HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-05-2023; 4-a - Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 5, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services
Proclamation Director, 919-245-6100
Sarah Pickhardt, Division Chief of
Emergency Management, 919-245-
6100
Janice Tyler, Department on Aging
Director, 919-245-2000
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring September 2023 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 "Preparing for Older Adults."
North Carolina continues to experience an unusually high volume of disasters, to include the
severe weather, flooding events, and extreme temperatures. So far this year, Orange County has
experienced multiple watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service for severe
weather and flooding. The 2023 Hurricane Season continues to be above normal in predictions
for both severity and frequency of storms.
Older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and
emergencies communities face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a
disability, or live in rural areas.
It is critical that as a community, everyone works together to ensure that people are connected
and prepared to remain resilient in the face of future disasters.
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:
2
• 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
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.
3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
September 2023 - "Orange County Preparedness Month"
Theme — "Preparing for Older Adults"
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, the National Weather Service has confirmed three separate tornadoes that
have impacted Orange County since 2019; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service issued thirty seven Severe Thunderstorm
Warnings, seven Flash Flood Warnings, and two Tornado Warnings for Orange County
in 2022; and
WHEREAS, year to date, Orange County has already experienced significant severe
weather activity to include sixteen Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and three Flash Flood
Warnings; 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 priority and improved health a goal in our community; and
WHEREAS, this year's theme is "Preparing for Older Adults" and Orange County has
over 32,000 persons aged 60 and older in Orange County; and we know that older adults
can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and
emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are lower-income, have a
disability, or live in rural areas;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, recognize
Orange County Emergency Services - Emergency Management Division, along with the
Orange County Department on Aging, and 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 2023 as "Orange County Preparedness Month."
This the 5t" Day of September 2023.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners