Emergency Management officials say storm surge causes most of damage right along the coast and in the low-lying areas. All too often, flood victims discover to their horror that their homeowner's insurance policy doesn't cover damage caused by rising water. People need to check their homeowner's or renter's insurance policy and make sure they have the coverage they think they have. People who live in a flood plain need to have flood insurance. Even if you don't live in a flood plain, officials say it is a good idea to have flood insurance, since heavy urban runoff can cause severe damage to homes and businesses.
Storm surge can cause water levels to rise rapidly, cutting off any chance of escape.
In the face of a hurricane or tropical storm, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to follow the evacuation instructions of local officials. The N.C. Emergency Management Division has turned to the Internet to help channel vital information to local emergency managers, city and county officials for their use in making critical decisions. On Tuesday, the division will use the N.C. Information Highway to simultaneously brief local officials at five sites about the new system. State officials say that being prepared for hurricane season starts with people taking responsibility for themselves and their families. Everyone is urged to assemble an emergency supplies kit, with enough food, water and other essentials to last each family member for at least three days.