HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-02-2006-6cORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 2, 2006
Action Agend~ aG
Item No.
SUBJECT: Severe Weather Awareness Week
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Jack Ball, 968-2050
PURPOSE: To designate the week of March 13`h through 17~', 2006 as Severe Weather
Awareness Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Governor Michael Easley has proclaimed the week of March 13th through the
17th 2006 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. A statewide tornado drill will be held March
15th. The drill will consist of the issuance of practice watches and warnings by the National
Weather Service over television, radio, and NOAA weather radio. The purpose of the drill is to
increase residents' awareness and allow them to practice their tornado shelter-in-place
procedures. All county schools typically practice their tornado drill procedures during this time.
The last tornado that impacted Orange County damaged property in northern Orange County
just east of Hillsborough around 4:45 am on Friday, January 14, 2005. While this tornado was
unusual in that it struck during the winter months, it shows that weather is not as predictable as
it may seem and residents must be prepared at all times for natural and man-made disasters.
Also in support of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Orange County Emergency Management
and the National Weather Service -Raleigh office are hosting two Skywarn severe weather
spotter classes for emergency responders and amateur radio operators in the County on March
16`h at the Southern Human Services Center. The advanced class begins at 1:OOpm and the
basic class begins at 7:OOpm. Both will last about three and a half hours.
Residents with questions regarding severe weather such as tornadoes, ice storms, or other
hazards may contact the Department of Emergency Management at 919-968-2050.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating the week of March 13th through 17`h, 2006 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in
Orange County, and encourage residents to learn more about severe weather safety.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A PROCLAMATION
Severe Weather Awareness Week
March 13th through 17th, 2006
WHEREAS, The National Weather Service and the Governor of North Carolina have
proclaimed the week of March 13`" through 17~h as Severe Weather Awareness
Week; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is vulnerable to severe weather, including the devastating impacts
of tornadoes, ice storms, and other inclement weather events; and
WHEREAS, Tornadoes and severe weather occur each year in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Orange County was most recently struck by a tornado on January 14, 2005; and
WHEREAS, The need for residents to learn more about severe weather and haw to protect
themselves should be emphasized;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, hereby proclaim the
week of March 13~h through 17~h, 2006, as Severe Weather Awareness Week,
and encourage all residents to learn mare about severe weather and be aware
of its dangers, especially during the spring and summer months.
Adopted this 2nd day of March, 2006.
Barry .Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners