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More Information about Emergencies

When It Floods

 

What can I do to help my neighbors? 

Won't you be a Good Neighbor Liaison? The Town of Chapel Hill is looking for residents who would like to share and exchange information from the Town with residents in their neighborhoods and homeowners associations.  Good Neighbor Liaisons can register at townofchapelhill.org/government/newsroom/neighborhood-liaison-form

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to report a storm-related problem

How can I report a storm-related problem?

For an emergency requiring immediate attention, call 911.

Non-emergency matters needing attention can be reported online at Chapel Hill Connect, which is powered by the See Click Fix application. You also can download Chapel Hill Connect for your smartphone.    

 

Outage Reporting

  • Visit outagemap.duke-energy.com/#/home.
  • Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). If you haven’t registered yet, text REG to 57801.
  • Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800-769-3766 for Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800-419-6356 for Duke Energy Progress customers.

 

I'm looking for information

Are buses running?  

Yes. For the latest transit updates, visit the Town of Chapel Hill website and social media pages.

 

Where can I get the latest forecast information? 

 

How can I stay up to date with the latest local news? 

https://www.townofchapelhill.org/news or WCHL Radio 97.9 FM

 

Where can I get news about storm impacts on UNC-Chapel Hill and other Orange County locations?

   

 

Questions about safety

What should I do if a traffic light is out?

If power outages cause traffic lights to be out, treat them as a 4-way stop!

 

Is it safe to drink tap water if power goes out?  

Message from OWASA: Is it safe to drink tap water if the power is out? Yes, it's safe. But if there is a water disruption in your area, you'll be asked to boil water minimum 24 hours when service is restored. Be water & wastewater prepared.

 

 

Questions about flooding

What is the difference between a flash flood watch and a warning?

  • A flash flood watch is issued first. It means that current weather conditions are favorable for flooding. While a watch does not a guarantee that a flash flood will occur, it is a very good indication that your community will experience severe weather.
  • A flash flood warning means a flash flood is either imminent or occurring. In fact, a flash flood can occur so quickly that there isn't time to send out a flood warning alert.

 

How is the Town responding to residents who live in flood-prone areas? 

Voluntary evacuations could be initiated in communities vulnerable to flooding. Those communities include Camelot Village on South Estes Drive and the South Estes/Ridgefield public housing community on South Estes Drive Extension.

 

Does the Town deliver sandbags to residents?

The Town of Chapel Hill is not able to provide sandbags for residents ahead of or during inclement weather. Please check with a local hardware supply store. 

 

What areas of Chapel Hill are prone to flooding? 

  • South Estes Drive near Willow Drive
  • Camelot Village Apartments off of South Estes Drive
  • Brookwood Condominiums off of South Estes Drive
  • South Estes public housing neighborhood on Estes Drive Extension near University Place
  • Umstead Drive between Umstead Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
  • Cleland Road between Kendall Drive and Hayes Road
  • West Franklin Street at Mallette Street
  • East Franklin Street at Park Place

 

 

What do I do if I see a downed power line?

From Duke Energy -- Stay safe and stay away from downed power lines. Customers and first responders should assume all of these lines are live.  With a storm of this magnitude, we expect thousands of downed power lines. We will respond as quickly as possible, but we are urging caution because of the sheer volume of calls we expect to receive. 

 

Call Duke Energy to report downed power lines:

  • Duke Energy Carolinas - 800-769-3766 
  • Duke Energy Progress - 800-419-6356

 

Stay connected with Duke Energy  

For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy) or visit us at our storm website:  www.dukeenergyupdates.com.

 

  

Pre-storm preparation

Are shelters available? 

Orange County officials open shelters when necessary.

 

What do I need to know about the shelter? 

  • Shelters will have food or water, but will not have easy access to medications or many other personal needs.
  • Bring Picture ID
  • Regularly taken medications
  • Insurance information
  • Bedding
  • Towels
  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Personal radios - with headphones
  • Games , reading material or other things to pass the time - especially for children
  • Specialty items for your needs
  • DO NOT bring weapons, illegal drugs, candles or valuables
  • Smoking IS NOT allowed inside the shelter

 

Can I bring my pets to the shelter?

  • Service animals for the hearing and visually impaired are allowed in the shelter
  • All other animals are welcome at the shelter and Animal Services Staff are usually on hand to board pets in the best manner possible
  • Owners of large animals and livestock should make preparations for their animals as very limited support will be provided in a disaster

 

For more information from Orange County, visit http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/emergency_services/disaster_emergency_preparedness.php

 

What does the Town do to prepare for the storm? 

Town crews have been working on pre-storm readiness activities including checking and cleaning as needed stormwater drains, prepping generators and chainsaws, and planning a coordinated emergency response.