It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bellamy Mansion Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Wilmington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Greenfield Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wilmington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WBTV) - An explosion at a brand-new North Carolina business left three firefighters hurt and destroyed the building on Tuesday.The explosion happened at the new Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center on in Wilmington, shortly after 11 a.m. on Aug. 19. officials said the explosion happened after a car crashed into the building and ruptured a gas line.The building was not yet in use, although it was for business in September. Still, firefighters went inside to look for people but did not find anyone...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WBTV) - An explosion at a brand-new North Carolina business left three firefighters hurt and destroyed the building on Tuesday.
The explosion happened at the new Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center on in Wilmington, shortly after 11 a.m. on Aug. 19.
officials said the explosion happened after a car crashed into the building and ruptured a gas line.
The building was not yet in use, although it was for business in September. Still, firefighters went inside to look for people but did not find anyone after construction workers were evacuated.
The three firefighters were hurt while they were inside searching for people. Two of them sustained injuries that were not life-threatening, while the third suffered severe burns to their hands and arms. All three were taken to the hospital.
Crews were eventually able to stop the gas leak and control the fire that was set off by the explosion.
Video shared by the Wilmington Fire Department showed major damage to multiple sides of the building, as well as the roof. More video sent to sister-station WECT showed debris flying and scattered across the road from the vet center.
were able to track down and arrest the man who crashed into the building after he fled the scene. Police said that man was 46-year-old Jason Lee Beach, and that he was allegedly driving impaired.
Court records show Beach was charged with several offenses, which are listed below:
Beach was taken to the New Hanover County jail, where he remained Wednesday morning under a $100,000 bond.
Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center said in a statement on its that its hospital on Greenville Avenue was still open, and its services were unaffected by the explosion.
Watch continuous news coverage here:
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WBTW) — An explosion at a North Carolina building sent a tower of smoke and debris into the sky on Tuesday, video of the incident shows.The incident took place a little after 11 a.m. at the offices of the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, the Wilmington Fire Department said. The explosion occurred about 20 minutes after a car struck and ruptured the gas lines feeding the building.Footage captured by a bystander shows the fire burning in one part of the building after an explosion rocks the area...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WBTW) — An explosion at a North Carolina building sent a tower of smoke and debris into the sky on Tuesday, video of the incident shows.
The incident took place a little after 11 a.m. at the offices of the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, the Wilmington Fire Department said. The explosion occurred about 20 minutes after a car struck and ruptured the gas lines feeding the building.
Footage captured by a bystander shows the fire burning in one part of the building after an explosion rocks the area. A large amount of debris — some of it flaming — is seen falling back to the ground.
“Oh my gosh,” the person filming the aftermath can be heard repeating.
No civilians were hurt in the explosion, officials said, but three firefighters who had arrived to investigate the gas leak suffered injuries. All three were taken to a hospital — two with non-life-threatening injuries and one with severe burns to their hands and arms — according to officials.
The building housed the offices of the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, but the facility has yet to open, an official confirmed at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters were doing a primary search to ensure the building was empty when the explosion took place.
“Obviously it’s scary, but this is what we train for every day,” a fire official said.
The driver who hit the gas lines had left the scene by the time the fire department arrived, but was apprehended a short time later. There were “signs of impairment on the driver,” an official said.
The incident is currently under investigation.
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WILMINGTON, N.C. — Four firefighters were injured in an explosion caused by a gas line rupture at a Wilmington veterinary clinic late Tuesday morning, authorities said.A car went off the road and hit gas lines into the building housing the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center just after 11 a.m., the Wilmington Fire Department said. The driver ran from the scene but was later arrested.The clinic was under construction and set to host an open house and ribbon cutting Sept. 6, according to a Facebook post. Mayor Bill S...
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Four firefighters were injured in an explosion caused by a gas line rupture at a Wilmington veterinary clinic late Tuesday morning, authorities said.
A car went off the road and hit gas lines into the building housing the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center just after 11 a.m., the Wilmington Fire Department said. The driver ran from the scene but was later arrested.
The clinic was under construction and set to host an open house and ribbon cutting Sept. 6, according to a Facebook post. Mayor Bill Saffo and other city council members were expected to attend.
No construction workers were in the building because a crew member alerted others to evacuate after the crash, Eastern Carolina Veterinary said Wednesday.
But when firefighters went inside to make sure the building was clear, the explosion injured three of them, the fire department said. One suffered severe burns to the hands and arms, the fire department said, and the other two had injuries that were not life-threatening.
Another firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries going into the building after the explosion.
The firefighter who suffered second- and third-degree burns to his hands and arms was transferred to the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill and was set to undergo surgery Wednesday. The other three were treated and released from Novant Medical Center.
The fire was under control at about 2 p.m. and the gas line was secured, firefighters said.
Veterinary clinic officials on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that staff and construction workers were accounted for and safe. No pets were in the building, they said.
The driver of the vehicle that hit the building, Jason Lee Beach of Wilmington, fled the crash but was arrested Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. Beach is facing five charges related to the explosion.
Police said at a news conference that impairment was suspected and that the N.C. State Highway Patrol was helping in that investigation.
Much of New Centre Drive was closed as firefighters battled the blaze, and the public was urged to avoid the area. Debris from the blast littered the street Tuesday afternoon.
The fire is under investigation.
(This story was updated to add new information.)As Hurricane Erin's outer bands begin to pass by, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate along the North Carolina coast on Wednesday, Aug. 20, according to the National Hurricane Center.With life-threatening surf and rip currents expected, beachgoers are urged to use caution. Several beach towns in the Wilmington area have issued advisories asking people not to go swimming.Farther up the North Carolina coast, some areas of the Outer Banks are facing mandato...
(This story was updated to add new information.)
As Hurricane Erin's outer bands begin to pass by, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate along the North Carolina coast on Wednesday, Aug. 20, according to the National Hurricane Center.
With life-threatening surf and rip currents expected, beachgoers are urged to use caution. Several beach towns in the Wilmington area have issued advisories asking people not to go swimming.
Farther up the North Carolina coast, some areas of the Outer Banks are facing mandatory evacuations.
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, Erin was roughly 295 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, moving north-northwest at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. Erin, a Category 2 storm, is forecast to grow in size while moving over the western Atlantic through the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, the North Carolina coast was already seeing impacts in the form of large swells, which brought surfers to Wrightsville Beach. Still, officials are urging caution for swimmers and boaters.
"Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions," according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Wilmington-area impacts through Friday include 8-10 foot waves north of the Cape Fear River, up to 6 feet south of the river's mouth, that could lead to dangerous swimming conditions and localized beach erosion. Minor flooding during high tide events along many beaches and low-lying areas along the southern Cape Fear River also is likely, the weather service warned.
Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring tropical waves near the Leeward Islands and the Cabo Verde Islands. Some development is possible as they move across the Atlantic this week.
Here's a look at the upcoming forecast from the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Several area beach towns, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, have issued advisories urging people not to go swimming. Dozens of water rescues have been reported over the past few days.
A coastal flood advisory is in effect from 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 for the Cape Fear River near downtown Wilmington and the Battleship North Carolina, according to the weather service. Portions of Battleship Road and USS North Carolina Road could see minor coastal flooding up to one half foot. In downtown Wilmington, Water Street could experience minor flooding up to one quarter foot in depth.
A flood advisory is also in effect until for the Northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw, according to the weather service.
A high surf advisory is in effect for the Cape Fear coast until 11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21.
A small craft advisory is effect for the Cape Fear coast until 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. "Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions," according to the weather service.
A tropical storm warning has been issued from Beaufort Inlet to the North Carolina/Virginiaborder, including Pamlico and Albemarle sounds.
A storm surge warning also was posted from Cape Lookout to Duck.
As Erin passes by the North Carolina coast, strong swells will increase the chance of dangerous rip currents hundreds of miles in front of the storm's actual location. That, along with beach erosion, could be among Erin's biggest impacts on the Cape Fear region.
Rip currents, the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the Carolinas, can be difficult to spot, but beachgoers should look for water that is darker in color, choppy and leaves a break in the incoming wave pattern. They form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. The water returns to sea through the rip current. Another clue may be a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.
If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current.
While it may be difficult to do, the U.S. Lifesaving Association says swimmers should "relax," noting the rip current will not pull them under. Swimmers should try swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
As of Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, there were no evacuation orders for the Cape Fear region. Flooding from storm surge is possible in some areas of the Outer Banks, prompting a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island in Dare County and Ocracoke in Hyde County.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November. Even if this system doesn't pose a threat to the N.C. coast, it's never too early to be prepared.
