News Release

Public invited to help clean up collapsed house debris at volunteer events in Rodanthe, N.C.

Example of debris that has washed ashore for many miles to the south of the two collapsed houses in Rodanthe, N.C.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 11, 2022

Contact: Michael Barber, 252-270-5389

MANTEO, N.C. — The public is invited to help Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) staff clean up some of the collapsed house debris at drop-in volunteer events from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 and Friday, May 13. All four volunteer events are scheduled to begin at the Outer Banks KOA Resort, 25099 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe, N.C.

Supplies will be provided by the National Park Service for these organized efforts to help clean up debris associated with yesterday’s house collapses. Much of the wood pieces that have washed up on the beach have exposed nails, so all volunteers are encouraged to wear thick soled footwear. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Individuals who plan to clean the beach either before or after these four events should place garbage bags and debris well above the high tide line to ensure the items don’t get washed back into the ocean.

Anyone not currently on Hatteras Island, should visit www.drivenc.gov prior to traveling to tomorrow’s events. At this time, N.C. Highway 12 between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe is closed.

In addition to these volunteer cleanup efforts, a contractor hired by the owners of the collapsed houses is actively cleaning up debris near the sites of the fallen houses and along miles of beach. The Seashore is also bringing in a National Park Service cleanup team through its regional office.

Additional volunteer events will be announced in the coming days.