Evacuate or Pay?

NC law gives counties the option to fine people who fail to leave during mandatory evacuations.

On October 1, the authority to impose a $1000 fine and charge citizens with a Class 3 Misdemeanor goes into effect.  An earlier NC law made failure to evacuate a Class 2 Misdemeanor and capped the fine at $200.

To date, no one in Hyde County has ever been charged with this offense.  No one will be in the future, either, said Hyde Emergency Services Director Justin Gibbs.  Rumors to the contrary are "totally false," he said.

"There has been no discussion of imposing any type of fee, even if General Statutes allow it," said Gibbs.  "There are not going to be any charges whatsoever for people who don't evacuate."

If you remain on the island during a mandatory evacuation, EMS can refuse to provide services.  "At a certain point, we could say 'We can't help you,'" said Gibbs.  The safety of responders is paramount.  After winds reach sustained speeds of 60 mph, EMS will not be available to help.

House Bill 843 also modified restrictions on the possession, transportation, sale, purchase, storage and use of gasoline, dangerous weapons and substances.  Existing prohibitions or restrictions on lawfully possessed firearms or ammunition have been lifted.  Doing any of the above with gasoline is still considered dangerous and unlawful. 

Learn more about the new law here.