Chief of Police - Duke Pratt 252-638-1108 -- 252-636-2327 -- policechief@riverbendnc.org Be Prepared. Things You Should Do Now. 1. Print out a copy of this River Bend Emergency Action Plan and post it in a conspicuous place. 2. Special Needs Registry - Residents with Special Needs, Residents on Life Support, on Oxygen , or who have severe personal mobility needs should register with the Craven County Department of Social Services. Just click on this SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY which you can copy from your computer.or you can pick up a copy at the River Bend Town Hall. 3. Assemble Important Documents - It is important that important documents be removed from a home which is to be evacuated. They should be stored in a safe place. A bank safe deposit box is used by many. Some folks will use a Sentry type home safe which is fire and water resistant. Important records include: Homeowners, automobile and boat insurance contracts; Life insurance policies; Wills, Trusts; Property Deeds, Marriage Certificates, Military Discharge Certificates, Birth Certificates, etc.4.Acquire food and other emergency supplies you will need in the event of power and water failure. CRAVEN EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR - STANLEY KITE TOWN OF RIVER BEND - MAYOR JAMES FINDLEY SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY - VERY IMPORTANT The Craven County Department of Emergency Management and Craven County Department of Social Services have set up a registry of persons with special needs or who may require special attention or who may need transportation or temporary shelter outside of their home. This includes (1) those on life support systems, oxygen, or dialysis; (2) those dependent on electricity for medical equipment; (3) those with severe mental handicap or mental illness. A Special Needs Registry form (also available at River Bend Town Hall) should be filled out and mailed to Attn: Alfreda Stout, Craven County DSS, P.O. Box 12039, New Bern, NC 28561-2039. The forms are reviewed by a team of social workers and nurses. Alfreda Stout, who heads the program will personally call the registrant for review of requirements and determine a level of services that is needed. This includes transportation and temporary assignment to a nursing home, adult care or assisted care center if needed. Assignment to a hospital will be designated in serious cases where required. The Craven County Department of Social Services will call the registrant just prior to the storm to ascertain that there have been no changes in plans and will make arrangements for pick-up if required. As of Tuesday, September 16, 2003, six disabled residents had registered to be transported to the Christian Care Center in River Bend in anticipation of Hurricane ISABEL. The Special Needs Registry form will provide name and addresses, medical needs, physician or health care provider, special needs, etc. This will assist those in finding an appropriate placement or services during a disaster or other emergency. Hurricane ISABEL Arrived on Thursday, September 18, 2003 According to the U.S. Weather Bureau, as of 5:00 a.m. Thursday, tropical Hurricane ISABEL, a strong category 2 storm with winds of over 100 miles per hour is predicted to land somewhere in the vicinity of Atlantic Beach around noon on Thursday which would bring Isabel over River Bend. Heavy rain and winds in River Bend were predicted to be between 60 and 75 miles per hour. A wind tide generated in the Pamlico Sound was predicted to cause a flood surge of 8 to 10 feet. Homes located under the 10 feet flood level were expected to be flooded. A miracle happened. Isabel was diverted slightly to the Northeast which caused landfall in the area of Okracoke Inlet which was Northeast of River Bend. Winds had died down to about 60 miles per hour and flood waters rose 4 1/2 to 5 feet. River Bend had escaped serious damage. A tree had fallen across a garage in the Colonies area and some shingles were lost in various parts of Town. A number of large trees had been uprooted, a few across Gatewood Drive, Shoreline Drive and Plantation Drive. Public Works Dept personnel quickly cut back trees that had fallen across the roadways to provide access to emergency vehicles. No flood damage to motor vehicles were reported due to their being moved to high ground at the Town Commons, the River Bend Baptist Church and the River Bend Golf & Country Club. Electric power had gone out at 11:56 AM and was restored at 9:50 PM. Water service was uninterrupted. An unconfirmed report of food spoilage was received. It is not known whether the resident had followed instructions for Hurricane Food Preservation contained in this emergency plan. Contractors had estimated that Isabel had left over 200 tons of storm debris behind her. Town officials should be commended for contracting for removal of the debris before the storm occurred as most contractors are backlogged with work or working in other devastated areas of the State. Mayor