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at [email protected] or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.
(This story was updated to add new information.)As Hurricane Erin makes a northward turn, outer bands will begin to reach the North Carolina coast. The storm could bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to Wilmington-area beaches, prompting some beach towns to urge swimmers to stay out of the water. That list includes Carolina Beach, which announced a no-swim advisory Tuesday afternoon.Farther up the coast, some areas of the Outer Banks are facing mandatory evacuations.As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, Erin ...
(This story was updated to add new information.)
As Hurricane Erin makes a northward turn, outer bands will begin to reach the North Carolina coast. The storm could bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to Wilmington-area beaches, prompting some beach towns to urge swimmers to stay out of the water. That list includes Carolina Beach, which announced a no-swim advisory Tuesday afternoon.
Farther up the coast, some areas of the Outer Banks are facing mandatory evacuations.
As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, Erin was roughly 540 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, moving northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. Erin, a Category 2 storm, is forecast to substantially grow in size while moving over the western Atlantic through the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
By midday Tuesday, the North Carolina coast was already seeing impacts in the form of large swells, which brought surfers to Wrightsville Beach. Still, officials are urging caution for swimmers and boaters.
"Strong swells from Erin will impact the coastline for much of this week, producing life-threatening surf and rip currents," the National Weather Service's Wilmington office stated Monday morning.
Wilmington-area impacts through Friday include 8-10 foot waves north of the Cape Fear River, up to 6 feet south of the river's mouth, that could lead to dangerous swimming conditions and localized beach erosion. Minor flooding during high tide events along many beaches and low-lying areas along the southern Cape Fear River also is likely, the weather service warned. A small craft advisory also is in effect through Thursday, with gusts offshore up to 40 mph and waves up to 16 feet expected to create dangerous boating conditions.
Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring tropical waves near the Leeward Islands and the Cabo Verde Islands. Some development is possible as it moves across the Atlantic this week.
Here's a look at the upcoming forecast from the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Wrightsville Beach has issued a no swimming advisory through Friday after lifeguards had to make nearly 75 water rescues of swimmers caught in rip currents and heavy surf Monday and Tuesday morning. In Brunswick County, Ocean Isle Beach also advised visitors and residents against swimming through Friday.
Carolina Beach announced it was removing some lifeguard stands and trash cans from the beach and allowing residents of the town's flood-prone north end to park their vehicles in town-owned parking lots and spaces for free from noon Tuesday, Aug. 19, through 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22.
A coastal flood advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 for the Cape Fear River near downtown Wilmington and the Battleship North Carolina, according to the weather service. Portions of Battleship Road and USS North Carolina Road could see minor coastal flooding up to one half foot. In downtown Wilmington, Water Street could experience minor flooding up to one quarter foot in depth.
A flood advisory is also in effect until for the Northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw, according to the weather service.
A high surf advisory is in effect for the Cape Fear coast until 11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. "Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions," the weather service said.
A small craft advisory is effect for the Cape Fear coast until 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. "Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions," according to the weather service.
A tropical storm warning has been issued from Beaufort Inlet to Duck on the Outer Banks, including Pamlico Sound. A storm surge warning also was posted from Cape Lookout to Duck.
As Erin approaches the U.S. mainland, strong swells will increase the chance of dangerous rip currents hundreds of miles in front of the storm's actual location. That, along with beach erosion, could be among Erin's biggest impacts on the Cape Fear region.
Rip currents, the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the Carolinas, can be difficult to spot, but beachgoers should look for water that is darker in color, choppy and leaves a break in the incoming wave pattern. They form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. The water returns to sea through the rip current. Another clue may be a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.
If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current.
While it may be difficult to do, the U.S. Lifesaving Association says swimmers should "relax," noting the rip current will not pull them under. Swimmers should try swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
As of Tuesday morning, Aug. 19, there were no evacuation orders for the Cape Fear region. Flooding from storm surge is possible in some areas of the Outer Banks, prompting a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island in Dare County and Ocracoke in Hyde County.
The mandatory evacuation order went into effect for visitors at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18. Residents must evacuate beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November. Even if this system doesn't pose a threat to the N.C. coast, it's never too early to be prepared.
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at [email protected] or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.
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