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1. Does KDH issue reentry permits?

No. Reentry permits are issued by Dare County Emergency Management.

2. Where do I get a reentry permit?

Dare County Emergency Management has transitioned to online reentry permits. All reentry permits can now be obtained at http://www.darenc.com/reentry. Reentry permits from previous years will NOT be accepted. Keep in mind, reentry permits are NOT issued 72 hours prior to a projected landfall of a tropical disturbance or hurricane.

3. What is the process of receiving a reentry permit?

Visit http://www.darenc.com/reentry to apply for a reentry permit. Once your application has been approved by DCEM, it will be delivered as Adobe PDF file attached to an email from reentry@darenc.com.

If you complete the application and do not receive a response from reentry@darenc.com, please be sure to check your spam/junk mail folder. If unable to print your permit, have it readily available for display on your mobile device. For any questions/issues contact DCEM at 252.475.5655.

4. How long will my reentry permit be valid?

All permits expire at the end of the calendar year.

5. What if I lose my reentry permit or never applied for one?

You will not be allowed entry into the county if you lose your reentry permits UNLESS you have a valid NC driver's license with a local address or a recent tax receipt showing ownership of property along with proper identification. However, reentry permits expedite movement through traffic control point.

6. How does reentry work?

If necessary, reentry will occur in four phases; priority one, priority two, priority three and priority four. A staged reentry process is used to facilitate a safe and orderly return allowing the recovery process to begin.

Priority 1: Essential Personnel-

Essential personnel include essential utilities personnel, government personnel, medical personnel, and damage assessment personnel. Essential personnel will be allowed entry with a reentry permit and matching government issued identification.

Priority 2: Permanent Residents & Essential Personnel for Critical Businesses-

Permanent Residents will be allowed reentry with a valid NC driver’s license/identification card with a local address or a current Dare County property tax bill or parcel data sheet. To expedite movement through traffic control points can also display a reentry permit.

Non-resident essential personnel of critical businesses such as grocery stores, food distributor, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, property management, building supply and hotels will be permitted reentry with a reentry permit and matching current government issued identification.

Priority 3: Non-Resident Property Owners & Non-Resident Employees of Non-Critical Businesses-

Non-resident property owners will also be allowed reentry with a current tax bill or parcel data sheet with matching current government issued id or a reentry permit with matching government issued identification.

Non-resident employees of non-critical businesses will be allowed entry with a reentry permit.

Priority 4: General Public & Visitors-

No reentry permit is needed for Priority Four.

7. How will I know when I can come back to the Outer Banks?

Reentry after a storm may be restricted. Reentry will be announced as soon as the extent of damage to the county can be determined. Public safety is the utmost concern at this time. It may be several hours or many weeks.The Dare County Control Group, after reviewing damage assessment reports, will determine when it is safe to return. They will broadcast what areas will be open and who will be allowed to return (if using a staged reentry process).

For reentry information and updates tune into local news outlets, be sure to check DCEM’s website at: http://darecountyem.com, and sign up to receive emergency alerts: https://www.darenc.com/emergencyalerts.

You can also sign up to be placed on the Town's electronic distribution list by emailing info@kdhnc.com with your name and preferred email address. (Please note that the Town's electronic distribution list provides regular updates on Town happenings, meeting notices, capital improvement projects, upcoming special events, news, etc. You can ask to have your email removed at any time). 

8. Why do residents get to come in before non-residents?

The Dare County Control Group determines the reentry process. Residents are returning to their homes to assess damages and begin the recovery process before returning to work. Law enforcement officials will protect non-resident properties.

Residents are granted reentry when areas are deemed safe, allowing the recovery process to begin.  While an area may be deemed safe, there is potential that normal services have not yet been fully restored.  Those returning may need to be self-sustaining. Utility and communication services may still be disrupted and/or unavailable.  Law enforcement, fire, rescue, emergency medical, and other government service delivery may be delayed. There may be curfews, prohibitions and other protective measures still in place to ensure public safety. 

Non-residents are granted reentry when areas are deemed safe and normal services have been restored and able to support the return of non-resident property owners and non-resident employees of non-critical businesses so that they can begin the recovery process.  There may be curfews, prohibitions, and other protective measures still in place to ensure public safety.

9. We have a vacation planned, will everything be okay by then?

Any plans to visit the Outer Banks should be confirmed before traveling to the area. All vacation rental properties must be assessed for safety before you will be allowed access. Don't risk coming and having to turn around once arriving. Contact your rental agency or hotel/motel before leaving on your trip to verify your property or room is available.

10. Do you need carpenters, tree surgeons, carpet cleaners, etc. from outside the area to rebuild?

After the storm damage assessment teams will do extensive review of all areas. The NC Division of Emergency Management will publish a telephone number for all those interested in providing goods and services after the storm has passed. No one should attempt to enter the storm area unless proper authorization is approved.