HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-15-2005-6dORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 15, 2005
Action Agen/da
Item No. --(~_~--
SUBJECT: Severe Weather Awareness Week
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Eric Griffin. 968-2050
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To designate the week of March 13tH through 19tH, 2005 as Severe Weather
Awareness Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Governor Michael Easley has proclaimed the week of March 13tH through the
19tH 2005 as Severe Weather Awareness Week, A statewide tornado drill will be held March
16tH, 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,
This is especially timely in consideration of the weak tornado that damaged property in northern
Orange County just east of Hillsborough around 4:45 am 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,
Residents with questions regarding severe weather or other hazards may contact the
Department of Emergency Management at 919-968-2050,
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no significant financial impact to Orange County.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating the week of March 13tH through 19tH, 2005 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 19th, 2005
WHEREAS, The National Weather Service and the Governor of North Carolina have
proclaimed the week of March 13th throtagh 19th as Severe Weather Awareness
Week; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is vulnerable to severe weather, including the devastating impacts
of tornadoes; 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 13tt' through 19`h, 2005, as Severe Weather Awareness Week,
and encourage all residents to learn more about severe weather and be aware
of its dangers, especially during the spring and summer months.
Adopted this 15th day of March, 2005.
Moses Carey, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners