Topics Related to Emergency Response

RALEIGH – Governor Roy Cooper has signed a State of Emergency following the tornado that struck near Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County on Feb. 15.

 Governor Cooper offered the following comment after surveying the damage last week in Brunswick county: "The tornado caused significant damage, even demolishing some homes. I heard harrowing stories from survivors who were glad to be alive. The state will marshal all available resources to help people recover."

North Carolina residents should prepare today for the strong possibility of power outages due to an incoming winter storm that is forecast to arrive tonight. This storm will bring significant icing that’s likely to result in many fallen trees and power lines.“This forecast for icy weather is a real threat for widespread power outages,” said Governor Roy Cooper. "People need to be ready to stay home and be prepared to lose power for a while, especially in the northern, western and Piedmont counties."

Governor Roy Cooper has submitted a request to President Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a major federal disaster declaration to help with recovery after flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Eta in November.

“Heavy rains and floods from Tropical Storm Eta left a deadly path of destruction and many of our communities need help recovering,” said Gov. Cooper.

One more North Carolina county is eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance to supplement state and local Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts.

FEMA Public Assistance funding is now available to local governments, state agencies and certain private nonprofits in Lenoir County if they were affected by Hurricane Isaias between July 31 and Aug. 4, 2020.

The addition brings the total to 16 North Carolina counties designated for Public Assistance as part of the Hurricane Isaias major disaster declaration. 

Today Governor Roy Cooper signed a state disaster declaration for Alexander County and the surrounding counties of Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell, and Wilkes, after heavy rains associated with the remains of Tropical Storm Eta caused deadly floods. 

The State Emergency Response Commission will meet via teleconference on Friday, Oct 16.
The meeting will be available 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.

The White House and FEMA have granted Governor Roy Cooper’s Sept. 23 request for a major disaster declaration for 15 North Carolina counties that were hit hard by Hurricane Isaias.

“This declaration from our federal partners will help us rebuild stronger and smarter, so our communities can recover from the damage done by Hurricane Isaias,” said Gov. Cooper.

Yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper requested a major disaster declaration to help defray some of the costs for communities impacted by Hurricane Isaias. Read the request here.

“Unfortunately, North Carolinians are tested frequently by extreme weather and hurricanes,” said Gov. Cooper. “This application for aid from our federal partners will help us rebuild stronger and smarter, so our communities can recover from the damage done by Hurricane Isaias.”

 A search and rescue task force from North Carolina deployed this morning to assist in the response to Hurricane Laura along the Gulf Coast. Answering a request from the State of Louisiana through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, North Carolina is providing a task force of 41 responders.  

Hurricane Isaias made landfall at Ocean Isle Beach last night, bringing storm surge, high winds, heavy rains and tornadoes as it moved through North Carolina. 

“Isaias hit North Carolina head on,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “Sadly, we have two deaths attributed to the storm and our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastation. As clean up continues, don’t forget the pandemic is still with is. So help your neighbor, but do it safely by wearing your mask, keeping your distance and bringing your hand sanitizer.”