10/6/16

Dare Co. Emergency Management Statement – Locally Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Expected This Weekend

October 6, 2016

2:30pm

No Travel Restrictions in Place or Anticipated with Matthew’s Current Track

The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center continues to keep Hurricane Matthew south of the Outer Banks. Due to some uncertainty in the track for several days out, the local state of emergency declarations will remain in place to allow local officials the ability to implement protective actions should they become necessary. There are currently no travel restrictions or evacuation orders in place for Dare County and none are anticipated if the current track holds its course.

Locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding are the primary concerns associated with the storm as it moves up the east coast. The most recent forecast indicates rainfall totals from 4 to 8 inches. With water levels already running above normal, it will not take much for low lying areas to receive nuisance type flooding. Very saturated ground may lead to downed trees and scattered power outages when winds increase late Saturday afternoon into Sunday.

There will be minor to moderate storm surge flooding in areas prone to erosion and ocean overwash. The current forecast indicates that areas along the Pamlico Sound from Buxton south will be most prone to soundside flooding.

As heavy rain and winds begin to impact the area, driving conditions may become hazardous, especially along NC 12 and other roadways prone to flooding. If you encounter water covering the road – turn around, don’t drown. It is never safe to drive or walk through flood waters because you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground underneath. This is especially true at night, when vision is more limited.

The threat of rip currents will remain high through the weekend indicating that the surf is dangerous for swimmers of all levels.

· To stay up to date with the latest weather and traffic conditions in Dare County, download the free Ready NC App atwww.ncready.org.

· Subscribe to receive email updates from Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareCountyEM.com and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

· View the latest watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx.

· For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC12, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12.

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10/5/16

Dare Co. Emergency Mgmt Statement – Dare County Control Group Continues to Closely Monitor Hurricane Matthew

October 5, 2016
1:00 p.m.

The Dare County Control Group met again this morning to review Hurricane Matthew. The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center shows the storm tracking further south than previously predicted and away from Dare County. While this is an improved forecast for our area, it is too early to know for sure that this latest track will continue to hold its course.

Because of the uncertainty of the forecast, residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor the storm because even moderate changes in the projected path could lead to significant impacts for Dare County. The state of emergency declaration will remain in place in case conditions change and protective measures become necessary.

Dare County is already experiencing dangerous rip currents and rough surf conditions that are expected to continue. Dare County Emergency Management strongly urges everyone to stay out of the ocean.

Dare County Public Works is operating on a regular trash collection schedule. Because of the winds that are anticipated in the coming days, residents are asked to roll up and secure their garbage cans as quickly as possible after pickup to reduce the risk of injury and property damage.

To receive email updates directly from Dare County Emergency Management, register online at www.darecountyem.com and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

Residents and visitors may contact Dare County Emergency Management by calling 252.475.5655 or visiting www.darenc.com for updated information.

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10/5/16

2016 Parade of Homes Features a Surf or Sound Home Builder

Time Out – Beautiful Oceanfront Retreat in Salvo

The 24th annual Outer Banks Parade of Homes begins this week on October 6th and goes through the 9th. With 19 homes to tour from Corolla to Nags Head, participants will get to witness all manner of innovative custom features and finishes in a variety of price ranges with a special emphasis on the coastal environment.

While the Home Parade doesn’t travel to Hatteras Island this year, the premier homebuilder of many Surf or Sound vacation homes has four homes on the tour. SAGA’s Signature homes provide families with the ultimate dream vacation experience. Each home is impeccably furnished and well equipped for your comfort and enjoyment, and the floor plan and personal home amenities meet homeowners and vacationers needs and exceed their dreams. These these homes have become favorites among our guests. We think you’ll see why.

Hatteras Grander – 8 Bedroom Oceanfront in Hatteras Village

Brand new construction for 2017 on the oceanfront in Hatteras, Hatteras Grander is sure to provide a grand experience. Sweeping ocean vistas, 8 master bedrooms, vaulted ceilings and luxurious appointments will delight guests. Advanced reservations for this brand new estate are NOW OPEN – and it’s Dog Friendly!

Sweet Dreams – 8 Bedroom Oceanfront in Salvo

If you are seeking the highest quality experience for your family vacation this year, look no further. Located in Salvo’s exclusive North Shore Oceanfront Resort community, the ultra-luxurious SWEET DREAMS is brand new in 2016 and everything that you could dream of and more with top-of-the-line amenities, premium furnishings, opulent finishes and hi-tech electronics. The rooms are spacious and well-designed for your dream vacation and the beach is easily accessed via a path just outside the pool gate. Features theater room, game room, private pool, hot tub, elevator, fireplace and much more.

Rising Sun – 9 Bedroom Oceanfront in Salvo

Discover enchanting beach days and gorgeous ocean sunrises, while surrounded by luxurious amenities worthy of any five-star resort, with a stay at RISING SUN. Begin a busy beach morning with a stroll to the ocean, or with a splash in the dazzling private pool with inset kiddie pool and swim-up bar. Enjoy family parties poolside with the hot tub and expansive Tiki bar with ice machine, ice bath for drinks, fridge, ping pong table, TV and kids play area – all convenient to the charcoal and gas grills providing a complete outdoor entertainment area ideal for afternoon barbecues. This dog-friendly home features theater room, game room, private pool, 8 person hot tub, elevator, 2 fireplaces and much more.

Time Out – 8 Bedroom Oceanfront in Salvo

Recently Built in 2014, take a well-deserved TIME OUT in this beautiful oceanfront retreat located in the southern end of Salvo in the exclusive Hattie Creef estates. This 8 bedroom oceanfront features a spacious great room with vaulted ceilings and astounding blue ocean views. A large screen TV provides entertainment as the chefs in the family create culinary delights in the large open gourmet kitchen featuring granite countertops, custom cabinetry, two dishwashers, dual wall ovens and two full size refrigerators and a center island. The entire group can easily sit at the large dining table overlooking the Atlantic and the pool area through the expansive wall of glass. Step out onto the deck and sit back for casual conversation accompanied by the sounds of the sea and salt air breezes. This dog-friendly home features game room, theater room, private pool, elevator, hot tub, gas fireplace and much more!

Moonshine – 8 Bedroom Oceanfront in Salvo

Let your vacation expectations reach new heights against the back drop of miles of blue ocean views, with a stay at magnificent MOONSHINE. Outside, you can enjoy long sunny days at the beach, or simply drift away while lounging by the glimmering private pool with inset kiddie pool and built-in swim-up bar. The spacious outdoor pool area makes it easy to enjoy an impromptu get-together with Tiki bar, ping pong table, kids play area, TV, a Weber gas grill, charcoal grill and plenty of elbow room for casual outdoor dining. On crystal clear evenings, relax under the MOONSHINE in the romantic hot tub, or step inside and enjoy a family movie night without leaving the home in the theater room with projection screen TV and stadium style seating. Nearby, start a billiards tournament in the expansive game room, designed with family entertainment in mind, and featuring a pool table, foosball, TV/DVD and wet bar with refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.

Shooting Star – 8 bedroom oceanfront in Salvo

The sky’s the limit at spectacular Shooting Star where you’ll enjoy a vacation filled with luxurious amenities that rival any five-star resort. This shining sandcastle features four levels of indulgent vacation fun, beginning in the outdoor pool area, ideal for family parties that entertain well into the evening. With a sparkling private pool with inset kiddie pool and built-in swim up bar, convenient cabana half bath, and neighboring Tiki bar for refreshments, everyone will want to spend lazy afternoons by the poolside. Enjoy luminous ocean views from the expansive great room with gas log fireplace, comfy seating area and home theater system with surround sound. The neighboring dining area provides an exceptional oceanfront dinner setting, and stepping up to the sun room offers the perfect venue for dining with the sea and stars in the background. Features include an elevator, game room, theater room, fireplace, private pool, tiki bar and 8-person hot tub, this home is also dog friendly!

10/4/16

Dare County Emergency Mgmt statement – State of Emergency Issued for Dare County and Towns Following Control Group Meeting

STATEMENT ISSUED BY DARE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

10/4/2016
5:00 p.m.

A State of Emergency has been issued for Dare County and all six towns following a meeting of the Dare County Control Group Tuesday afternoon. The emergency declarations are effective immediately and allow local officials to implement protective measures – including issuance of mandatory evacuation orders – that may be necessary as the hurricane approaches.

While under the state of emergency, no reentry passes will be issued by Dare County Emergency Management.

Hurricane Matthew is a strong, dangerous storm that, on its current track, is expected to bring significant to catastrophic impacts to Dare County. It is important for residents and visitors to stay informed and take necessary steps now to protect property. Assemble or restock your supply kit with essential supplies to sustain your family and your pets for up to three days. Preparedness information is available at www.readync.org.

The Dare County Control Group will meet again on Wednesday to review updated forecast information and determine protective measures necessary to ensure public safety.

Be prepared to evacuate if the order is issued. For up to date information, register to receive email alerts directly from Dare County Emergency Management atwww.darecountyem.com and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

The next update from Emergency Management will be issued by 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5.

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10/3/16

Dare County Emergency Mgmt statement – Hurricane Matthew Heading to East Coast

Statement from Dare County Emergency Management

10/3/2016
2:37 p.m.

While forecast is uncertain, Dare County will see impacts

Dare County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the track of Hurricane Matthew and is asking residents and visitors to keep a close eye on the storm as it moves from the Caribbean towards the Atlantic over the next few days.

Hurricane Matthew is a large, powerful storm and while it is too early to determine its exact track or impacts for our area, current forecast models indicate that the Outer Banks will receive impacts.

Now is the time to prepare for a hurricane of this magnitude. Take your personal planning and preparations seriously — ensure that your emergency kit is properly stocked and that your emergency plan is ready to implement should protective actions become necessary. For preparedness tips and information, visit www.readync.org.

If you or someone you know has special medical needs and may need assistance during an emergency, please call the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, Social Services Division at 252.475.5500 to register.

Subscribe to receive email updates from Dare County Emergency Management atwww.DareCountyEM.com and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

View the latest watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx.

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08/24/16

Short Stays Make Hatteras Island Vacations Flexible

Vacation rental homes on the Outer Banks are known to be rented by the week, but did you know that most of our 450+ homes are available for partial week reservations? Have you ever felt like you need a vacation but just can’t stay for an entire week, or that one week just isn’t enough? We know how important vacation time is to families and we want you to have a vacation that fits your needs. Partial week stays at a percentage of the weekly rate are a great solution.

If you’re interested in a partial week rental:

SCHEDULE: Look at your calendar, talk to friends and family and decide what times you are available to visit.

SEARCH: Look for homes that meet your criteria and have availability during the time you’d like to visit.

LIST: Create a list of your favorite homes or use our convenient Beach Bag feature to make one for you – you can even share it with friends!

HIT THE BOOKING WINDOW: The partial stay booking window is within 14 days Labor Day through Memorial Day and 7 days during the Summer and Holidays. Once you’re in the window check to see what’s still available in your list!

CALL: one of our knowledgeable vacation specialists (1-800-237-1138) to work out the details!

Consider These Family Stories:

The Richardsons spend a week in July every summer in the same 8 bedroom oceanfront house. They love it. The kids spend all day rotating between the beach, pool and game room, and the home’s multiple levels allow all 15 family members to spread out and not ever feel crowded. No matter where they are in life they know they will have this annual family vacation to come back to.

Two years ago, the heartache of leaving Hatteras Island at the end of vacation got to be too much and Tom and Sherry decided they needed to find a way to get back to their “happy place” before July. They called Surf or Sound Realty to talk about options for Fall and that’s when they learned about partial week rentals. They found out that after Labor Day a partial week rental can be booked in an available home within 14 days of arrival with the owner’s approval. Perfect. They aimed for a long weekend in October, went on the website at the end of September to search for available homes and called to book a 4 night stay in a beautiful 5 bedroom soundfront home with a fireplace and hot tub. July sunrises over the ocean and October sunsets on the sound. Life is good.

The Talons make the trek to Hatteras Island from Quebec every April to take advantage of the stellar kiteboarding conditions. After two years they realized that a week wasn’t quite enough so now they book a two week stay or longer. Since they have flexibility in their time off, they will often add a few days to the front of their trip or after depending on what is available in the home (and what the wind forecast is).

There is a three-night minimum for partial week stays and during peak summer seasons and holidays partial rentals can only be made 7 days in advance. Click here for complete description of the prices and policies.

08/4/16

Kitty Hawk Kites Adventure Tower Opens in Rodanthe

From lighthouse climbing, kiteboarding, and surfing, to paddleboarding, kayaking and deep sea fishing, Hatteras Island is full of opportunities for adventure. Now there’s a brand new one in Rodanthe -Kitty Hawk Kites just opened an Adventure Tower next to their Waves Village shops. This interactive ropes course offers three levels and 15 different climbing elements and will challenge you both mentally and physically.

The course was designed by KristallTurm, the leading ropes course manufacturer known for it’s high level of safety standards. A one and a half hour climbing adventure for adults is $45 and kids 6-9 can climb for just $35. For more information on this exciting new activity check out the Kitty Hawk Kites website.

07/20/16

Hatteras Island Named Top Beach for Horseback Riding

Young Riders Enjoying Their Hatteras Island Horseback Riding Experience

Riding alongside the ocean, salt air blowing through your hair, sun setting over the dunes. It’s the stuff of fairytales. It also happens to be one of the lesser-known activities available to you and your family on Hatteras Island. Our beaches are the perfect spot for horseback riding, in fact, Hatteras Island was named one of the top 5 places in the country for horseback riding on the beach by Drive the Nation!

Here’s more on the two locally owned companies offering this service:

Hatteras Island Horseback Riding

Hatteras Island Horseback Riding is open year-round and all of their riding is done on the beach in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Recreation Area. Since 2006 they have specialized in offering safe rides for families and those with very little horseback riding experience. For $190 total the whole family can enjoy the two horses at the beach for an hour. They also offer summer sunset rides and can accommodate those with special needs and all ages!

Equine Adventures

Equine Adventures is located in Frisco and offers a two hour guided group trail ride through the maritime forest to the beach. Riders will enjoy a 45 minute beautiful trail ride through the woods, 30 minutes on the beach, and 45 minutes back through the woods to the barn. Rides are $120/per person in the summer and riders must be 10 years of age. All experience levels are welcome.

Call or email to schedule this memorable event today!

Hatteras Island Horseback Riding
252-216-9191 |willemwish@centurylink.net

Equine Adventures
â€‹252-995-4897 | info@equineadventures.com

06/21/16

Outer Banks 4th of July Celebrations

Long lazy hours on the beach, pool parties, cookouts – all the things you love to do to celebrate the 4th of July can be perfectly accomplished on your Hatteras Island vacation. Let the day take you to one of these great Independence Day celebrations!

Avon Fireworks Display

Surf or Sound Realty is proud to sponsor the 4th of July Fireworks at the Avon Fishing Pier. A fun event for the whole family, fireworks begin around 9 pm. Fireworks are visible all along the Avon beach and parking is limited, so walk, bike or carpool! Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials have decided that this year, off-road vehicles may remain on the beaches near Avon past the 9 pm closing time to allow passengers to watch the fireworks.

4th of July Bash at Koru Village

An Independence Day celebration at Koru Village’s Beach Klub! Live music by Dale and the Zdubs will happen on the Papawack Theater’s stage, their tiki bars will be open for drinks and snacks, the firework show will happen right in front, at the Avon Pier, and afterwards Koru Village’s fire dancing troupe will take center stage to delight you with a fire show. Cost is $10.68 and the event is family friendly.

