Areas of Caution – Frying Pan Shoals & the Shipping Channel
EMERGENCIES ON BHI
Always Call 911 - What if I have a medical issue that is not an emergency?
Smoke alarms on BHI - Potential Weather Emergencies
WILDLIFE ON BHI - Respecting Island
Alligators - Sea Turtles - Coyotes - Sharks - Jellyfish - Portuguese Man o' War Stingrays - Ticks
DOGS ON BHI
Village Laws Regarding Dogs - Tips for First-Time Visitors and Guests with Dogs
General Tips Regarding Dogs on BHI
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BHI
Trash Collection - Recycling - Lost & Found Items - Island Package Center Utilities (power outages) - Limit FOG (fats, oils & grease)
DO YOU LIKE PODCASTS?
You can listen to most of this content via our "Before the Horn Blows" series on the Village of Bald Head Island Podcast! Each episode covers a different topic. It's a great way to get a refresher on what you need to know before you get here - - you can even listen on the way! We are on Apple Podcasts, Podbean App, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more! More information on our podcast webpage at villagebhi.podbean.com.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please contact the Village’s Public Information Officer at (910) 457-9700 ext. 1025 or public.information@villagebhi.org. We want your stay on Bald Head Island to be the best it can be! Please do not hesitate to reach out.
GETTING AROUND BHI
The primary mode of transportation on Bald Head Island is the golf cart. Golf carts are treated as regular vehicles, subject to the same rules of the road including licensing, open container laws, impaired driving regulations, speed limits, and stop signs. They share the roads with commercial vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Golf Cart Safety
Significant attention should be paid to golf cart safety due to the potential for serious injury. Passengers should use seat belts if available and operable. Drivers should avoid sudden maneuvers, as these can lead to falls.
Children should be instructed to stay seated and hold on. An adult should be sitting next to a child. Infants should not be held by the driver even if the child is in a carrier or wrap. Car seats are not crash-tested for golf carts and are not required,
Speed Limits: A universal speed limit of 18 mph is enforced throughout the island. Slower speeds are mandated in designated areas, such as the Timber Bridge (5 MPH), due to high pedestrian traffic in the area. Drivers are urged to drive slowly and carefully.
Bald Head Island Visitor's Guide
the Timber Bridge.
Parking Regulations: Specific parking regulations are in place across the island, including restricted areas and designated overflow parking. Illegally parked vehicles can impede emergency access. Pay attention to signage when it comes to parking. There are some areas of the island that have restricted parking and at certain hours.
In recent years parking along SE Beach Drive near Beach Access 42 has been prohibited. Beachgoers should park on the pavers along Station House Way when the parking lot is full.
When parking on the side of the road, where parking is permitted, all tires must be off the asphalt pavement.
There are four emergency vehicle accesses (Beach Access 11, 24B, 35, and 42). Please do not park in front of these accesses, our emergency vehicles need to be able to access the beach in case of an emergency.
Bicycling Guidelines: Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as vehicle traffic. Group riders should ride in a single file. Inexperienced riders should avoid busy Village roads. Helmet use is mandatory for cyclists under 16.
Guide Includes
Pedestrian Guidelines: Pedestrians should walk against traffic to see approaching vehicles and bikes. They should stay off or as close to the side of the asphalt pavement as possible to avoid impeding traffic.
Personal Electric Devices: E-bikes and electric scooters are permitted but can only be operated by individuals with a driver's license. Helmet use is mandatory for all operators of these devices.
Nighttime Safety and Sea Turtle Protection: The island is very dark at night due to efforts to minimize light pollution and protect sea turtles. Individuals walking at night should wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. Red lights are the only lights permitted on the beach between May and October.
Do not park along the post & rope on SE Beach Drive. You will receive a citation.
When the Beach Access #42 lot is full, park on the pavers along Station House Way.
BEACH SAFETY & REGULATIONS
Beach Safety Tips
Know Before You Go: Before heading to the beach each day, check the beach forecast specifically for the rip current risk level and chance of severe weather. Rip currents are formed when water that has piled up near the shore flows back out to sea through narrow channels. Make sure you know how to get out of a rip current if you are caught in one (2-minute video HERE).
Lightning is a significant threat, even from distant storms. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the actual storm cloud. If you see lightning, even distant flashes, or hear thunder, get out of the water immediately. Don't wait!
Know Your Location: In an emergency, knowing your exact location is crucial for first responders. Know the address of your accommodation and identify the number on the nearest beach access sign. Providing the beach access number or house address to 911 helps emergency services locate you much faster.
Use the Buddy System: Don't swim alone. Always have a buddy. You and your buddy can keep an eye on each other and can quickly assist and/or get help if one of you ends up in distress.
Bald Head Island Visitor's Guide
Shore Break Awareness: Shore break refers to waves that crash directly onto the sand with significant force. Avoid diving headfirst in shallow water near the shore and be cautious of incoming waves, as they can slam you down hard and could cause serious injuries.
Supervise Children & Inexperienced Swimmers: Constant, undistracted adult supervision is essential. Designate a water watcher whose only job is to watch the swimmers. The ocean isn't a pool. Conditions change fast.
Respecting Fishing Areas: If you see someone fishing on the beach, give them a wide birth so you don't accidentally get hooked.
Swim Sober: Alcohol or drugs and swimming are a terrible combination. Just don't do it. Impaired judgment and coordination in the unpredictable ocean are extremely dangerous.
Guide Includes
Leash Your Boards: Surfboards and bodyboards must always be used with a leash. If you fall off or let go, which happens, an unleashed board becomes a runaway missile hitting other swimmers. Plus, you don't lose your board.
Sun Exposure: Protecting yourself from the sun is vital to prevent sunburn and heatstroke. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen early, around 30 minutes before you go out, and reapply every couple of hours and after swimming or toweling off. Seek shade using hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses. Hydrate with lots of water or other non-alcoholic drinks. Dehydration can occur quickly in the heat.
Ocean Wildlife: Be aware of the marine life present, including stingrays, jellyfish, Portuguese man o' war, and occasionally sharks. For stingrays, the "stingray shuffle” is a good idea. Shuffle your feet when walking in shallow sandy water. This warns resting rays, allowing them to swim away.
Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore.
Areas of Extra Caution
East End of South Beach (Near Frying Pan Shoals, Beach Access 39, Shoals Club Access): A combination of currents and rapidly incoming tides over the shoals, leads to situations where people can quickly find themselves in deep water. Don't go further out than you are absolutely prepared and able to swim back from. Be aware of the tide. Public Safety responds to more water rescues in this area
West End of South Beach (Near the Shipping Channel, Terminal Groin, Primarily Access 9 and 11, Potentially Affecting 5, 7, and The hydrodynamic effect from passing vessels (even small ones) in the shipping channel can be dangerous. It can cause sudden and violent surges of water, being sucked out suddenly and then rushing back in violently. Extreme caution is needed if you're swimming or even standing near the water's edge in that specific zone when vessels are passing. These surges can knock people over or pull them
Protecting the Island Environment
Dunes are absolutely vital. They're the island's natural defense against storms and hurricanes. The vegetation holds them together. Walking on them is strictly prohibited. This is a Village ordinance violation and carries a $500 fine. Please stay on the marked paths and
Village ordinance prohibits walking (or fishing) on the jetty extensions at the harbor entrance and on the terminal groin. They're dangerous. The rocks are incredibly slippery, especially when wet. And it's easy for a foot or leg to get trapped between the boulders.
Beach Equipment Removal: All beach equipment, chairs, tents, canopies, toys, and everything must be removed from the beach every night between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. year-round. Also, keep your gear at least 10 feet away from any marked sea turtle nest and away from the dune vegetation line.
