HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-06-2022; 4-a - Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 6, 2022
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kirby Saunders, (919) 245-6100
Proclamation Sarah Pickhardt, (919) 245-6100
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring September 2022 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."
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 2022 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 entire 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
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2. Make a family disaster plan
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
September 2022 - "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, in 2018, Hurricane Florence brought significant rainfall in September, and was
followed by Tropical Storm Michael in October; both storms causing widespread power outages
and flooding, with Florence resulting in more than $26 million in damages while Michael exceeded
$500,000; and
WHEREAS, Orange County experienced an estimated $1.2 million in estimated damages from
severe weather in 2020; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service issued 14 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, one Flash
Flood Warning, and three Tornado Warnings for Orange County in 2021; and
WHEREAS, year to date, Orange County has already experienced significant severe weather
activity to include 35 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, six Flash Flood Warnings, one Flood
Warning, and one Tornado Warning, and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado with maximum wind speeds
of 105 miles per hour impacted Northern Orange County on May 6, 2022; 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;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, recognize Orange County
Emergency Services - Emergency Management Division, along with emergency managers
throughout the nation, who have collaborated to recognize September as National Preparedness
Month, and the Board joins them in encouraging Orange County residents to stay informed and
prepared;
FURTHERMORE, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners hereby declares
September 2022 as "Orange County Preparedness Month."
This the 6th Day of September 2022.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners