❮ North Carolina Disaster Relief Resource Guide

Natural Hazards, Severe Weather, and Emergency Preparedness

About this resource guide

The North Carolina Emergency Management Agency and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety provide public, online resources, so you can prepare for severe weather. When it isn't part of the forecast, you can take the time to gather everything you need before a weather watch or warning is issued.

What can you expect? You'll be able to...

  • Give examples of natural hazards
  • Create a plan
  • Build an emergency kit
  • Receive emergency alerts
  • Determine your evacuation zone (applicable to those near the North Carolina coast)
  • View a hurricane database
  • Take note of disaster relief spending

Near the end of the page, you can download an infographic to access the links and information mentioned in this resource guide.

Quote With Examples of Natural Hazards

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Preparing for Severe Weather

Where can you find emergency preparedness information? These sites can help you: ReadyNC.gov and NCDPS.gov.

Watch the video below to learn how to navigate them.

Hurricanes from North Carolina's Past

Over the last 10 years, North Carolina has experienced a total of six hurricanes. Take a look at the timeline below to see if you remember them.

Then, check out North Carolina State Climate Office's Hurricanes Database to see how many tropical storms.

Timeline of Last 10 Years of Hurricanes in North Carolina

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Designating Disaster Relief Funds

Using the buttons below, check out the slideshow to see how disaster relief funds were designated to various towns, counties, and companies in North Carolina.

Infographic Download

Infographic Download

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Quiz

1. The main categories of hazards are natural and technological.
  1. True
  2. False
2. Which of the following belong in an emergency kit?
  1. First aid kit
  2. Food supply
  3. Water supply
3. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) keeps you informed of severe weather.
  1. True
  2. False
4. What does it mean to "Know Your Zone" according to the NCDPS.gov site for coastal residents?
  1. To know your school zone
  2. To know your parking zone
  3. To know your evacuation zone
5. What are some common ways of receiving an emergency alert? Check all that apply.
  1. Radio
  2. Smartphone
  3. TV

About this resource guide

Photo by gguy44 from Getty Images Pro provided by Canva

North Carolina Emergency Management. “2020 NORTH CAROLINA Disaster Recovery Framework.” Appendix 2, North Carolina Emergency Management, 17 January 2020, https://files.nc.gov/ncdps/documents/files/2020-NC-Disaster-Recovery-Framework-FINAL.pdf. Accessed 18 October 2021.

Severe Weather Information and Resources

FEMA. “Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan.” Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan, FEMA P-1094, July 2018, https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf. Accessed 16 November 2021.

North Carolina Emergency Management and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “Get a Kit.” Get a Kit | Ready NC, North Carolina Emergency Management and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, https://www.readync.gov/plan-and-prepare/get-kit. Accessed 18 October 2021.

North Carolina Emergency Management and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “Emergency Alerts.” Emergency Alerts | Ready NC, https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/emergency-alerts. Accessed 18 October 2021.

North Carolina Emergency Management and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “Evacuating.” Evacuating | Ready NC, North Carolina Emergency Management and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, https://www.readync.gov/plan-and-prepare/evacuating. Accessed 16 November 2021.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “Know Your Zone.” NC DPS: Know Your Zone, NC Department of Public Safety, https://www.ncdps.gov/knowyourzone. Accessed 16 November 2021.

North Carolina Emergency Management and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “North Carolina Hurricane Guide.” HurricaneGuide_2021_ENweb.pdf, North Carolina Emergency Management and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, 2021, https://files.nc.gov/readync/documents/files/HurricaneGuide_2021_ENweb.pdf. Accessed 16 November 2021.

Hurricanes from North Carolina’s Past

Photo by IndigoSurf Photography from Getty Images provided by Canva

North Carolina State Climate Office. “Hurricanes Database.” Hurricanes Database - Products | North Carolina State Climate Office, North Carolina State Climate Office, 2021, https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/weather/hurricanes/database/?search=location&loc=North%20Carolina&lrad=200&sort=year_dsc. Accessed 18 October 2021.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety Press Releases

[1] FEMA News Desk. (2021, October 4). Four Additional Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance in North Carolina. NC DPS: Four Additional Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance in North Carolina. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/10/04/four-additional-counties-eligible-fema-public-assistance-north

[2] Haines, B. R. (2021, September 20). Over $7.2 Million Approved to Acquire Flood-Prone Homes in Lumberton. NC DPS: Over $7.2 Million Approved to Acquire Flood-Prone Homes in Lumberton. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/09/20/over-72-million-approved-acquire-flood-prone-homes-lumberton

[3] Haines, B. R. (2021, September 16). More than $1 Million Approved to Elevate Homes in Currituck County. NC DPS: More than $1 Million Approved to Elevate Homes in Currituck County. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/09/16/more-1-million-approved-elevate-homes-currituck-county