Hatteras Village Golf Cart Parade

Join us for our annual July 4th Golf Cart Parade in Hatteras Village! Residents and visitors alike are invited to participate. Line up begins at 3:30 at Hatteras Harbor Court. No entry fee, just show up decorated in your best red, white and blue! Gift certificates to village businesses are awarded as prizes!

Town of Manteo 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 3:00 PM

Take a day trip to Manteo to celebrate Independence Day with small town flair. Watch the 440th Army Band perform, participate in wacky hat contest, decorated bike contest, apple pie contest and so much more. Then after the sun goes down take in one of the best firework shows on the Outer Banks.

Ocracoke Island Independance Day Celebrations

Planning a day trip to Ocracoke? They will have fireworks on Sunday July 3 and will have events going on both July 3 and 4th

Sunday, July 3, 2016:

Classic Car Show, Traditional Island Square Dance: Music by Molasses Creek, with Philip Howard as caller. Party at the NPS docks with Deejay Tommy Hutcherson. Enjoy some rockin’ tunes while you what for the fireworks to begin!

9:15pm: Fireworks! Amazing Pyrotechnic Show! Gather around Silver Lake harbor to see the show. Please walk or bike; parking is limited.

Monday, July 4, 2016:

Flag Raising Ceremony and Singing of the National Anthem: Led by Ocracoke Boy Scout Troop # 290 at the School Circle on School Road. 39th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest: At the NPS Lifeguard Beach. Ocracoke Lighthouse: The lighthouse will be open for viewing — all are welcome to see inside! Skydivers at Ocracoke Community Park, Old Time Ocracoke Parade, and then from 7pm — 10pm: Community Beach Fire at Lifeguard Beach. Join friends and neighbors at the Lifeguard Beach for a family-friendly beach fire and party!

05/4/16

Scientific Studies Show the Beach is Good for Your Health

You’ve felt it – that dramatic change in mood as your feet sink into the warm soft Hatteras Island sands. Surrounded by the meditative sounds of the crashing waves, you look out across the expanse of beach, out over the ocean to the horizon, breathe deep and you just start to feel better. It turns out there is science to back it up. In a recent scientific study by two New Zealand universities and Michigan State University, they found that exposure to “blue space” (in the study they used ocean) boosts mental health.

The study tested the correlation between blue space visibility and psychological distress and found that a higher visibility of blue space was significantly associated with lower distress in participants.

Natural environments attract us on an evolutionary level because of the basic survival resources found in them. According to the study, “As a result of this evolutionary connection, the human brain processes natural environments more efficiently than built up environments, thereby further increasing opportunity for relaxation and combating the amount of stress”.

Of course, we are not scientists. But if someone is going to tell us that being near the ocean supports good health, well then count us in!!

Here are a few other health benefits your Hatteras Island vacation may afford you:

Lower blood pressure

A 2008 study by Seattle University compared the effects of listening to guided relaxation over ocean waves to the sound of a Mozart symphony on patient’s blood pressure. They found that while both lowered hypertension, the relaxation waves group showed a drop in systolic blood pressure by about three points and diastolic pressure by 1.5 points compared with Mozart’s music.

Fresh Air

Air circulating at the beach is said to contain tens of thousands of negative ions, while the average home or office building, contains dozens or hundreds if any at all. According to WebMD, “Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.” The market has been flooded with the air purifiers and ionizers in recent years, whether they work or not is certainly up for debate, but one thing we do know is where negative ions naturally occur in the environment — the beach! Ion researcher Michael Terman PhD, of Columbia University in New York explained, “The action of the pounding surf creates negative air ions and we also see it immediately after spring thunderstorms when people report lightened moods.”

Deep Sleep

Have you ever recalled the sound of ocean waves to get to sleep at night? A study at Huntsville hospital in Alabama looked at the effects of ocean sounds on sleep after a major surgery. They found that the participants receiving ocean sounds reported significantly higher scores for sleep depth, awakening, return to sleep, quality of sleep, and total sleep scores, indicating better sleep.

Have we given you enough reason to book that second week on Hatteras Island yet? Do it for your health.