Hurricane Earl First Person Update: NC Coastal Island Residents Still Waiting

Despite the threat of Hurricane Earl, the small island town of Oak Island, NC appears to be waiting for something. Last evening, our family took a drive on the main island road looking for preparation efforts. The ride was a step in the personal battle we are fighting with our own preparation questions. As a first year resident of the NC coastal town of Oak Island, we have never lived through a hurricane threat. The Outer Banks, just six hours north of Oak Island, are enacting emergency plans and evacuating vacationers, yet we sit - still waiting.

Hurricane Preparation on the NC Coast

Oak Island is unique because it is bordered on one side by the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. Any ocean swells will bee reflected by swells in the waterway creating a double sided sword. In our home, we have collected a few supplies and packaged up important papers. We have plans to purchase a few cases of water and some food products that do not require cooking in case lights go out. Tonight we are clearing the yard of any potential dangers and then - like the rest of the island residents - we are waiting.

Schools in Brunswick County are still in attendance and no information has been sent home regarding potential school cancellations. Last night we attended a first grader open house and nothing was said about Hurricane Earl or how it would affect schools in the area. Local residents are not flooding to the local supermarkets and the parking lot at the Southport Wal-Mart was nearly empty last evening - where are the preparation efforts?

Living at the beach has always been a dream for our family and with that dream comes the threat of Hurricane Earl, potential Hurricane Fiona, potential Hurricane Gaston and more to follow. We understand these threats, but we are taken aback by the sheer lack of chaos. This NC coastal family is going to be prepared for the worst and we hope others are not taking Hurricane Earl, potential Hurricane Fiona and potential Hurricane Gaston with a grain of salt.

What is the Best Way to Prepare for Hurricane Earl, Fiona or Gaston?

For more information on preparing for a hurricane and following safety routes out of a dangerous area - try these resources.

Where Will Potential Hurricane Fiona Hit the East Coast?

6 Hurricane Health Threats: Coping With Disaster

Beaches Closed Due to Hurricane: Safety Route Tips