As our coast is battling greater threats from hurricanes, more and more people are moving to coastal communities.

It may surprise you that North Carolina's fastest-growing county is not home to our larger cities, including Charlotte and Raleigh. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the county with the greatest population growth in the state in recent years is Brunswick County. It's the home of popular beaches like Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island and Bald Head Island. Other communities include Shallotte, Southport and Leland.

David McIntire is Brunswick County's deputy director of emergency management. He's responsible for the county's hurricane preparations.

He pointed out that this area gets all the dangers a hurricane brings — “the highest winds, the biggest surge and the rain.” 

Like many here, McIntire has not lived in the county for very long. He moved here less than two years ago.

He's no stranger to hurricanes though. He has spent most of career in Florida.

Other newcomers may not be as familiar with hurricanes such as Isaias and Florence that hit the area in recent years.

“We really focus our messaging in our community, preparedness towards that and help them build their emergency plans,” McIntire said. 

Further back in history, this part of the coast took the brunt of the strongest hurricane on record to hit North Carolina. That was Hazel, a Category 4 storm in 1954.

Brunswick County's population was estimated at around 19,000 then. Now, county officials say it's more than 150,000 and growing.

McIntire says the county is ready if and when another Hazel-like storm hits.

“We are positioned with resources and trained personnel to make sure that we're addressing any issues that are in place, like evacuations, water rescue,” he said. “We always plan for the worst and hope for the best.”