Jim Findley is to be commended for coordinating damage control efforts which involved all departments of the Town including the Rhems Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders. Official Evacuation Center Not Designated Residents were instructed to make their own decision on whether or not to leave River Bend and seek safety elsewhere. The Howell Center on Pirates Road had offered the use of their gymnasium as a storm shelter. Those who decided to leave Town were asked to take the time to fill out a Resident Home Check form and leave it at Town Hall. This helps the Town to locate you if the need arises. If you must evacuate your home, FEMA advises: Secure your home. Pull all appliance plugs and be sure to shut off the electricity and water line before leaving home.Craven County has not officially designated an Evacuation Center. Residents were on their own to find suitable storm shelter. Residents living in homes under the flood level were advised to move out before the flooding occurs as rescue teams may not be able to reach them because of high winds. Those seeking shelter were advised to bring a folding cot and blankets or sleeping bag. Bring emergency supplies, warm clothing and towels, to shelter. Also, toothbrushes, tooth paste, special diet food, and don't forget your medications. Remember, pets are not permitted in emergency shelters. In the event of a strong hurricane threatening the River Bend area, it would be a good idea to travel to a safe location ahead of time. If you plan to use a motel or hotel, make sure it is located west of Route #95. All lodging facilities east of Route #95 will be overloaded and accommodations there will be unavailable. Most people who have waited out a serious hurricane have expressed regret they did not leave the storm area when they had a chance to do so. Purchase Emergency SuppliesPortable AM Radio & Batteries Oil Lamp & Lamp Oil First Aid Kit Hammer & assorted nails Pliers Candles & Matches Masking Tape (2 rolls) 2" Flashlights (3) & Batteries TarpaulinsPropane tanks for barbecue grill or camping stoves.Electrical tape (1 roll) Purchase Emergency Foods (Non-perishable) Bottled Drinking Water Canned Soups, Vegetables etc. Pastas, macaroni Powdered Chocolate Drink Mix Powdered Milk, EggsOther Non-Perishable Foods Water Availability - If winds are expected to reach category 3 or above, the Water Resources Superintendent will make a determination if the water needs to be turned off. Fill your bath tubs and buckets with water for flushing toilets in event water supply or electricity is turned off. CALL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY Hurricane WarningsWarnings of an impending hurricane will begin broadcasting usually about two days before the hurricane is due in the area. Details of the storm including wind velocities, tide levels and other data will be given relative to the path of the storm. Official instructions coordinated by Craven Emergency Services Coordinator Stanley Kite will issue local area warnings and handle evacuation requests. This will be augmented by other news over Television Channel 10, Radio station 1450, the Weather Channel #44. In the event of serious weather conditions, ALL River Benders may be directed to leave your home and report to an emergency shelter. River Bend is part of the Craven County Hurricane Plan. Have your portable radio ready in the event the power goes out. CURRENT NEW BERN WEATHER CONDITIONSThis on-line web site gives you a constantly updated report of weather conditions in the River Bend and New Bern area. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, Newport/Morehead City N.C.Severe Watches and Warnings Updates Preparing Your Boat for Rough WeatherIf you have a boat, take it out of the water and store it in a protected area. If you can't do it, take your boat to a boat storage facility for dry-docking. If you are going to let your boat ride-it-out, double up all mooring lines with 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch nylon lines. Leave enough slack to accommodate a ten (10) feet surge in the tide level. Secure all loose gear. Remove all banners, burgees, and flags. Collapse bimini tops and tie down securely. Close off all fuel lines. If you are mooring in the Trent River, or elsewhere, make sure mooring lines are adequate and anchors will not drag. Keep away from docks as the high winds regularly sink boats by bashing them against the docks causing large gashes which let the water enter. Consult with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons and the local dockmasters for furthur information on protecting your boat. Evacuation Preparation If you are heading for a hotel, motel or similar lodging make sure you have reservations. If you don't, you may find yourself without lodging and no place to go as these facilities fill up quickly.Make arrangements for pets. Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters. Protect your windows. Apply heavy duty masking tape or for maximum protection cut 1/2" plywood to fit window frames. