The National Hurricane Center says that Hurricane Arthur is strengthening as it heads toward the North Carolina coast, and a number of beachfront communities are preparing for flooding and evacuations. For residents and visitors who need to evacuate, here are the items to take:

Evacuation Checklist:

1. Insurance policies and any critical irreplaceable papers – e.g., checkbooks, marriage and birth certificates, wills, social security cards, stock certificates, proof of residency. Store these in a plastic, zip-type bag to keep them dry.
2. Wallet, credit cards, cash, identification
3. Cell phone, laptop, tablet. Charge before leaving and bring the chargers with you.
4. Medication, prescriptions, eye glasses, dentures, first aid kit
5. Car keys, house keys, GPS
6. Toiletries – toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, hand sanitizer, diapers, baby wipes, tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, feminine products
7. Clothes – socks, shoes, extra underwear, gym clothes for sleeping, jackets, sweaters, clothes for 1-2 days, sturdy shoes/boots
8. Bottled water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food (e.g., peanut butter, protein bars, canned food), manual can opener, pet food for any pets
9. Games and toys for kids – e.g., cards, board games
10. Sharp knife, duct tape, electrical tape, heavy work gloves
11. Flashlights, batteries, portable radio, paper & pen
12. Sleeping bags and pillows for each family member, air mattress, folding chairs
13. Photos, irreplaceable mementos, jewelry
14. Small shovel

If there is time before you leave:

1. Take photos of each room with your phone or digital camera to do a visual inventory. If doing a written inventory, include model numbers for major appliances.
2. Move items in a basement or lower level to an upper floor or raise items several feet off of the floor if possible.
3. Move all papers to filing cabinets or desk drawers to protect them.
4. Put plywood or storm shutters over the windows
5. Back up computers.
6. Unplug electronics except refrigerators and freezers in case of a power surge. Some sources recommend turning off the electricity completely.
7. Move electronics away from windows to higher levels in the home and cover with blankets
8. Bring in items that could blow away or secure them in some manner – e.g., trashcans, furniture, trampolines, toys, hanging plants
9. Protect your valuables by placing in a safe or safety deposit box.
10. Turn off propane gas service and the main water valve to the house.

Safety should be the first priority and residents should monitor local news stations for weather updates and evacuation information.

As of 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service, a hurricane warning is in effect for the area from Surf City, N.C. to the North Carolina/Virginia border. A hurricane watch is in effect for Little River Inlet, S.C. to Surf City, N.C. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the area stretching from South Santee River, S.C. to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.