Photo of beachgoers that are far from shore at Frying Pan Shoals.
Sea Turtles: Bald Head Island is a sea turtle sanctuary.
Stay Away from Nests: Nests are marked with wooden posts, usually with flagging tape and a sign explaining it's a turtle nest. Completely avoid them. Don't walk near them. Don't put your chairs near them. It's actually illegal to disturb sea turtles, their nests, the hatchlings, or the eggs.
Nighttime Lighting (May 1st to October 31st): No artificial white or blue lights are allowed on or visible from the beach between sunset and sunrise. White and blue lights disorient nesting females and hatchlings. Use red flashlights only if you're walking the beach at night during the season. These are available at BHI Conservancy’s Turtle Central gift shop or online. Also keep house lights facing the beach shielded or off.
Dogs on the Beach: Dogs must be on a leash from sunset to sunrise. Cleanup after your dog is mandatory. Waste bag dispensers and waste receptacles are available at most public accesses. Violation of the pet waste ordinance can result in fines of up to $500.
Guide Includes
Fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited. Possessing or using fireworks on BHI is not allowed without a special county permit, which isn't typical for visitors. So, please leave the fireworks at home.
Beach Bonfires: Individual bonfire permits are not issued from May 1st until turtle season officially ends. The end date is determined by the Village Manager and the BHI Conservancy. A permit is required from the Department of Public Safety. More info online HERE.
Beach Access for Handicapped Individuals: An ADA-compliant access is located at Beach Access 24A. Designated parking is available near Muscadine Wynd and South Bald Head Wynd. for that access. The Village has a beach wheelchair which is available on a first come, first served basis. Contact the Public Safety Department at 910-457-5252 to check availability and arrange use (more info online HERE).
EMERGENCIES ON BHI
The Village of Bald Head Island places a strong emphasis on the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors, actively preparing for and responding to various emergency situations.
Always Call 911
Always call 911 if you have an emergency on Bald Head Island or if you need a Public Safety Officer to come to you. Tell the operator you are on Bald Head Island; this is to make sure you are getting the Brunswick County 911 Call Center. Every so often calls get routed to New Hanover County because of our proximity to Fort Fisher.
The island utilizes a cross-trained Department of Public Safety, capable of handling law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services (EMT/paramedic), and water rescue. This integrated approach ensures a comprehensive initial response to emergencies.
The Department of Public Safety has all the necessary fire equipment and emergency medical equipment like any other municipality. They also have Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) which are fully equipped and can travel quickly all over the island. At least one QRV is always on patrol.
Once the Village’s responders arrive at a call, they will assess the situation and determine if the next ferry needs to be commandeered for travel inland or if a medevac helicopter needs to be called. The Village has two designated helicopter landing locations.
Bald Head Island Visitor's Guide
What if I have a medical issue that is not an emergency?
Before staying on the island, visitors are encouraged to check with their medical and/or health insurance providers to see if telehealth options are available.
Patients can also seek medical care at the on-island medical provider (910-477-6848). Patients may also call the Urgent Care in Southport (910-454-4732) for minor illnesses, they are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more serious emergencies, the Emergency Department at Dosher Memorial Hospital is a five-minute drive from the Bald Head Island ferry terminal in Southport.
What
you need to know about smoke alarms on Bald Head Island
The Village of Bald Head Island requires all residential smoke alarms to be monitored. This means that when a smoke alarm goes off, a monitoring company is notified, and the Department of Public Safety is automatically dispatched to respond.
Guide Includes
If the alarm is a false alarm, for example, if it was set off by shower steam or food burning, the alarm company should be notified (property owners should have this information available for guests). Public Safety will still have to respond, but the alarm company can let the dispatcher know of the situation and the department won’t have to use as much manpower and equipment in response and there will be no lights and sirens. This frees up our officers and equipment, so they are available to respond to other emergencies and make the roads safer.
However, if you are unsure of the cause of the alarm, please make sure that you evacuate the home immediately. Call 911 once you are in a safe place and can provide helpful information to the dispatcher.
What if there is a potential weather emergency?
The Village monitors for such events and will respond accordingly.
If something out of the ordinary happens, such as an ice storm, tropical storm, or hurricane, the Village will respond locally to protect the lives, health, and safety of everyone on the island and to protect island properties from damage.
The number one priority of the Village is to protect the public’s life, health, and safety. The Village does this by being prepared and getting timely and accurate messages out to the public to let everyone know what is happening, how the Village (and the County and/or State) responds, and what the public should do.
What if there is a potential weather emergency? (continued)
The Village disseminates emergency information in several ways. Through its website at villagebhi.org, social media – we have Facebook, X, and Instagram, you can find us by searching Village of Bald Head Island, and a reverse 911 system called Code Red.
It is a good idea to regularly check the local weather forecast while you are staying on the island. A local beach forecast is provided by the National Weather Service Wilmington office website. The National Weather Service also shares information on hazardous weather conditions on social media. This includes tornado warnings.
More About Tornados: Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip vehicles, and create deadly flying debris.
A tornado can happen anytime and anywhere. They bring intense winds that could reach over 200 miles per hour. In the case of a tornado warning, please do the following:
• Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Follow Your Host's Instructions & Abide by Local Orders:
If you are staying at someone else’s home on Bald Head Island, it is up to your host to provide the information you need for your particular property and your situation. If the Village declares a voluntary evacuation, all non-residents are required to evacuate.
What if I have a medical issue that is not an emergency?
WILDLIFE ON BHI
Respecting Island Ecosystems
Bald Head Island comprises four fragile ecosystems: beachfront, dune ridge, maritime forest, and marsh. The community strives to live in harmony with nature.
Do not touch the wildlife. Wildlife can transmit diseases and improperly handling them could injure them or you could be injured.
Please report injured wildlife to the BHI Conservancy Hotline at 910-457-0089 extension 5, leave a voicemail. For all other emergencies, dial 911.
Alligators: Alligators are common in freshwater ponds and lagoons on Bald Head Island, especially during warmer months.
Fishing and swimming are prohibited in these freshwater areas (fishing is considered feeding). Feeding or harassing alligators is illegal in North Carolina, as is hunting or killing them. If you encounter a gator, please give it plenty of space (20 feet or more), leave it alone, and do not approach it or follow it. If you go away, chances are it will go away.
Avoid unintentional feeding by not feeding other wild animals like ducks and geese. Do not leave children or pets unattended near alligator habitats. Be aware that alligators can jump up to 4 feet vertically.
Sea Turtles: Bald Head Island is a designated Sea Turtle Sanctuary. Disturbing sea turtles, their nests, hatchlings, or eggs is strictly prohibited by Village ordinance (Sec. 4-480). Sea turtle nests are marked and should be avoided.
Protection Measures:
• Minimize white light at night, as it disorients turtles. Ensure compliance with Village and Bald Head Association lighting ordinances and rules.
• Close ocean-facing windows with shades or blinds at night and turn off beach-facing outdoor lights.
• Use turtle-friendly red flashlights (available at BHI Conservancy's Turtle Central or online) if you use a flashlight on the beach at night.
• Reduce plastic use.
• Pick up litter on the beach.
• Do not release balloons.
• Fill in holes on the beach and remove beach equipment nightly.
Coyotes: Coyotes are non-native but have been present on BHI since 2007. Attacks on humans are very rare.
Preventing Conflicts:
• Secure trash bins and consider putting trash out in the morning.
• Close off crawl spaces.
• Maintain the coyote's wariness of people by making loud noises, throwing objects, or spraying them with a hose if seen frequently near your home.
• Do not feed coyotes.
• Keep pets inside, leashed, or in fenced areas.
• Feed pets indoors only.
• Clear fallen fruit from around trees.
Sharks: Sharks are a constant presence in BHI waters, but attacks on humans are extremely unlikely.
Safety Precautions:
• Swim only in swimming pools to eliminate all risks.
• Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night.
• Avoid murky water.
• Avoid excessive thrashing and splashing.
• Stay clear of fishing areas with chum or bait.
• Stay out of the water if large groups of baitfish are present.
• Fishers should avoid entering the water with bait or chum.
Head Island Visitor's Guide
Jellyfish: Jellyfish are common, especially in the spring, and can sting even when dead.
Treatment for Jellyfish Stings:
• Apply white vinegar liberally.
• Scrape off the remaining tentacles with a credit card or shell.
• Do not rinse with fresh water until all tentacles are removed.
Portuguese Man o' War: Resemble "an old warship at full sail" and have a very painful sting, even when dead.
Treatment for Portuguese Man o' War Stings:
• Similar to jellyfish stings (vinegar and tentacle removal), with the addition of applying hot water or a hot pack for 45 minutes.
Stingrays: Stingrays hide just under the sand in warm shallow water. Stepping on them can cause a painful sting from their keratin barb, potentially leading to infections.
To keep stingrays away perform the "stingray shuffle" – slide your feet along the sand to scare them away. If stung seek medical attention at the on-island clinic, barb fragments may remain embedded.
Ticks: Ticks are common in shady, moist areas with overgrowth and weeds on BHI. They can transmit serious diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
Precautions:
• Stay on clear paths and roads when possible.
• Layer clothing, tucking pants into socks and shirts into pants. Wear light-colored clothing.
• Use insect repellent.
• Check clothing and body for ticks at least twice a day after being in potential tick habitats
Living on or visiting Bald Head Island offers a unique opportunity to experience nature's beauty. By adhering to these guidelines and remaining mindful of the island's wildlife, residents and visitors can contribute to the preservation of its fragile ecosystems and ensure safe and harmonious coexistence with its diverse animal inhabitants. It is crucial to remember that feeding or harassing wildlife is not only harmful to the animals but also often illegal and carries significant penalties. Staying informed and taking appropriate precautions is essential for enjoying all that Bald Head Island has to offer while respecting its natural environment.
DOGS ON BHI
Bald Head Island is a very dog-friendly place. You see dogs everywhere on the islandriding in golf carts, walking along the wynds or beach strand, at the ferry landing, or waiting at the post office while their owners are checking their mail. The following information addresses the Village's laws regarding dogs and provides a few tips for first-timers, islanders, guests, and visitors.
Village Laws Regarding Dogs
Restraint is mandatory. Village Ordinance Section 4-521 mandates that all dogs must be restrained at all times. Unrestrained dogs are prohibited, whether due to the owner's intentional act or omission. Restraint is defined as being under the immediate control of its owner within the boundaries of the owner's private property or property where they are authorized to keep the animal or physically confined within a vehicle.
Leashing on Beaches During Turtle Season: From May 1st to November 15th, between sunset and sunrise, all dogs on any beach must be physically restrained by a leash no longer than ten feet. The owner or custodian must hold the other end of the leash and be physically capable of controlling the dog (Village Ordinance Section 4-521).
Feces Removal and Disposal: Owners are legally obligated (Village Ordinance Section 4-521) to immediately remove and properly dispose of dog (and cat) feces deposited on public property (including the beach) or private property without the owner's consent.
The Village provides "doggie bag dispensers" at beach accesses and waste receptacles for disposal. Disposing of dog waste in public waste receptacles or regular household waste receptacles is recommended.
Bald Head Island Visitor's Guide
Feces Removal and Disposal (continued): While BHI has no restrictions on flushing dog feces in the sewer system, using dog waste in compost for consumable vegetation is discouraged due to potential parasites and bacteria.