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Shut off electricity and water and Lock up before you leave. Gardens and Yard Preparation Stow all rakes and other loose garden tools. Secure barbeque grill and store in protected place. Do not store propane tank in home. Take down hanging plants. Shut off water hose valves. Bring outdoor furniture indoors. A timely warning about credit cards... The gathering of large numbers of strangers in a confined area for overnight lodging, offers great opportunities for credit card thieves. Keep your credit cards out of sight and securely tucked away in your wallet. Ladies large pocket books are especially vulnerable. Thieves, once obtaining your credit cards can make purchases by telephone from out-of-state concerns for out of state delivery. You won't know about the fraudulent charge until it appears on your monthly statement. Notify your credit card company immediately by mail notice to the billing error address on your statement. If you call them by telephone, you will not have the rights provided by proper mailed written notice. Handle this as required by law and you will have no liability for the fraudulent charge. After returning home... Return home from your evacuation shelter only after being authorized to do so. Avoid loose and dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department. Beware of snakes and animals driven to higher ground by flood waters. Open windows and doors to ventilate. Check refrigerated food for spoilage. Take pictures of damage for the filing of insurance claims. If You Choose to Stay at Home and "Ride Out the Storm"There are three types of people encountered during a hurricane. The first group are those who immediately hit the road upon upon receipt of the first notice of a Hurricane Warning. The second group are the families who do not wish to leave their homes regardless of the storm conditions. The third group have never been through a serious storm before and have no idea what awaits. For them the decision to leave is a difficult one and may in the end be made by the Storm Coordinator. When to evacuate This is a no brainer for anyone living in a flood zone. As soon as the warning is issued, you should be ready to hit the road. Make sure evacuation procedures have been completed. There is only one road out of River Bend. Portions of Shoreline Drive in the vicinity of the River Bend Market which were flooded by the last major storm have now been raised by two feet. This should be above major storm flooding levels. Those intending to leave should do so early before roads become blocked and lodgings become full. Don't leave during the middle of the storm as roads may have become impassable due to falling trees, power lines or other highway flooding. Move to Higher GroundIn the event your kitchen, toilet facilities and bedrooms were flooded during the last hurricane, it is quite possible that it could happen again. It is suggested that you prearrange shelter with one of your friendly neighbors living on high ground. This will enable you to keep within a short distance of your home and will ensure that you have a place to sleep without fear of being flooded out of your bed. There are hundreds of homes in River Bend that did not encounter any flooding at all. Move Your Car to a High Ground Parking Areas in River BendIf you are located in a flood zone, your automobile should be moved to one of the parking areas listed below which are above the expected high water level. The gas tank should be filled in the event the gas station is unable to pump gas due to a power failure. Parking areas include the Town Commons, the River Bend Golf Course, the Howell Center and the River Bend Baptist Church. Automobiles should be moved before the water begins to rise. Volunteers will drive you back home where you can await the storm. RVs, trailers and campers in the flood plain should also be moved to an approved parking area. Make sure awnings and other appurtenances are collapsed and securely tied down. Fill bath tubs and pails with water for flushing of toilets when water supply is cut off. Index to Hurricane Emergency Procedures A number of municipalities and Federal emergency service organizations with many years of hurricane experience have produced a number of web sites with information on coping with Hurricanes. Most of these procedures are applicable to residents living in River Bend. We include their web sites to provide you with rapid look-up on just about every hurricane emergency procedure you might encounter.. River Bend's Past Experience With Hurricanes River Bend and the surrounding areas are often referred to as "Hurrricane Alley" due to the number of storm centers which pass through the area. This section describes procedures taken to mitigate hurricane damage as well as experiences in coping with major hurricanes. It provides a number of experiences we can draw on to prevent future mistakes made in the past and what other steps