HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-14-2021; 4-c - Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 14, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-c
SUBJECT: Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Kirby Saunders, ES Director, (919) 245-
6100
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation declaring September 2021 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 "Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you
love."
Following 2020, North Carolina has continued to experience an unusually high volume of
disasters, to include the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, winter weather, severe weather
(including tornadoes), and infrastructure disruptions. So far this year, Orange County has
experienced multiple watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service for severe
weather, flooding, and tornadic activity. The 2021 Hurricane Season continues to be above-
normal in predictions for both severity and frequency of storms.
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
3. Stay informed of local threats and hazards.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with consideration of the proclamation.
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
September 2021 - "Orange County Preparedness Month"
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 — in 2020, the National
Weather Service issued 13 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, 4 Flash Flood Warnings, 4 Flood
Warning, and 3 Tornado Warnings; and
WHEREAS, Orange County experienced an estimated $1.2 million in estimated damages from
severe weather in 2020; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, Hurricane Florence brought significant rainfall in September, and was
followed by Tropical Storm Michael in October, with both storms causing widespread power
outages and flooding, and Florence resulting in more than $26 million in damages while Michael
exceeded $500,000; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Chair to 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, the Orange County Emergency Services Emergency Management Division, along
with emergency managers throughout the nation, has 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 2021 as "Orange County Preparedness Month."
This the 14' Day of September, 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners