When Dare County officials order an evacuation, everyone must leave the Outer Banks. This includes everyone from vacationers who have already paid for their week's stay to permanent residents who are sometimes hesitant to leave their homes. Newspapers, radio, and television stations keep the public notified about evacuations as well as re-entry information. Make plans early especially if you have pets or elderly people with you. By all means, stay off the beaches and out of the water especially during an electrical storm.
Tornadoes spawned by hurricanes are among the worst weather-related killers.
When a hurricane approaches, listen for tornado watches and warnings. When a warning is issued, seek shelter immediately, preferably in an inside room away from any windows. If you are outside at the time and a tornado is headed your way, move away from its path at a right angle. If you feel you don't have time to escape, lie flat in a ditch or ravine. Hurricane watches mean a hurricane could threaten the area within 24 hours, but evacuation is not necessary at this point.