Topics Related to Emergency Response

Governor and State Leaders Remind Residents to Be Ready for Winter Weather

For the third weekend in a row, North Carolina is preparing for a winter storm and Governor Cooper and state leaders are reminding residents to be ready for winter weather.

“Today is the day to get the essentials you need, so you can stay off the roads tonight and Saturday if conditions are dangerous in your area,” said Governor Cooper.

State emergency leaders remind people to pay close attention to their local forecast.  Accumulating snow could lead to hazardous travel Friday night through midday Saturday. 

Four Additional Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance in North Carolina

Local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Ashe, Graham, Jackson and Mitchell counties are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance grants for recovery from Tropical Storm Fred.

On Oct. 1, the major disaster declaration was amended to add four more counties affected by flood damage after Tropical Storm Fred.  Previously Avery, Buncombe. Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Yancy and Watauga counties were approved for Public Assistance on Sept. 8. 

North Carolina receives 25 ambulances and crews in response to request to FEMA

In response to a resource request submitted to FEMA, North Carolina has received 25 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances each with a two-person crew of EMS providers.   The ambulances and crews have been assigned to assist nine county Emergency Medical Systems that are experiencing greatly increased calls for service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free Legal Assistance for North Carolina Disaster Survivors

Free legal assistance is available to survivors in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who were affected by Tropical Storm Fred.

Survivors facing disaster-related issues who cannot afford an attorney may call the Disaster Legal Aid hotline at 866-219-5262. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours on Monday and Thursday are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Apply for help online at www.legalaidnc.org/get-help/self-help-library/disaster-relief.

Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Disaster Workers

Survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud, scams or identity theft. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

Survivors should keep the following information in mind while FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials are on the ground.

Governor Cooper Issues State of Emergency in Response to Severe Weather

In response to Tropical Storm Fred, Governor Roy Cooper issued a State of Emergency today to activate the state’s emergency operations plan and waive transportation rules to help first responders and the agriculture industry. 

“This state of emergency will allow our first responders to get into our affected communities quickly to save lives, restore power, remove debris and bring supplies,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolina is strong and resilient, and we’re committed to helping people and businesses recover as quickly as possible.”

State Emergency Response Commission to meet Friday, July 16

The State Emergency Response Commission will meet Friday, July 16.  Some members of the commission will attend in person at the State Emergency Operations Center and others will participate via video conference.The meeting can be viewed via livestream at ncdps.gov/news-conference.WHAT:  State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) Meeting. The 23-member SERC is responsible for protecting the state’s citizens and environment through effective emergency planning.

North Carolina Feels Effects of Tropical Storm Elsa

As North Carolina begins to feel the effects of Tropical Storm Elsa, Governor Roy Cooper and state emergency management officials are reminding residents to be prepared for possible power outages and to avoid driving through floodwaters.

“Residents and visitors to North Carolina should keep safety in mind as Tropical Storm Elsa passes through our state today,” said Governor Cooper. “Everyone should stay alert to rapidly changing weather conditions and have a plan should they need to move to another location.”

Over $1.6 Million Approved for Beaufort County to Acquire Flood-Prone Properties

The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $1,603,745 to help Beaufort County acquire, demolish and remove 19 residential structures that were flooded after Hurricane Florence in 2018. 

The structures are located within a Special Flood Hazard Area in Washington, N.C.  Once they are removed, the parcels will be converted to an open space in the natural floodplain. Purchase of the properties will also help the homeowners to relocate to an area where they won’t face an ongoing flood risk.  

Town of Oak Island Awarded $1.3 Million for Debris Removal After Hurricane Isaias

The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $1,345,667 to reimburse the Town of Oak Island for removing debris from public rights-of-way after Hurricane Isaías last year.

Funds for the project cover the townwide disposal of 49,373 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 13,021 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 2,575 hazardous hanging limbs and 34 leaning trees. FEMA’s share for the projects is $1,009,250 and the state’s share is $336,416.