Hurricane season on the Outer Banks can move fast. If you’re new to Nags Head, two things matter most when storms threaten: knowing your Dare County evacuation zone and receiving real-time alerts you can trust. Getting set up now takes just a few minutes and gives you clear direction when the wind and water rise.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to find your exact evacuation zone, how to subscribe to OBXAlerts, what different alerts mean, and what to do when an evacuation is announced. You’ll also get a simple checklist to prepare before the first storm. Let’s dive in.
Find your Dare County zone
Your evacuation zone tells you when you should leave and which routes to use. Dare County Emergency Management is the official source for zones and evacuation orders.
Prepare your address
Have the following ready before you start:
- Full street address and ZIP code for your Nags Head property.
- If you rent or own a second home, use the physical address for the property on the beach, not a P.O. Box.
Use the official map
Use the county’s evacuation zone map or GIS viewer to confirm your zone. Here’s a simple workflow:
- Open the Dare County Emergency Management or Dare County GIS mapping page and select the evacuation zones map.
- Enter your property’s street address, or pan and zoom to your neighborhood.
- Note the zone name or number that appears for your address.
- Save a screenshot on your phone so it’s handy during a storm.
Tip: If you split time between homes, keep the zone info in your phone notes and share it with your household.
If the map is confusing
- Check the Town of Nags Head website for links to the county evacuation map.
- Call Dare County Emergency Management or the town’s emergency contact listed on their sites. Staff can confirm your address and zone.
Why your zone matters
- Zones are planned based on storm surge risk, road capacity, and shelter availability.
- Orders can roll out by zone. When your zone is named in an alert, you’ll know exactly what to do and when to leave.
Get OBXAlerts and backups
OBXAlerts is the county system that sends you urgent messages about evacuations, shelters, closures, and re-entry procedures. Set it up with multiple contact methods for redundancy.
Subscribe to OBXAlerts
- Visit the Dare County website and find the OBXAlerts or emergency alerts sign-up page.
- Add the phone numbers and emails you want to use. Include a primary cell, an alternate phone, and an email.
- If you are seasonal or renting, add both your permanent and temporary numbers if the system allows.
- Complete any email or text confirmation steps to finalize your registration.
Add backup alert sources
- Follow the local National Weather Service office for watches and warnings.
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your smartphone for urgent federal and local alerts.
- Keep a NOAA Weather Radio for non-internet alerts during outages.
- Subscribe to Town of Nags Head notifications and consider State ReadyNC or FEMA channels for broader guidance.
Make alerts work when it counts
- Allow notifications on your phone for the alert system you use.
- Add the alert sender’s phone number and email to your contacts so messages aren’t filtered as spam.
- If you manage a rental, share sign-up instructions with guests and ask them to register for the duration of their stay.
Understand alerts and actions
Knowing the difference between weather alerts and county orders helps you respond at the right time.
Watch vs warning: NWS basics
- A tropical storm or hurricane watch typically means conditions are possible in about 48 hours.
- A warning typically means those conditions are expected in about 36 hours.
- These updates help the county decide when to issue evacuation advisories or orders.
County evacuation orders
- OBXAlerts delivers county operational messages such as voluntary and mandatory evacuations, shelter openings, route changes, and re-entry steps.
- Plan for about 24–48 hours of lead time in larger storms. Timing varies by storm track, surge forecasts, and road capacity.
When an evacuation alert arrives
- Read the full message and confirm it names your zone.
- Check the level: advisory, voluntary, or mandatory.
- Note the recommended departure time, suggested routes, and any shelter details.
- If a mandatory evacuation includes your zone, leave early. Traffic can build quickly on the OBX.
- If you need help evacuating due to medical or mobility needs, contact the county for assistance and special needs shelter information. If possible, register for assistance early in the season.
Shelters and special needs
- Dare County announcements will specify shelter locations, opening times, and any special needs accommodations.
- If you rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, make a plan now. Ask your care team and the county about qualified shelters and transportation options.
A simple readiness checklist
Use this quick list to stay storm-ready in Nags Head:
- Confirm your evacuation zone and save a screenshot of the county map result.
- Subscribe to OBXAlerts for phone, text, and email.
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and keep a NOAA Weather Radio.
- Build a go-bag with medications, copies of key documents, chargers, cash, and basic supplies.
- Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full during hurricane season.
- Decide where you will go inland if you must evacuate. Share that plan with family or friends.
- Secure pets with carriers, leashes, and vaccination records. Confirm pet policies if you plan to use a shelter or hotel.
- Save local emergency and road information contacts.
- If you rent out your property, post your zone and OBXAlerts sign-up steps for guests.
For renters and second-home owners
- Do not assume your rental listing includes the correct zone. Verify your address on the county map.
- Sign up for OBXAlerts even if you’re staying short term so you receive local instructions.
- Ask your property manager for the home’s zone, shutoff steps, and any storm procedures. Cross-check those instructions with county messages during an event.
Putting it all together
Your plan is simple. Know your zone, subscribe to OBXAlerts, add backup alert sources, and act early if your zone is named in an evacuation order. These steps help you avoid last-minute rushes, choose the safest route inland, and return when the county says it’s clear.
If you’re exploring a move or a second home on the OBX, we can help you think through safety and logistics along with the lifestyle you want. From preparedness checklists to trusted local referrals, our team supports you before, during, and after closing. When you’re ready, reach out to Local to Coastal Realty to talk through your goals.
FAQs
How do I find my Nags Head evacuation zone?
- Use Dare County’s official evacuation zone map or GIS viewer and search your physical Nags Head address. Save the zone result for quick reference.
What is OBXAlerts and why should I subscribe?
- OBXAlerts is Dare County’s emergency notification system for evacuation orders, shelters, closures, and re-entry guidance. It delivers messages by phone, text, and email.
How much warning will I get before I need to evacuate?
- Timing varies by storm. As a general guide, plan for about 24–48 hours of lead time for major storms after county decisions are made and alerts are issued.
What’s the difference between a watch and a warning?
- A watch means tropical conditions are possible in about 48 hours. A warning means conditions are expected in about 36 hours. County evacuation decisions often follow these updates.
Where do I go if an evacuation is ordered?
- County alerts will list shelters and routes. Many residents head inland to mainland towns or stay with out-of-county contacts. Decide on a destination ahead of time.
How do renters and guests get local alerts?
- Renters and visitors should verify the property’s zone using the county map and subscribe to OBXAlerts for the length of their stay. Property managers should share sign-up steps.
How can I get alerts if the power or internet goes out?
- Keep a NOAA Weather Radio and a battery or hand-crank option. Wireless Emergency Alerts on phones can still work if cell service is available. Ask a friend outside the area to relay updates if needed.
