Dare County Conducts Major 2024 Hurricane Exercise

Dare County, in conjunction with all six of its municipalities and numerous local bodies, carried out a three-day Hurricane Exercise (“HUREX”) in 2024, titled HUREX 2024. The intensive training, aimed at hurricane preparedness, was held from Wednesday, June 12, 2024, to Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Dare County Emergency Operations Center located in Manteo.

Over the course of these three days, more than 130 people, ranging from local officials to emergency management personnel, joined forces to cement relationships and test plans intended to protect the public from the impacts of devastating storms. Several participated remotely, underscoring the modern and flexible nature of emergency response systems.

HUREX 2024 Challenges Participants with a Simulated Major Storm

HUREX 2024 created a major storm scenario featuring a simulated hurricane, “Hurricane Carol,” developed by the National Weather Service. The imaginary storm was depicted as bringing 120 mph winds and disastrous storm surges to Dare County.

“This training was vital considering the uneasy predictions for the hurricane season, notwithstanding the quiet years we’ve had,” Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson stated.

Exercise contractor, NEX Disaster Services LLC, guided the participants through a variety of processes including crisis decision-making, unified public messaging, and logistical pre-landfall preparations. Steps involved a full activation of the Dare County Emergency Operations Center, as well as hands-on emergency response efforts and post-storm recovery.

Community Encouraged to Prepare for Hurricanes

Upon the completion of HUREX 2024, Dare County is now better poised to weather any storm impacting the Outer Banks. However, Dare County officials are urging the wider community – residents, visitors, and property owners alike – not to rest on their laurels and ensure they are sufficiently prepared for any forthcoming hurricane event.

“I strongly encourage everyone to get ready for the next storm before its arrival,” Pearson said. “Don’t wait until the storm is knocking at our doorstep. Be proactive in your preparedness!”

Steps to Enhance Readiness

1. Acquire a 2024 Dare County reentry permit
2. Develop an emergency supply kit
3. Understand local evacuation routes and procedures
4. Sign up to receive customized emergency alerts at OBXAlerts.com
5. Read the Dare County Hurricane Guide

National Weather Service Holds Community Forum on Hurricane Preparedness

The National Weather Service in partnership with Dare County Emergency Management will host a community forum focusing on tropical weather and preparedness. The forum, open to all, will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Jennette’s Pier, located at 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head.

The forum will provide an opportunity to engage and hear presentations from National Weather Service meteorologists and local emergency professionals. Attendees will learn about hurricane impacts, why the storm category should not be exclusively focused upon, and how to prepare for, endure, and recover from tropical weather events.

To learn more or ask questions, attendees are invited to join in a community conversation following the presentation. With everyone’s increased understanding and preparedness, Dare County is better positioned to face any future storms with strengthened resolve and readiness.