[4] Monaghan, J. (2021, September 8). Major Disaster Declaration Granted for Seven Western North Carolina Counties Recovering after Tropical Storm Fred. NC DPS: Major Disaster Declaration Granted for Seven Western North Carolina Counties Recovering after Tropical Storm Fred. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/09/08/major-disaster-declaration-granted-seven-western-north-carolina

[5] Haines, B. R. (2021, August 19). Over $4.2 Million Approved to Elevate Homes in Dare County. NC DPS: Over $4.2 Million Approved to Elevate Homes in Dare County. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/08/19/over-42-million-approved-elevate-homes-dare-county

[6] Haines, B. R. (2021, August 13). Grant Approved to Elevate Flood Prone Properties in Craven County. NC DPS: Grant Approved to Elevate Flood Prone Properties in Craven County. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/08/13/grant-approved-elevate-flood-prone-properties-craven-county

[7] Haines, B. R. (2021, August 13). $1.3 Million Approved for Duplin County to Buy Emergency Generators. NC DPS: $1.3 Million Approved for Duplin County to Buy Emergency Generators. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/08/13/13-million-approved-duplin-county-buy-emergency-generators

[8] Haines, B. R. (2021, July 19). More than $1.6 Million Approved for Property Acquisition in Robeson County. NC DPS: More than $1.6 Million Approved for Property Acquisition in Robeson County. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/07/19/more-16-million-approved-property-acquisition-robeson-county

[9] Haines, B. R. (2021, June 16). $2.3 Million Awarded to Reimburse Repair Costs for Duplin County Roads Damaged by Hurricane Florence. NC DPS: $2.3 Million Awarded to Reimburse Repair Costs for Duplin County Roads Damaged by Hurricane Florence. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/06/16/23-million-awarded-reimburse-repair-costs-duplin-county-roads-damaged

[10] Haines, B. R. (2021, June 16). $2.4 Million Awarded to Reimburse Repair Costs for Sampson County Roads Damaged by Hurricane Florence. NC DPS: $2.4 Million Awarded to Reimburse Repair Costs for Sampson County Roads Damaged by Hurricane Florence. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/06/16/24-million-awarded-reimburse-repair-costs-sampson-county-roads

[11] Haines, B. R. (2021, June 14). Nearly $1 Million Approved to Acquire Flood-Prone Properties in Harnett and Pender Counties. NC DPS: Nearly $1 Million Approved to Acquire Flood-Prone Properties in Harnett and Pender Counties. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/06/14/nearly-1-million-approved-acquire-flood-prone-properties-harnett-and

[12] Haines, B. R. (2021, June 3). $2 Million Approved for Storm Damage Repairs for Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation. NC DPS: $2 Million Approved for Storm Damage Repairs for Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/06/03/2-million-approved-storm-damage-repairs-brunswick-electric-membership

[13] Haines, B. R. (2021, June 3). $1.6 Million Awarded to Reimburse Repair Costs for Sampson County Roads Damaged by Hurricane Florence. NC DPS: $1.6 Million Awarded to Reimburse Repair Costs for Sampson County Roads Damaged by Hurricane Florence. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/06/03/16-million-awarded-reimburse-repair-costs-sampson-county-roads

[14] Haines, B. R. (2021, June 2). Over $1.6 Million Approved for Beaufort County to Acquire Flood-Prone Properties. NC DPS: Over $1.6 Million Approved for Beaufort County to Acquire Flood-Prone Properties. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/06/02/over-16-million-approved-beaufort-county-acquire-flood-prone

[15] Haines, B. R. (2021, June 1). Town of North Topsail Beach Awarded $13.69 Million for Beach Restoration After Hurricane Florence. NC DPS: Town of North Topsail Beach Awarded $13.69 Million for Beach Restoration After Hurricane Florence. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/06/01/town-north-topsail-beach-awarded-1369-million-beach-restoration-after

[16] Haines, B. R. (2021, May 28). North Topsail Beach Awarded $3.5 Million for Beach Renourishment after Hurricane Dorian. NC DPS: North Topsail Beach Awarded $3.5 Million for Beach Renourishment after Hurricane Dorian. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/05/28/north-topsail-beach-awarded-35-million-beach-renourishment-after

[17] Haines, B. R. (2021, May 26). $6.5 Million Approved to Acquire 31 Flood-Prone Properties in Pender County. NC DPS: $6.5 Million Approved to Acquire 31 Flood-Prone Properties in Pender County. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/05/26/65-million-approved-acquire-31-flood-prone-properties-pender-county

