Because of being a coastal community, the Town of Bethany Beach is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes, intense “North-East” storms, commonly referred to as Nor’east storms, and flooding. Much of the incorporated limits of Bethany Beach can potentially flood.

Because of the high probability of you being affected by a storm-related event your Family Disaster Plan should be geared toward this possibility.

Tips and Suggestions

• Never ignore an order to evacuate
• Know the evacuation routes. Rt. 1 and Rt. 26 are the primary evacuation routes from Bethany Beach
• Be aware that these routes may also flood and become impassable as the storm nears and intensifies
• Be aware of the storms intensity and projected path
• Listen to your local radio and T.V. stations for local forecasts, other storm-related information, and a list of shelter openings and their locations
• Remember, the greatest loss of life in a hurricane or intense north-east storm is from flooding, not winds
• Make sure your survival kits (Survival Kit and Go-Bag) are current and contain necessary equipment, information, food, and supplies
• Also consider the needs and safety of your pets
• Make sure your vehicles are full of fuel
• Remove lawn furniture and other loose objects from your yard and make sure your
  property is ready

Tropical Cyclone Classifications

• Tropical Depression – An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less
• Tropical Storm – An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph
• Huricane – An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher
• Official Huricane Season – From June 1 through November 30

Hurricane Hazzards

• Storm Surge – is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. Should it combine with normal tides it could create a surge of 15 feet or more
• Inland Flooding – Has resulted in more than half the deaths associated with tropical storms in the U.S.
• Tornadoes – Tornadoes are often associated with a hurricane and normally occur in the right front quadrant of the hurricane

Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning

• Hurricane Watch – means there is a possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within the next 36 hours. This should trigger your family’s Disaster Plan
• Hurricane Warning – means sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within the next 24 hours. You should decide upon the safest location to be during the storm and to evacuate immediately if told to do so.

Flood Safety Tips

• Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet
• Do not drive through a flooded area. Most people drown in their car than anywhere else
• Don’t drive around road barriers as a road or bridge may be washed out
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines