HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-01-20; 4-e - Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 1, 2020
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-e
SUBJECT: Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6100
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation declaring September 2020 as "Orange County
Preparedness Month".
BACKGROUND: National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote
family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. The theme of this year's
National Preparedness Month is "Disasters Don't Wait. Make your plan today."
North Carolina has experienced an unusually high volume of disasters this year, to include the
ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. To date, Orange
County has experienced over 30 watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service
for severe weather, flooding, and tornadic activity. The Orange County Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) has set records for activation length this year at well over 200 days. The EOC
remains activated to respond to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic as well as monitor for
potential threats from the 2020 hurricane season, which is predicted to be extremely active.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Disaster response and recovery takes the whole community (government, voluntary agencies,
businesses, and community members) to be successful. A prepared community starts with
individuals and families. People can prepare for disasters by following three steps:
1. Create a kit with at least three days' worth of supplies
2. Make a family disaster plan
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3. Stay informed of local threats and hazards.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
Orange County Preparedness Month
September 2020
WHEREAS, it is critical for every community, business, family, and individual in Orange County
to be prepared for natural and man-made disasters, including tornadoes, flooding, and
hurricanes, as well as disease outbreaks like COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, Orange County has seen a high activity of severe weather during 2019, with the
National Weather Service issuing 23 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, two Flash Flood
Warnings, one Flood Warning, and eight Tornado Warnings; and
WHEREAS, Orange County experienced an estimated $2.1 million in estimated damages from
severe weather in 2019; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, Hurricane Florence brought significant rainfall in September, followed by
Tropical Storm Michael in October, and both storms caused widespread power outages and
flooding, with Florence resulting in more than $26 million in damages while Michael exceeded
$500,000; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners declared a
State of Emergency to coordinate the County's response and protective actions to address the
COVID-19 public health emergency and provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the
Orange County community; and
WHEREAS, community members can take a few simple steps — creating an emergency supply
kit, making a family disaster plan, and staying informed — to help make preparedness a personal
responsibility and improved health a priority in our community; and
WHEREAS, Orange County Emergency Services Emergency Management Division, along with
emergency managers throughout the nation, have collaborated to recognize September as
National Preparedness Month, and encourage Orange County community members to stay
informed and prepared;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do hereby
declare September 2020 as "Orange County Preparedness Month."
This the 1st Day of September 2020.
Penny Rich, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners