Emergency Preparation
We are located along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, which means we need to stay prepared for large storms, hurricanes and changes in weather. We prioritize your safety by keeping our rescue equipment updated and our fire, ems and police department close by.
Beach Safety
Rescue Poles:
Indian Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, therefore swimming is at your own risk. We have, however, placed rescue poles equipped with water can rescue devices along the beach in Indian Beach and the Salter Path community.
These poles are there to assist in emergency situations. Each pole has an identifiable number than you can use in case of an emergency.
Please contact the fire department at 252-247-7994 if you have questions concerning these poles and devices.
Warning Flag System:
Please be aware of the warning flag system to ensure your safety when you engage in water-related activities.
DOUBLE RED FLAG: Strong rip current risk hazard. It is recommended to stay OUT of the water. Rescue attempts may not be possible.
SINGLE RED FLAG: High rip current risk hazard. It is recommended to stay OUT of the water.
YELLOW FLAG: Moderate rip current hazard. Use caution in the water.
Beach Emergency Lane
The town will place a beach lane on the most populous sections of the beach to ensure that emergency personnel and vehicles have adequate space in responding to emergency situations on the beach strand. These lanes are normally in place from the beginning of May to the end of September. Please don't set up in this area.
RIP CURRENTS
What you need to know
Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches. They typically extend from near the shoreline, through the surf zone and past the line of breaking waves.
If caught in a rip current
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Don't fight the current
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Swim out of the current, then to shore
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If you can't escape, float or tread water
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If you need help, call or wave for assistance
Click here to download the Indian Beach Ocean Safety brochure.
Click here to check the current water and rip currents status.
Hurricane Awareness
1) Residents and visitors to Indian Beach should be prepared for hurricanes anytime from May through November. Hurricane season starts June 1st, but here in Eastern North Carolina, sometimes we like to kick things off early!
2) Follow official sources of information such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center, The NOAA local website (Morehead City/Newport) and the NOAA local preparedness page. As a reminder the hurricane center puts out a tropical weather outlook to highlight areas that are being monitored by NOAA. Click here to download a Hurricane Preparedness summary.
3) Focus on the impacts, not just the category. Any tropical system can produce flooding, storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and rip currents. WATER kills the most people, whether it is from flooding or storm surge. The category of the storm only tells us about the wind with the storm, it does not tell us about all of the impacts. It also does not give you information about the size or speed of the storm. As we saw with Florence, size and speed are important and not captured by the category.
4) Disaster Re-Entry Permits. In the event of a disaster or evacuation an Indian Beach Disaster Re-Entry Permit will be required. Permits can be obtained at Town Hall Monday - Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM. Identification and proof or residency must be provided (utility bill, lease, tax document, etc.).
Permit pricing is based on permits per physical residence:
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- 1st Re-Entry Permit: No cost ($25.00 replacement fee if lost)
- 2nd Re-Entry Permit: $25.00 fee ($25.00 replacement fee if lost)
- 3rd Re-Entry Permit: $25.00 fee ($25.00 replacement fee if lost)
Turtle Information
The Indian Beach and Salter Path beaches are common sea turtle nesting areas.
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Please take down tents and fill in holes when leaving the beach to ensure the turtles safety.
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Use caution around the sea turtle nest barracades. This helps protect the sea turtle eggs.
Beach Wheelchair
Available from the Indian Beach Fire Department. Call for more information 252-257-7994.