Accessibility Tools

Web Accessibility plugin by DJ-Extensions.com
Skip to main content

Practice and Planning Makes Perfect: Alamance County Encourages Preparedness for Tornadoes, Severe Storms

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Emergency Management, General News, Public Safety.

With pandemic lock downs and a cold, wet winter, most of us are looking forward to spring showers and May flowers. However, those showers may come as severe thunderstorms with potential lightning, tornadoes and flash flooding – all of which can develop so rapidly that an advance warning may be impossible. A great activity to take on while still indoors awaiting for the arrival of spring is to get prepared by updating your family emergency plan and supply kit so you are ready should severe weather strike.

To encourage planning and preparation for severe weather, March 7-13, 2021 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina and serves as a reminder to all, the importance of planning for unexpected thunderstorms and tornadoes that could impact our state.

Government agencies, businesses and schools will participate in the annual statewide tornado drill Wednesday, March 10th, at 9:30 a.m. While exercising social distancing and mask wearing we encourage everyone to practice their severe weather safety plan and seek shelter on the lowest floor of your building and away from windows. Practicing now will allow you to respond quickly when severe weather heads your way.

All residents should take this opportunity to practice what to do in the event that a severe thunderstorm or tornado takes place. Tornadoes and flash floods can develop at a moment’s notice; take time now to prepare and keep you and your loved ones safe.

Keep your home a safe haven this severe weather season and use the following safety tips:

  • Develop a family emergency plan and discuss thunderstorm safety with all members of your household. Make sure your family knows basic safety measures, such as first aid, CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher.
  • Assemble an emergency supplies kit. Include a 3-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water. Keep it in a location that is easy to access.
  • Stay alert by listening to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio.
  • Practice your plan. Make sure every family member is aware of where to go, what to do and who to call in case of an emergency.

Find more information on tornadoes, severe storms and emergency preparedness by visiting the ReadyNC website, www.ReadyNC.org.

Alamance County, take time now to prepare; it could make all the difference.

DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, Emergency Management, General News, Public Safety, Storm Information.

WHEREAS, severe winter weather 02/18/21 -Alamance County; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the above-described emergency, I have determined that there is an imminent threat of, or existing conditions have caused or will cause, widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property, and public safety authorities will be unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for lives or property; and

WHEREAS, declaring a State of Emergency and imposing the restrictions and prohibitions ordered herein is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to secure property.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the County Board of Commissioner Chair of Alamance County under Article IA of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes, specifically Chapter 166A-19 .22.

ection 1. A State of Emergency is hereby declared within Alamance County as more particularly described in Section 2.

Section 2. The emergency area covered by this state of emergency shall be: ~ All areas within the jurisdiction of Alamance County. 

Section 3. The following restrictions and prohibitions are imposed: D Evacuation: D Curfew: D Restricted Access: D Business Operations: 0 Alcohol: D Dangerous Weapons & Gasoline: D Other: ~ No restrictions or prohibitions are imposed at this time, but may be addressed in a subsequent declaration or modification.

Section 4. I hereby order all Alamance County law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to our control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration, all applicable local ordinances, state and federal laws, and the Alamance County Emergency Operations Plan.

Section 5. I hereby order this declaration: (a) to be distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; (b) to be filed with Clerk to the Alamance County Board of Commissioners and (c) to be distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this declaration. 

Section 6. This declaration shall take effect on 02/18/21 at 6:00 a.m., and shall remain in effect for fifteen days unless further modified or rescinded. 

DECLARED this the 2/18/21 at 6:00 a.m. 

Declaration of State of Emergency – 2-18-21 – Signed CopyDownload

Alamance County Government Experiences Phone Outages

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Agricultural Extension, Announcements, County News, Emergency Management, Environmental Health, Family Justice Center, Fire Marshal, General News, Health, Social Services, Soil and Water.

The Alamance County Government buildings located on the North Campus in Burlington are currently experiencing phone outages. These buildings include the Human Services Center, Family Justice Center, Agriculture Extension, and Environmental Health. AT&T is aware of the issue and working to restore service.

Email and websites remain active and available to the public.

Alamance County Urges Residents to Update Emergency Plans and Kits May 3-9 in North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Emergency Management, General News, Public Events, Public Safety, Storm Information.

Alamance County Emergency Management encourages residents to plan now for hurricanes by updating their emergency plans and supply kits. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

“While many are focused on staying healthy and safe during this time, we also want to remind our residents how to prepare for a hurricane and mitigate damage to your home or business,” said Debbie Hatfield, Alamance County Emergency Management Director. “When residents have a plan and a survival kit it goes a long way to help our county preparedness and protect our first responders.”

To encourage residents to prepare, Governor Roy Cooper has declared May 3-9 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Alamance County residents should take this time to review and practice their emergency plans. “Your emergency plan should include where to go and who to contact when disaster strikes,” says Hatfield. “Make sure to take the time to practice your plan so your family and loved ones know what to do. You should also talk to your neighbors about their plans, especially those who may need assistance such as senior citizens. Discuss how you can assist one another so everyone is safe.”

Residents are urged to take the time to write down their plan and gather important documents, such as copy of driver’s license, insurance policies, medicals records, and bank account statements, and put them somewhere they can quickly access in case of an emergency. Assemble an emergency supplies kit that includes enough non-perishable food and water to last each family member three to seven days.

Other essential items include: first-aid kit, weather radio and batteries, prescription medicines, sleeping bag or blankets, changes of clothes, hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant, cash, pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records. Make sure to review and update homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies to ensure they include coverage for damage, natural disasters and flood insurance.

Alamance County residents should stay informed during severe weather by using a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information and should know evacuation routes in their community. When asked to evacuate, residents should leave the area immediately.

“Being prepared for severe weather doesn’t mean that we won’t suffer from damage, but it does improve our chances for surviving and recovering quicker from a storm,” says Hatfield.

More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found online at www.ReadyNC.org.