Excessive Barking: The Village's noise ordinance (Sec. 16-132 - 133) prohibits unreasonably loud and disturbing noise, which includes the keeping of any animal, including but not limited to a bird or dog, which makes frequent or long continuing sounds, in a manner that is likely to disturb persons in the vicinity outside the structure or property where the animal sounds are generated. Factors like volume, duration, time, and location are considered when determining a violation. Excessive barking should be reported to the Department of Public Safety by calling 911.
Dangerous Dogs: The Village has ordinances addressing dangerous dogs (Sec. 4-121-126). Any incidents involving a dog deemed dangerous, potentially dangerous, or of unknown status should be reported to the Department of Public Safety by calling 911 for investigation. It is important to report all incidents with a dog that has been deemed dangerous, potentially dangerous, or when the status is unknown to the Department of Public Safety by calling 911 so the incident can be investigated.
Penalties for Violations: Violations of the dog ordinances can result in a civil fine of $50 or a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.
All ordinance violations should be reported to the Department of Public Safety via 911 on Bald Head Island. This ensures an immediate response and allows for call tracking and recording.
Tips for First-Time Visitors & Guests with Dogs
The Ferry: The ferry will likely be crowded with people and other dogs, potentially causing nervousness for first-time canine passengers. Owners should be prepared to calm and restrain their dogs. Dogs are not permitted inside the ferry cabin and must remain outside, regardless of weather conditions. Ferry surfaces can get hot; bringing a thick towel or blanket to protect paws is advisable.
New Smells: The island's new scents will be distracting for dogs. Owners should maintain a tight grip on the leash upon arrival, as dogs may be inclined to run off.
Doggie waste bag dispensers are at the beach accesses. There are also waste receptacles nearby.
Tips for First-Time Visitors & Guests with Dogs
(continued)
Securing Dogs Indoors: When leaving a rental home, ensure pets are securely confined. Screened porches and doors may not be sufficient to prevent escape.
Dog Park: BHI has a designated Dog Park located at 230 N. Bald Head Wynd, adjacent to the BHA Community Garden. It offers separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, shade, ample space, seating for owners, and water bowls with a water source.
General Tips Regarding Dogs on BHI
Lost Dogs: If a dog is lost, immediately call 911 to involve the Department of Public Safety in the search. Found pets are often reported to the department or dropped off at the station. Information about lost and found pets is frequently posted on the Village's social media channels (DPS Facebook, Village Facebook, Twitter (X), and/or Instagram).
At the Beach: Ensure dogs have access to plenty of fresh water at the beach. Providing a shade source is also recommended due to the hot sand. Umbrellas and canopies are permitted on the beach but must be removed nightly between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. year-round. Preventing dogs from drinking salt water is crucial, as small amounts can cause diarrhea, and larger amounts can lead to vomiting and dehydration.
Protect from Predators & Ticks: Leaving pets
unattended near lagoons is strongly discouraged due to the presence of alligators, which can jump surprisingly high. Maintain a distance of at least 20 feet. Coyotes are also present on BHI. Avoid leaving pets unsupervised outdoors and do not feed them outside, as this can attract coyotes and other pests. Ticks are common on BHI. Ensure pets are up to date on flea and tick medications or consult a veterinarian for preventative measures.
Veterinary Emergencies: There is no emergency veterinarian on Bald Head Island. Owners should be prepared to arrange for transport off the island in case of a veterinary emergency. It is advisable to have contact information for several transport companies and emergency veterinary clinics on the mainland readily available.
What if I have a medical issue that is not an emergency?
GENERAL INFORMATION
Trash Collection: Trash collection is twice a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day (in-season) and once a week between Labor Day and Memorial Day (off-season). The Village is split into two pick-up routes, so pick-up days vary based on the area serviced.
In-season pick-ups are on Mondays and Thursdays for the “green” route and Tuesdays and Fridays for the “yellow” route. Off-season pick-up days are on Monday and Tuesday. See THIS MAP for the designated routes or THIS calendar for a trash pick-up schedule.
Please make sure you use your yes/no sign and that it is visible from the street (not blocked by anything like vegetation). If you have trash, you must turn your yes/no sign to yes, if you do not, leave it on no. If the sign is not yes, the garbage truck will not stop.
Recycling: Recyclable materials can be taken to the Recycling Center located at the Public Works facility (271 Edward Teach Extension). The receptacles are accessible 24 hours a day and are located outside of the gate. All suitable materials can be combined except cardboard. Please do not put plastic bags in the receptacles. CLICK HERE for a guide on acceptable recyclable materials.
Lost & Found Items: Found property can be turned in at the Department of Public Safety. If you have lost or found an item, please contact Public Safety at (910) 457-5252.
Island Package Center & Post Office: Occasionally folks have packages sent to the Island Package Center & Post Office prior to their stay. The IPC/PO is located at 104 Lighthouse Wynd. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During peak season (between Memorial Day & Labor Day) they are closed between 11-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
Below is the guidance on how to address items that you will be sending to Bald Head Island
If the shipper allows 4 address lines:
Recipient’s First and Last Name
House Number Street Name
PO Box Number
Bald Head Island, NC 28461
If the shipper allows only 3 address lines:
Recipient’s First and Last Name
House Number Street Name PO Box Number
Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Please allow ample time for the items to make it to the island.
Non-US Postal Service packages are delivered via barge Monday – Friday and weather delays can occur.
When you receive notification that the package has arrived, that means it has reached the Deep Point Marina in Southport. It still must be transported by ferry or barge and then trucked to the IPC/PO, then sorted.
Example (this is a fictitious address):
John Doe
78 North Bald Head Wynd PO Box 3872
Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Example (this is a fictitious address):
John Doe
78 North Bald Head Wynd 3872
Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Once the package is ready for pick-up it will be generated in the IPC/PIO system – you can check the status of your package HERE (https://www.trackinthecloud.com/vbhi/). Please pick up packages promptly.
The Island Package Center & Post Office is across the street from Old Baldy Lighthouse.
Utilities
Power Outages: If you experience an outage on Bald Head Island, as a visitor or guest you may be limited in ways you can report the outage to Duke Energy since you are not on the account. It is recommended that you call the automated outage-reporting system, at 800-419-6356.
You can visit Duke Energy’s interactive outage map to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages system-wide and estimated times of restoration. Outages appear on the map based on customers notifying Duke Energy of the power outage at their location.
Water & Sewer: The phone number for service issues between 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday is (910) 457-9700 ext. 1000. The on-call (after-hours) number is (910) 616-7716. Many homes on Bald Head Island have grinder pumps that have alarms that may go off. Please call the service numbers if the alarm goes off where you are staying.
Any interruptions in water service are posted on the Village’s website HERE and posted on social media. Generally, water interruptions could impact water quality, and system pressure advisories are issued (boil water advisory). Rental companies on the island receive messages from the Village’s CodeRed notification system when these advisories are issued and should relay this information to guests. Most property owners also receive these notifications.
Limit FOG: The Village’s sewer system is like those on the mainland. We would like people to limit the amount of fats, oils, and grease in the system. These byproducts of cooking can cause sewer equipment failures or line blockages that often result in a sewer spill.
There are steps that residents and guests can take to avoid the build-up of FOG in the utility system.
• Cooled cooking grease or fat can be poured into a milk carton, frozen juice container, or other non-recyclable container and placed in the refrigerator to harden. Once hardened, the container can be disposed of in the household trash.
• Cooking oil may not harden in the fridge, an alternative is soaking up the oil with disposable towels, newspapers, or cat litter before disposing of it in the trash.
• Excess oil and grease should be wiped from dirty dishes, pans, and utensils with a disposable towel before washing. Greasy towels can be safely disposed of in the trash.
Please do your part to help prevent unnecessary equipment failures, blockages, and sewer spills.
