Learn about Local Hazards

All Hazards Planning and Resources

Know what hazards and threats could impact our area. Order resources, request a speaker, and find out what you need to be #ReadyNHC.

Emergency Alerts

When emergencies strike, New Hanover County uses timely and reliable systems to alert you. Learn about the different warning alerts you can get and how to get them.

Attacks in Crowded and Public Spaces

Take steps to prepare and protect yourself and to help others in the event of a mass attack.

Beach Safety

Being safe at the beach is more than remembering the sunscreen and a beach blanket. Do you know what to do if you get caught in a rip current? What happens when thunderstorms come up all of a sudden on the beach? What's the surf like today? Jellyfish? Learn more about beach safety and how to be ready for everything from life guards to waterspouts here.

Biohazard Exposure

Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to the loss of money or the theft of personal, financial and medical information. These attacks can damage your reputation and safety.

Drought

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years.

Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Although they are rare in New Hanover, many areas to our west and south deal with tremors often.

Explosions

Extreme Heat

There is hot, and then there is HOT! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Flooding

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States.

Hazardous Materials

Learn how we plan for and respond to hazardous materials incidents in New Hanover County.

Home Fires

A fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes. A residence can be engulfed in flames in five minutes. Learn how to be fire safe at home.

Household Chemical Emergencies

Nearly every household uses products containing hazardous materials or chemicals. Knowing how to handle these products can reduce the risk of injury.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful tropical weather systems with winds of 74 miles per hour or higher

Power Outages

Power can go out in a thunderstorm or in a hurricane. It can come back up pretty quickly or it may take a couple of days. Extended power outages may impact the whole community. Here's what to do to be prepared for a power outage.

Public Health and Illnesses

Is it a cold? Or the flu? There are lots of things you can do to avoid getting sick and getting better after an illness. Anyone have a good chicken noodle soup recipe to share?

Radiation Emergencies

There are different types of radiation emergencies that vary in how much damage they cause and harm they pose to the public. Some examples of radiation emergencies include: a nuclear detonation (explosion), an accident at a nuclear power plant, a transportation accident involving a shipment of radioactive materials, or an occupational exposure like in a healthcare or research setting. The steps to protect yourself from radiation are the same. You can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if an incident occurs. Learn more about the steps that we take along with Duke Energy in planning for the Brunswick Power Station.

Space Weather

No, we are not talking UFOs here. The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the sun and in space that can influence the performance of technology we use on Earth. This can affect GPS devices, disrupt power lines, and damage satellites that help with everything from weather information to commercial communications.

Thunderstorms

Find out how to deal with heavy thunderstorms.

Tornadoes

Learn what to do if a tornado hits your area.

Tsunamis

Find out what needs to happen in the event of a tsunami.

Winter Storms

Learn about the best ways to cope with severe winter weather.

Wildfires

Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildlife and natural areas, but also communities. Learn how to create a defensible space and protect your family and property.