TO: PROPERTY OWNERS WHOSE PROPERTY MAY BE LOCATED
^ IN A SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA
WFROM: ROY BROWNLOW, CHIEF CODE ENFORCMENT OFFICIAL
RE: NOTIFICATION OF FLOOD HAZARDS, AVAILABILITY OF FLOOD INSURANCE,
AND PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES
The purpose of this notification is to inform you that your property may be located in or near a Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) in accordance with the Federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). You need to
be aware of the flood hazards and knowledgeable of possible actions you can take to protect yourself and
your property.
Flood Hazard
PKS' oceanfront, canalfront, and soundfront shorelines are extremely vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards
such as hurricanes, northeasters, storm-induced erosion and flooding brought on by storms, heavy rains and unusual
lunar tides. Hurricanes, the greatest storms on Earth, produce tidal surges, v^hich poses one of the most devastating flood
hazard threats to PKS. Oceanfront properties could be subject to "wave action" velocities. Soundfront and canalfront
properties could be subject to above normal flood tides.
Flood Warning
If conditions are favorable for hurricane development, a hurricane watch will be issued. The conditions are
announced over local radio (WBTB 1400 AM/107.3 FM, 106.5 WSFL) and television channels (WITN TV 7, WFXI TV 8,
WNCT TV 9, CATV 10, WCTI TV 12, The Weather Channel-50) by the National Weather Service (NOAA 162.400MHz,
Newport). At this time, all residents should prepare for evacuation. Citizens should notify town hall of invalids or other
persons requiring evacuation assistance. Re-entry passes should be in possession by property owners in Pine Knoll
Shores.
When a hurricane has developed, a hurricane warning will be issued. At least 18-36 hours warning time will be
^kiven before probable landfall. An evacuation order will be issued over radio and television channels. Police will patrol
^^own streets and issue evacuation notice by public address system and the PKS Emergency Management Organization will
alert individual residences. All PKS residents are to evacuate on NC 58 and use the Atlantic Beach Bridge. Evacuation of 75
miles or more inland is suggested.
Flood Safety
Early flood and hurricane warnings provide time for people in threatened areas to prepare, and by doing so, to
lessen their damages. In addition, you will be better prepared if you consider the following suggestions:
♦ Learn to recognize the warning signals and procedures;
♦ Plan your evacuation route;
♦ Evacuate when advised to do so;
♦ If, and only if, time permits, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valves when
evacuation is imminent;
♦ Fill tubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are contaminated;
♦ Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters or tape to prevent flying glass;
♦ Bring outdoor possessions (i.e., lawn furniture, trash cans, signs, etc.) inside the house or tie them down securely;
♦ Flooded areas are deceptive! Try to avoid flooded areas and do not attempt to walk across stretches of floodwaters
more than knee deep.
♦ Learn first aid!
Flood Insurance
The amount of flood insurance protection available for a community depends whether the community is in the
Emergency Phase or the Regular Phase. PKS has adopted and agreed to enforce acceptable floodplain regulations, hence
it is in the Regular Phase. In the Regular Phase, a resident may purchase coverage with premiums based on the likelihood
of flooding as established by the FIRM (flood insurance rate map).
• Your Homeowners insurance policy will not cover losses due to flooding. PKS participates in the National Flood
nsurance Program which makes flood insurance available to everyone in the town.
For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment. We strongly urge you to buy
flood insurance to protect yourself from devastating losses due to flooding.