which might be taken to protect property owners from hurricane damage in the future. Evacuate or Stay This is a discussion of the pros and cons on evacuating your home. If you are in a flood area, it would make sense to evacuate. The Storm Coordinator may direct that your home be evacuated. In the event you are on high ground in a protected area, it would probably give you more peace of mind being in position to shut off water and electricity and make minor storm repairs to your home. You would have familiar shelter and access to food supplies you had stored for the emergency. Being away from home for any length of time with the electricity turned off could result in considerable food spoilage. The freezer should be filled with bags of ice to keep temperatures down. Dry ice in freezers or styrofoam chests is also used for this purpose. FEMA Fact Sheet Prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which deals with emergency supplies and what to do during a hurricane watch and during a hurricane warning. inspecting utility damage, etc. Storm Watch The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains this page of useful storm information which includes: Hurricane Safety Fact Sheets Animals and Emergencies Strength of Tropical Storms Areas At Risk United States Hurricane Problems Hurricane and Tornado Mitigation Protection Agent for Hurricane and Water Damage First Step After A Flood FEMA Warns Against Hurricane Assistance Fraud Hurricane Fact Sheets Tlhis web site put up by Broward County, Florida is a collection of "Fact Sheets" on just about every problem you might encounter during a storm. It includes boats, flooded housing, food and supplies, houses, lightning safety rules, outdoor plants, outdoor storage, people with disabilities, refrigerators & freezers, roofs, swimming pools, trees and downed tree removal, drinking water, water from private wells, windows, etc. Check out this site. It may be what you are looking for. American Red Cross- Disaster Plan Nature's Greatest Storm (NOAA) Description of NOAA,s National Hurricane Center and their continuous watch over the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific. The center is located on the campus of the Florida International University in Miami, Florida. A Fierce Force of Nature - Hurricanes (http://observe.iw.nasa/earth/hurricane/intro.htmlDescribes what Hurricanes are all about. Shows diagram and parts of hurricane. Food Safety in Hurricanes and Floods This is an important document on the storage and handling of food before and during hurricanes This is produced by the Clemson Extension, Home and Garden Information Center. It lists the supplies which you should have on hand in an emergency. GOD BLESS AMERICA Forward questions and comments to Webmaster <param name=URL value="http://www2.cconnect.net/rbpolice/storm.htm"> <param name=reset value="6500"><param name=img value="/c/default.gif"></applet></td></tr></table> <font face=arial size=1>Powered by <aTARGET="_top" href=http://counter.bloke.com/>counter.bloke.com</a></font><br> <!-- End counter.bloke.com -->
Chief of Police - Duke Pratt 252-638-1108 -- 252-636-2327 -- policechief@riverbendnc.org
CRAVEN EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR - STANLEY KITE
TOWN OF RIVER BEND - MAYOR JAMES FINDLEY
SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY - VERY IMPORTANT
The Craven County Department of Emergency Management and Craven County Department of Social Services have set up a registry of persons with special needs or who may require special attention or who may need transportation or temporary shelter outside of their home. This includes (1) those on life support systems, oxygen, or dialysis; (2) those dependent on electricity for medical equipment; (3) those with severe mental handicap or mental illness.
A Special Needs Registry form (also available at River Bend Town Hall) should be filled out and mailed to Attn: Alfreda Stout, Craven County DSS, P.O. Box 12039, New Bern, NC 28561-2039. The forms are reviewed by a team of social workers and nurses. Alfreda Stout, who heads the program will personally call the registrant for review of requirements and determine a level of services that is needed. This includes transportation and temporary assignment to a nursing home, adult care or assisted care center if needed. Assignment to a hospital will be designated in serious cases where required.
The Craven County Department of Social Services will call the registrant just prior to the storm to ascertain that there have been no changes in plans and will make arrangements for pick-up if required.
As of Tuesday, September 16, 2003, six disabled residents had registered to be transported to the Christian Care Center in River Bend in anticipation of Hurricane ISABEL.
The Special Needs Registry form will provide name and addresses, medical needs, physician or health care provider, special needs, etc. This will assist those in finding an appropriate placement or services during a disaster or other emergency.
Hurricane ISABEL Arrived on Thursday, September 18, 2003
According to the U.S. Weather Bureau, as of 5:00 a.m. Thursday, tropical Hurricane ISABEL, a strong category 2 storm with winds of over 100 miles per hour is predicted to land somewhere in the vicinity of Atlantic Beach around noon on Thursday which would bring Isabel over River Bend. Heavy rain and winds in River Bend were predicted to be between 60 and 75 miles per hour. A wind tide generated in the Pamlico Sound was predicted to cause a flood surge of 8 to 10 feet. Homes located under the 10 feet flood level were expected to be flooded.
A miracle happened. Isabel was diverted slightly to the Northeast which caused landfall in the area of Okracoke Inlet which was Northeast of River Bend. Winds had died down to about 60 miles per hour and flood waters rose 4 1/2 to 5 feet. River Bend had escaped serious damage. A tree had fallen across a garage in the Colonies area and some shingles were lost in various parts of Town. A number of large trees had been uprooted, a few across Gatewood Drive, Shoreline Drive and Plantation Drive. Public Works Dept personnel quickly cut back trees that had fallen across the roadways to provide access to emergency vehicles. No flood damage to motor vehicles were reported due to their being moved to high ground at the Town Commons, the River Bend Baptist Church and the River Bend Golf & Country Club. Electric power had gone out at 11:56 AM and was restored at 9:50 PM. Water service was uninterrupted. An unconfirmed report of food spoilage was received. It is not known whether the resident had followed instructions for Hurricane Food Preservation contained in this emergency plan.
Contractors had estimated that Isabel had left over 200 tons of storm debris behind her. Town officials should be commended for contracting for removal of the debris before the storm occurred as most contractors are backlogged with work or working in other devastated areas of the State. Mayor Jim Findley is to be commended for coordinating damage control efforts which involved all departments of the Town including the Rhems Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders.
If you must evacuate your home, FEMA advises: Secure your home. Pull all appliance plugs and be sure to shut off the electricity and water line before leaving home.Craven County has not officially designated an Evacuation Center. Residents were on their own to find suitable storm shelter. Residents living in homes under the flood level were advised to move out before the flooding occurs as rescue teams may not be able to reach them because of high winds.
Those seeking shelter were advised to bring a folding cot and blankets or sleeping bag. Bring emergency supplies, warm clothing and towels, to shelter. Also, toothbrushes, tooth paste, special diet food, and don't forget your medications. Remember, pets are not permitted in emergency shelters. In the event of a strong hurricane threatening the River Bend area, it would be a good idea to travel to a safe location ahead of time. If you plan to use a motel or hotel, make sure it is located west of Route #95. All lodging facilities east of Route #95 will be overloaded and accommodations there will be unavailable. Most people who have waited out a serious hurricane have expressed regret they did not leave the storm area when they had a chance to do so.
Bottled Drinking Water Canned Soups, Vegetables etc. Pastas, macaroni Powdered Chocolate Drink Mix Powdered Milk, EggsOther Non-Perishable Foods
Water Availability - If winds are expected to reach category 3 or above, the Water Resources Superintendent will make a determination if the water needs to be turned off. Fill your bath tubs and buckets with water for flushing toilets in event water supply or electricity is turned off.
CALL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, Newport/Morehead City N.C.Severe Watches and Warnings Updates
Protect your windows. Apply heavy duty masking tape or for maximum protection cut 1/2" plywood to fit window frames. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Shut off electricity and water and Lock up before you leave.
Gardens and Yard Preparation Stow all rakes and other loose garden tools. Secure barbeque grill and store in protected place. Do not store propane tank in home. Take down hanging plants. Shut off water hose valves. Bring outdoor furniture indoors.
A timely warning about credit cards...
The gathering of large numbers of strangers in a confined area for overnight lodging, offers great opportunities for credit card thieves. Keep your credit cards out of sight and securely tucked away in your wallet. Ladies large pocket books are especially vulnerable. Thieves, once obtaining your credit cards can make purchases by telephone from out-of-state concerns for out of state delivery. You won't know about the fraudulent charge until it appears on your monthly statement. Notify your credit card company immediately by mail notice to the billing error address on your statement. If you call them by telephone, you will not have the rights provided by proper mailed written notice. Handle this as required by law and you will have no liability for the fraudulent charge.
After returning home...
Return home from your evacuation shelter only after being authorized to do so. Avoid loose and dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department. Beware of snakes and animals driven to higher ground by flood waters. Open windows and doors to ventilate. Check refrigerated food for spoilage. Take pictures of damage for the filing of insurance claims.
When to evacuate
This is a no brainer for anyone living in a flood zone. As soon as the warning is issued, you should be ready to hit the road. Make sure evacuation procedures have been completed. There is only one road out of River Bend. Portions of Shoreline Drive in the vicinity of the River Bend Market which were flooded by the last major storm have now been raised by two feet. This should be above major storm flooding levels. Those intending to leave should do so early before roads become blocked and lodgings become full. Don't leave during the middle of the storm as roads may have become impassable due to falling trees, power lines or other highway flooding.
Move to Higher GroundIn the event your kitchen, toilet facilities and bedrooms were flooded during the last hurricane, it is quite possible that it could happen again. It is suggested that you prearrange shelter with one of your friendly neighbors living on high ground. This will enable you to keep within a short distance of your home and will ensure that you have a place to sleep without fear of being flooded out of your bed. There are hundreds of homes in River Bend that did not encounter any flooding at all.
A number of municipalities and Federal emergency service organizations with many years of hurricane experience have produced a number of web sites with information on coping with Hurricanes. Most of these procedures are applicable to residents living in River Bend. We include their web sites to provide you with rapid look-up on just about every hurricane emergency procedure you might encounter.. River Bend's Past Experience With Hurricanes
River Bend and the surrounding areas are often referred to as "Hurrricane Alley" due to the number of storm centers which pass through the area. This section describes procedures taken to mitigate hurricane damage as well as experiences in coping with major hurricanes. It provides a number of experiences we can draw on to prevent future mistakes made in the past and what other steps which might be taken to protect property owners from hurricane damage in the future.
Evacuate or Stay
This is a discussion of the pros and cons on evacuating your home. If you are in a flood area, it would make sense to evacuate. The Storm Coordinator may direct that your home be evacuated. In the event you are on high ground in a protected area, it would probably give you more peace of mind being in position to shut off water and electricity and make minor storm repairs to your home. You would have familiar shelter and access to food supplies you had stored for the emergency. Being away from home for any length of time with the electricity turned off could result in considerable food spoilage. The freezer should be filled with bags of ice to keep temperatures down. Dry ice in freezers or styrofoam chests is also used for this purpose. FEMA Fact Sheet
Prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which deals with emergency supplies and what to do during a hurricane watch and during a hurricane warning. inspecting utility damage, etc. Storm Watch
The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains this page of useful storm information which includes: Hurricane Safety Fact Sheets Animals and Emergencies Strength of Tropical Storms Areas At Risk United States Hurricane Problems Hurricane and Tornado Mitigation Protection Agent for Hurricane and Water Damage First Step After A Flood FEMA Warns Against Hurricane Assistance Fraud
Hurricane Fact Sheets
Tlhis web site put up by Broward County, Florida is a collection of "Fact Sheets" on just about every problem you might encounter during a storm. It includes boats, flooded housing, food and supplies, houses, lightning safety rules, outdoor plants, outdoor storage, people with disabilities, refrigerators & freezers, roofs, swimming pools, trees and downed tree removal, drinking water, water from private wells, windows, etc. Check out this site. It may be what you are looking for. American Red Cross- Disaster Plan
Nature's Greatest Storm (NOAA)
Description of NOAA,s National Hurricane Center and their continuous watch over the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific. The center is located on the campus of the Florida International University in Miami, Florida. A Fierce Force of Nature - Hurricanes (http://observe.iw.nasa/earth/hurricane/intro.htmlDescribes what Hurricanes are all about. Shows diagram and parts of hurricane.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Forward questions and comments to Webmaster
