Hurricanes

Please read the following before going to a shelter. 

Social Services' first response in a natural disaster is to open shelters for those in low-lying areas, unstable home environments, or other needs. Shelters should be a last resort as evacuation is the safest alternative in a natural disaster.

The Control Group of Chowan County Emergency Response determines when and if shelters are needed. Once it is decided, basic information will be communicated through the website, media, and press releases.

Typically, shelters are located at John A. Holmes High School and Chowan Middle School.

If you feel you need sheltering during a storm, you should bring the following supplies: all medications, a blanket, pillow, hand towel, light toiletries, water/snacks/drinks (limited amount), and a change of clothes. If you have children, a board game or some type of appropriate indoor entertainment is recommended. Shelters will provide basic meals. Emergency personnel, law enforcement, DSS, and other officials will be present, including the Red Cross. You should not bring weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs of any kind. Pets are not allowed (however Chowan County may have a pet shelter available, check local resources for information or the Animal Control Department).

In the event of a disaster, the county will open an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The number will be made available at the opening to the public. This will allow you to access information regarding services pre and post disaster.

Our shelters are not equipped to handle citizens with special needs at this time. These individuals should work with the Red Cross to locate a Special Needs Shelter. Often, Greenville will open one to help those citizens. Caretakers are required to accompany those with special needs.

Evacuation in the event of a powerful natural disaster is your best form of protection. In the event you cannot evacuate, and you feel threatened in your home and have no other safe resource, you should locate to a shelter before conditions worsen. Be informed regarding any information about storm strength and predicted time of impact so you can make early decisions to protect you and your family. You can rebuild a house, but you cannot rebuild a life, protect yourself first.

• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
• Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
• Do not drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Do not wade or swim in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses. Six inches of rushing water is enough to knock you down. This water also can contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water. 
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy during and after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends. 
• Remember that emergency crews may not be able to reach you during the height of some storms, if weather conditions are too hazardous. 
• Document any property damage with photographs, only when it is safe to do so. 

Asbestos and Mesothelioma guide for clean-up and debris. 

If your utilities are supplied by the Town of Edenton -- report power problems by calling (252) 482-4414 during business hours, and Chowan Central Communications at (252) 482-4111 after hours. 

During large storms, we can only dispatch crews when weather conditions are safe enough for them to work, as a result, we typically cannot provide ETAs as to when the power will be restored, especially during large outages. 

Please DO NOT call 911 to report power outages, use 911 only in an emergency. Visit our Power Outages page for more info. 

Generator Safety: 

• Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home, and never operate them in enclosed spaces like garages or basements. These spaces can trap carbon monoxide, which generators can produce quickly and without warning. If you can't smell exhaust fumes, you might still be exposed to carbon monoxide, so keep working carbon monoxide detectors in your home. 
• If you feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
• Ensure generators have at least 3–4 feet of clear space above and on all sides for proper ventilation. 
• Direct exhaust away from your home and windows.
• Keep generators dry and avoid using them in wet conditions or rain. 
• If you need to use a generator in wet weather, you can use an NFPA-rated generator tent or flame retardant running cover. 
• Don't touch the generator with wet hands, and don't manipulate its electrical components if you're wet or standing in water.
• Turn off the generator and let it cool down for at least an hour before refueling. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine can ignite and explode, and fuel expands when it's hot, so don't fill the tank all the way. 
• Store fuel in an approved safety can, and use the type of fuel recommended in the generator's instructions or on its label.
• Use grounded cords that are the proper size for the generator's wattage, and inspect them for damage before each use. 
• Always use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, and start and stop the generator when no electrical loads are connected.
• Keep generators on flat, level surfaces, and avoid exposing them to dust, dirt, moisture, or other corrosive materials. 
• Keep spectators, especially children, away from the generator while it's in use. 

After a Power Outage: 

• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
• If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply. 
• Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they are touching. Report fallen power lines to 911. 
• Don’t go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment or electronics that may have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.