New Hanover, NC Hurricane Prep Hub
Local planning page for Cape Fear. Use this as a fast action center before watches and warnings create delays.
Published by Hurricane Prep Guide, an independent preparedness resource. Local planning resources reviewed on . Follow New Hanover County officials for evacuation instructions and current shelter information.
Local Action Priorities
1) Look up the evacuation zone for your home or vacation address in Know Your Zone. Save your zone, a destination, and NCDOT evacuation routes; follow local officials' instructions.
2) Arrange where you will stay and how you will travel before an evacuation is needed. County shelters are a last resort; confirm an opening and pet arrangements with the county before traveling.
3) Register for ReadyNHC alerts: text READYNHC to 24639, or LISTONHC for Spanish. The county's online portal also offers neighborhood and language settings; message rates may apply.
4) If you have medical, access, or functional needs, review the county registry and arrange support early. Plan transportation and backup assistance; county resources can be limited during an emergency.
Local Emergency Contacts and Fuel for New Hanover
Use this local toolset to find New Hanover emergency contacts, evacuation guidance, and nearby fuel options.
Official fuel availability can change rapidly during emergencies. Confirm local guidance and do not wait until watches or warnings are active to fuel vehicles.
Find local support services (211)View AAA gas price updatesFlood Zone and Flood History for New Hanover
Check flood-zone resources and local flood reporting history for New Hanover before storm impacts escalate.
Flood risk can vary by street and building elevation. Confirm decisions with official flood maps, local emergency management, and evacuation authorities.
Official Local Planning Links
These links go directly to government resources and open in a new tab. Check their latest instructions before making travel or shelter decisions.
New Hanover Planning Questions
How do I check flood risk in New Hanover, NC?
Start with FEMA flood map tools, then confirm local floodplain details with your county emergency management or floodplain office.
What should I do first before a hurricane in New Hanover?
Look up your address in North Carolina Know Your Zone, arrange a destination and transportation, and sign up for ReadyNHC emergency alerts. Follow county officials' evacuation instructions.
How can I find what is open after a storm?
Use live map searches for gas, groceries, pharmacies, and food options, then verify hours before driving.
How do I check whether a New Hanover County shelter is open?
Check the county's Evacuation & Shelters page and current county emergency instructions before traveling. Listed shelter locations are for planning; they are not confirmation of an opening. Confirm pet arrangements and arrange transportation ahead of time.
Pet Safety Plan
Pack 7 days of pet food, water, medications, leash, carrier, bowls, and waste supplies.
Keep vaccination records, microchip info, and vet contact in your document pouch.
Identify at least two pet-friendly shelter or hotel options before evacuation orders are issued.
Never leave pets behind during evacuation. Transport early while roads are safer.
Ride-Out Plan (If You Are Not Evacuating)
Move to your safest interior space, away from windows and glass doors.
Charge all phones and battery packs. Keep radio, flashlights, and first aid within reach.
If floodwater enters, move to higher floors and avoid stepping into energized water.
Use generators outdoors only, far from windows, doors, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
School closures & what is open near you
Use official district closure pages plus live map searches for the most current local availability. These are public sources, not a guaranteed real-time inventory feed.
Share This County Hub
Help neighbors prepare early. Share this county-specific action page so more people can access local storm resources.
Every share helps one more household prepare before urgency hits.
Move New Hanover prep from reading to action.
Use your local contacts, confirm routes, and close your supply gaps before storm pressure builds.