HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 09-04-2025; 4-a - Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 4, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Kirby Saunders, Director, 919-245-6100
Sarah Pickhardt, Division Chief of
Emergency Management, 919-245-
6100
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring September 2025 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. North Carolina continues to
experience a 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 most devastating disaster this year so far is Tropical Storm Chantal. On July 6th, Tropical
Storm Chantal brought over ten (10) inches of rain in a short period of time to the Orange County
community. This caused widespread flooding that resulted in over 70 water rescues, nearly 8,000
calls to 9-1-1, and the tragic death of one (1) person as she was travelling to work. Initial damage
estimates of the storm include 448 homes with damage, an estimated $26 million in commercial
damages, and over $24 million in damages to public infrastructure.
It is critical that everyone works together as a community to ensure that people are connected
and prepared to remain resilient in the face of future disasters. All residents of Orange County are
encouraged to take the month of September to build a disaster kit for their families, make an
emergency plan, and get connected with OC Alerts (Orange County's emergency
notification/information system) to stay informed during emergencies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high-quality community safety and
emergency services in order to meet the community's evolving needs.
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• GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY
OBJECTIVE 5. Increase access to and awareness of resources and assistance available
to residents and businesses.
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 2025 - "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 causing
widespread power outages and flooding resulting in more than $26 million in damages; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has confirmed four separate tornadoes that have
impacted Orange County since 2019; and
WHEREAS, this year Tropical Storm Chantal brought significant rainfall and an EF-1 tornado that
caused widespread flooding and destruction resulting in the tragic death of one person and over
$75 million in residential, commercial, and public infrastructure damages; and
WHEREAS, year to date, Orange County has already experienced significant severe weather
activity to include four tornado warnings, twenty-two Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, and
fourteen Flash Flood or 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
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 2025 as "Orange County Preparedness Month".
This the 4t" Day of September, 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners