FINAL POST HURRICANE ARTHUR ADVISORY

July 5, 2014 10:00 p.m.

Ocracoke Island Open to Unrestricted Access Beginning Sunday Morning

   

Hyde County officials are happy to announce Ocracoke Island will be open to unrestricted access, barring any unforeseen issues, beginning Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 7:00 a.m.  On Sunday, the first unrestricted ferry from Cedar Island departs at 7:00 a.m., from Swan Quarter at 7:00 a.m., and from Hatteras at 7:35 a.m. For the complete ferry schedule go to NCDOT.gov/ferry.

Tideland EMC successfully restored power to all of Ocracoke Island this evening after Hurricane Arthur damaged 45 utility poles and left thousands without power.  Hyde County officials and the Ocracoke community are extremely grateful for the hard work of all Tideland's employees over the past several days.

With full restoration of power, Ocracoke is no longer under a state of emergency. Tolls are back in place for ferry departures from Ocracoke to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter.  The temporary curfew for Ocracoke is now expired.

The National Park Service campground on Ocracoke is currently still closed, but please look for updates from the NPS regarding the campground's reopening.

Storm Debris on Ocracoke:

Chipping will begin Monday morning July 7th and continue until no longer needed. Mobile chipping services will begin on Hwy 12 near Howard's Pub and move south through the village. Vegetative debris smaller than 6 inches in diameter can be chipped on site.  All debris must be accessible close to the driveway. Anything larger than 6 inches in diameter cannot be chipped and will need to be disposed of at the solid waste site. 

Recovery Assistance on Mainland Hyde:

United Methodist Disaster Recovery crews will be on mainland Hyde County to assist with recovery from Hurricane Arthur beginning Monday morning July 7th. People needing any type of assistance should call (252) 542-9453 on Monday morning. The United Methodist Disaster Recovery crews will assist with vegetative debris removal. Vegetative debris less than 8 inches in diameter can be chipped on site. Vegetative debris larger than 8 inches in diameter needs to be put in a separate pile for hauling to the solid waste facility.

  

  

Additional Safety Information

 

Working Safely with Chain Saws:

The chain saw is one of the most efficient and productive portable power tools used in the industry. It can also be one of the most dangerous. If you learn to operate it properly and maintain the saw in good working condition, you can avoid injury as well as be more productive.

• Before Starting the Saw
  • Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from sources of ignition.
  • Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning properly and adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• While Running the Saw
  • Keep hands on the handles, and maintain secure footing while operating the chainsaw.
  • Do not cut directly overhead
  • Be prepared for kickback; use saws that reduce kickback danger (chain brakes, low kickback chains, guide bars, etc.) 

• Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
  • The following PPE must be used when hazards make it necessary:
    • Head Protection
    • Hearing Protection
    • Eye/Face Protection
    • Leg Protection
    • Foot Protection
    • Hand Protection

Heat Stress:

When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death.

• Factors Leading to Heat Stress
  • High temperature and humidity direct sun or heat limited air movement
  • Physical exertion;
  • Poor physical

• Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
  • Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Weakness and moist skin
  • Upset stomach or vomiting

• Symptoms of Heat Stroke
  • Dry, hot skin with no sweating
  • Mental confusion or losing consciousness
  • Seizures or fits

• Preventing Heat Stress
  • Block out direct sun or other heat sources
  • Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly
  • Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes
  • Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals*.
  • What to Do for Heat-Related Illness
    • Call 911 (or local emergency number) at once
    • While waiting for help to arrive
    • Move the worker to a cool, shaded area
    • Loosen or remove heavy clothing
    • Provide cool drinking water