all the difference.
Why Early Preparation Matters
Forecasters anticipate an active 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasting 6 to 10 storms, with half potentially becoming major hurricanes. Early preparedness—far before a storm is threatening—is key to reducing stress, damage, and risk to life.
Step-by-Step Hurricane Readiness
Know Your Risks
Understand your area’s exposure to storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, high winds, and rip currents. Water (flooding and surge), not wind, remains the leading cause of hurricane-related fatalities.
Recognize that even tropical storms or weak hurricanes can incite devastating flooding—don’t rely solely on the category rating.
Develop Your Plan
Identify safe shelters, evacuation routes, and backup destinations outside flood zones. Include plans for pets and multiple travel routes.
Sign up for emergency alerts via NOAA, local systems, and FEMA’s Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), and follow trusted sources such as weather services and local emergency management.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Essential items to include:
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day—for at least 3 days; 7–14 days recommended if staying.
- Food: Non-perishable items (canned goods, protein bars, pet food) with a manual can opener.
- First-aid essentials: Bandages, medications, masks, a whistle, and waterproof medication storage.
- Power & Light: Flashlights, extra batteries, battery-powered or crank radio (NOAA), power banks.
- Sanitation & Tools: Trash bags, disinfectant wipes, duct tape, wrenches for shutting off utilities.
- Protective gear: Plastic sheeting, tarps, sandbags, masks and gloves.
- Important Items: Copies of documents, cash, blankets, clothes, entertainment items (especially for children), and pet supplies.
Protect Your Property
Bring loose outdoor items (patio furniture, grills, propane tanks) indoors. Secure trees or trim dead limbs.
Cover windows with shutters or plywood. Inspect the roof and prepare to turn off utilities safely.
Insurance & Documentation
Review your insurance coverage, including flood insurance, and keep a home inventory with photos or video.
Store important documents (passports, deeds, insurance papers) in waterproof containers.
Evacuation Preparedness
Keep your vehicle fueled or, if electric, know charging locations along evacuation routes.
Respect evacuation orders—especially in coastal and low-lying zones—to avoid getting trapped by flooding or road closures.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist
- Know your flood and storm surge risk
- Map evacuation routes and safe haven locations
- Register for emergency alerts (NOAA, local, FEMA WEAs)
- Complete a disaster supply kit (water, food, meds, radio, tools)
- Include pet supplies and family-specific items in your kit
- Secure documents and keep insurance up to date
- Inspect and reinforce your home—cover windows, secure loose items
- Fuel your vehicle or ensure EV charging on routes
- Stay informed and ready to evacuate if directed
Final Takeaway
In the face of a storm like Hurricane Erin—and this season’s active outlook—getting prepared now can safeguard lives and property. From packing emergency kits to formalizing evacuation plans, every step counts toward resilience.
About the Author
Written by J.L. Wells, a longtime Topsail Island resident and owner-operator of multiple local small businesses serving the Topsail Island area. With firsthand experience living and working on the island, J.L. Wells provides practical, locally grounded insight into Topsail Island’s towns, beaches, and year-round coastal living.