Residents, business owners and non-resident property owners urged to verify re-entry credentials

Hurricane season began June 1, and Dare County Emergency Management urges residents, business owners and non-resident property owners to ensure they have the proper re-entry credentials. There are no changes to the Dare County re-entry procedures in 2015.

“Now is the time to verify you have the proper re-entry credentials to return to Dare County in the event of an evacuation. This will allow you to focus on securing property and belongings during those few critical days we have to prepare before a storm impacts the area,” said Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson.

In 2014, non-resident property owners on Hatteras Island received a green re-entry permit and non-resident property owners north of Oregon Inlet and on the Dare County mainland received red re-entry permits. Re-entry permits were mailed to the address listed on the property tax bill. These permits are valid through 2018. If you did not receive a re-entry permit, recently purchased a home in Dare County or need a replacement permit, please contact Emergency Management at 252-475-5655.

Re-entry permits from previous years will not be accepted. Please note, no re-entry permits will be issued within 72 hours of expected landfall of a storm on the Outer Banks.

Residents of Dare County will need a valid North Carolina driver’s license, with a Dare County address, to gain entry following a disaster. As required by law, residents who have recently moved within Dare County should be sure to have their driver’s license changed to reflect their current address.

Business owners must contact Dare County Emergency Management at 252-475-5655 for re-entry permits for nonresident employees that are essential personnel for critical businesses. Critical businesses, such as food service/supply, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, property management, building supply and hotels, will be permitted re-entry only with a permit. Permits issued to critical businesses must meet stringent criteria. No re-entry permits will be issued within 72 hours of expected landfall of a storm on the Outer Banks.

“Business owners should speak with staff to ensure they have the proper re-entry credentials to return to work following a storm. This will save valuable time as storms approach, allowing business owners to focus on and implement emergency preparation plans and the needs of their customers,” remarked Pearson.

Following are the re-entry stages established by Emergency Management following a disaster:

Priority One: Essential personnel, identified by a special permit issued by the Dare County Control Group.

Priority Two: Permanent residents, identified by a N.C. driver’s license with a valid Dare County address, and essential personnel for critical businesses.

Priority Three: Non-resident property owners, identified by a re-entry permit or Dare County tax receipt and valid identification matching the name on the tax record.

Priority Four: General public.

For more information regarding re-entry, contact Dare County Emergency Management at 252-475-5655, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To receive e-mail alerts directly from Emergency Management during the event of an emergency, sign up at www.darecountyem.com.