[18] FEMA NewsDesk. (2021, May 19). Town of Oak Island Awarded $1.3 Million for Debris Removal After Hurricane Isaias. NC DPS: Town of Oak Island Awarded $1.3 Million for Debris Removal After Hurricane Isaias. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/05/19/town-oak-island-awarded-13-million-debris-removal-after-hurricane

[19] FEMA NewsDesk. (2021, May 18). NCDOT Awarded $1.5 Million for Road Repairs in Columbus County. NC DPS: NCDOT Awarded $1.5 Million for Road Repairs in Columbus County. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/05/18/ncdot-awarded-15-million-road-repairs-columbus-county

[20] Haines, B. R. (2021, May 5). Nags Head Awarded $12.9 Million to Renourish Beaches Destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. NC DPS: Nags Head Awarded $12.9 Million to Renourish Beaches Destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/05/05/nags-head-awarded-129-million-renourish-beaches-destroyed-hurricane

[21] Haines, B. R. (2021, April 30). Dare County Awarded $3.3 Million to Renourish Buxton Beach After Hurricane Dorian Damage. NC DPS: Dare County Awarded $3.3 Million to Renourish Buxton Beach After Hurricane Dorian Damage. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/04/30/dare-county-awarded-33-million-renourish-buxton-beach-after-hurricane

[22] Haines, B. R. (2021, April 28). Craven County Awarded $1.5 Million to Elevate 11 Properties Damaged by Hurricane Florence. NC DPS: Craven County Awarded $1.5 Million to Elevate 11 Properties Damaged by Hurricane Florence. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/04/28/craven-county-awarded-15-million-elevate-11-properties-damaged

[23] Haines, B. R. (2021, April 21). Town of Duck Awarded $2.9 Million to Renourish Beaches Destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. NC DPS: Town of Duck Awarded $2.9 Million to Renourish Beaches Destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/04/21/town-duck-awarded-29-million-renourish-beaches-destroyed-hurricane

[24] Haines, B. R. (2021, April 19). NCDOT Awarded $7.9 Million for Road Repairs in Harnett, Robeson and Stanly Counties. NC DPS: NCDOT Awarded $7.9 Million for Road Repairs in Harnett, Robeson and Stanly Counties. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/04/19/ncdot-awarded-79-million-road-repairs-harnett-robeson-and-stanly

[25] Haines, B. R. (2021, April 16). New Hanover County Awarded $1.4 Million for Hurricane Isaías Debris Removal. NC DPS: New Hanover County Awarded $1.4 Million for Hurricane Isaías Debris Removal. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/04/16/new-hanover-county-awarded-14-million-hurricane-isa%C3%ADas-debris-removal

[26] Haines, B. R. (2021, April 16). City of Wilmington Awarded $3.2 Million for Hurricane Isaías Debris Removal. NC DPS: City of Wilmington Awarded $3.2 Million for Hurricane Isaías Debris Removal. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/04/16/city-wilmington-awarded-32-million-hurricane-isa%C3%ADas-debris-removal

[27] Haines, B. R. (2021, April 15). Town of Oak Island Awarded $10 Million for Emergency Measures for Hurricane Florence. NC DPS: Town of Oak Island Awarded $10 Million for Emergency Measures for Hurricane Florence. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2021/04/15/town-oak-island-awarded-10-million-emergency-measures-hurricane

Infographic Download

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More Resources

National Weather Service. “National Hurricane Preparedness.” National Hurricane Preparedness, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness. Accessed 16 November 2021.

Ready.gov. “Hurricanes.” Hurricanes | Ready.gov, Ready.gov, 28 October 2021, https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes. Accessed 16 November 2021.

USA.gov. “Disasters and Emergencies.” Disasters and Emergencies | USAGov, United States government, https://www.usa.gov/disasters-and-emergencies. Accessed 16 November 2021.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Hurricane Preparedness and Response.” Hurricane Preparedness and Response - Introduction, United States Department of Labor, https://www.osha.gov/hurricane. Accessed 16 November 2021.

FEMA. “FEMA.” FEMA.gov, FEMA, https://www.fema.gov/. Accessed 16 November 2021.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Emergency Response.” Emergency Response | US EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 14 July 2021, https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response. Accessed 16 November 2021.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Tropical Storm and Hurricane Information.” Tropical Storm and Hurricane Information | USDA, USDA, https://www.usda.gov/da/operating-status/storms. Accessed 16 November 2021.

United States Census Bureau. “Hurricanes.” Hurricanes, United States Census Bureau, 8 October 2021, https://www.census.gov/topics/preparedness/events/hurricanes.2021.html. Accessed 16 November 2021.

N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “ReBuild NC.” Home | ReBuild NC, N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, https://www.rebuild.nc.gov/. Accessed 16 November 2021.