River Bend, North Carolina Emergency Action Plan
Prior Hurricane Experience: Of all the major hurricanes to pass through River Bend, Hurricane Fran accompanied by extremely high winds, lightning and a huge flood surge, was probably one of the most devastating. The Trent River rose nine (9) feet above normal levels bringing flooding into the River Bend canals and lakes. The water level in garages in the flood plain rose approximately three (3) feet resulting in the loss of over (60) automobiles for a tremendous loss. That is why it is important to move your automobile to high ground before the flood waters begin to rise.
Flooding occurred on the first floors of many homes along the lakes and canals. Damage to furniture, carpeting, air conditioners, appliances, power lawn mowers, bicycles, heat pumps, supplies and other furnishings was excessive. Raising furniture and other appliances before future storms can mitigate the amount of damage caused by water. Heavy flooding occurred in the Masters Court area, and on Shoreline drive where the road became impassable in the vicinity of the River Bend Market and the area of the Lakemere Lake where it passed under and over Shoreline Drive. Power lines were also down along Shoreline Drive where the utility wires were above ground. Ritter Field was completely covered by 2 1/2 to 3 feet of water. One section of Lakemere Drive was also under three (3) feet of water which had entered garages and first floor rooms. Many parts of Channel Run were also under water.
In addition to the water damage, high winds caused the downing of trees particularly in the Gatewood Drive area which is a heavily treed with tall pines. Roofing was also damaged. It is a good idea to have a supply of tarpaulin on hand to cover exposed areas of the roof and rooms where windows, especially picture windows, is another way to mitigate damage.
Broken windows - The use of masking tape applied to picture windows proved successful in many cases to reinforce windows and prevent breakage from very high winds.
Overall, the hurricane warnings were heeded substantially reducing damage. The Ramada and Sheraton Marinas completely evacuated all the boats which in most cases went to boat yards to be hauled out of the water. A number of larger boats moored in the middle of the Trent River in the vicinity of Lawson's Creek or went further inland where they secured lines to the shore on either side of the river. Those who rode out the storm on their yachts claim it was a nightmare and something they would never do again.
The move by the Marinas to evacuate all boats was a good one as both marinas were completely demolished a short time later by high winds and high tides. The flood waters cresting nine feet above normal caused many problems for boat owners. Many boats broke loose from their moorings rising up over the docks. Those using light line such as clothes line or failing to leave sufficient slack in the lines did not fare too well. Those who used 1/2 or 3/4 inch nylon line doubled escaped much of the damage.
River Bends next door neighbor took the warnings seriously and boarded up many of their businesses and taped store windows. Many power lines and trees went down creating an enormous job for the public works crews and utility companies who did a yeoman job in restoring service.