2000 Special Report: A look back at damage caused by Hurricane Dennis and Hurricane Floyd

One of the deadliest forces of nature ravages the Carolinas. Back-to-back hurricanes in 1999 -- first Hurricane Dennis then Hurricane Floyd -- changed thousands of lives forever. Now, the Carolinas brace for another hurricane season in the year 2000.
During this special, WCNC Charlotte tells viewers what they need to do now to be ready for this hurricane season. Plus, WCNC will take viewers to the coast for a look at the recovery efforts that are still underway. And there's a lot to recover from. Hurricane Floyd was North Carolina's costliest natural disaster ever, and one of the deadliest in 27 years. Fifty-two Carolinians lost their lives, mostly due to drowning. Total damage estimates reached $6 billion.
Along the coastline, Hurricane Floyd hit Oak Island hardest last fall. The storm caused damage in excess of $128 million, damaged nearly 300 homes and washed away dozens of others. It also erased most of the island's protective dune structure, leaving the island vulnerable if another storm hits this hurricane season.
Last September, Floyd unleashed an avalanche of rain that produced the worst flooding ever to hit the eastern part of the state. The hardest hit were three small towns just east of the Raleigh-Durham area. WCNC Charlotte goes back to the Tar River and to the people of Rocky Mountain, Tarboro and Princeville, North Carolina.
Before a hurricane hits, there are some things people should do so they feel prepared. People should assume the power is going to go out, which means families will need batteries not only for radios, but also for flashlights. With the power out, refrigerators are not going to work, either. So people should get non-perishable food items like soups or canned vegetables. And don't forget a non-electric can opener and at least three days' worth of drinking supplies. People with babies should have at least three days' worth of formula on hand, too, and diapers. Don't forget about household medicines like pain relievers or any prescriptions needed. Also, have some Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment and rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs, too. Once the hurricane is over with and far away, people should start to clean up, so know where mops and buckets and brooms are. Gloves are also handy.