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Public Notices

Juniper Road Two Fire in Pender County at 25 percent containment

HAMPSTEAD – As of 8 a.m., Aug. 11, the Juniper Road Two Fire is estimated to be 2,000 acres in size and at 25% containment after pushing beyond firelines on Wednesday, Aug.
10 and progressing east toward Highway 50.

The Juniper Road Two Fire was caused by a lightning strike on Tuesday, Aug. 2, well within the interior of the game lands.

Fire personnel is conducting initial attack operations to reorganize containment lines and catch wind-driven spot over fires. Difficult terrain, changing weather patterns with wind
gusts, low relative humidity, and high heat index values remain a challenge for firefighting efforts. Currently, the fire remains about two miles west of Highway 50.

There are no structures threatened at this time.

The public is being urged to remain vigilant and continue monitoring local news resources. Hazardous road conditions due to smoke may be a factor during the evening and overnight hours.

Operational resources working the fire include a dozen tractor plow units with crewmen, one helicopter, two single-engine air tankers, one scout and lead plane, and 21 personnel from N.C. Forest Service.

The public is reminded to keep drones away from wildfires. While drones provide unique opportunities for aerial video and imagery of wildfire activity, they are unauthorized. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

For information updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

Wildfire in Holly Shelter Game Lands

 

MAPLE HILL – Pender County Emergency Management is on the scene of an approximately 150-acre wildfire. The wildfire is located inside the Holly Shelter Game Lands.

Pender County EM staff is assisting the North Carolina Forest Service.

Smoke from this fire may affect the Maple Hill, Holly Ridge, and other neighborhoods along the Pender County and Onslow County borders.

For updates throughout the day, please visit the Pender County Emergency Management or Pender County Facebook pages and website.

Residents who have not opted into CodeRed emergency notifications, can sign up for the free service online at https://pendercountync.gov/em/.

Hurricane season has arrived, being prepared is critical

PENDER COUNTY – Nearly two months into hurricane season, Pender County is continuing to provide hurricane preparedness information for citizens in our county. Pender County is committed to promoting personal and community preparedness techniques to ensure all citizens understand their flood risk, work to mitigate their flood risk and stay informed regarding hurricanes and flood events.

In the recent past, we have witnessed the devasting impacts that hurricanes can cause. High winds, heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and floods can cause loss of life and damage to property. As we saw with the impacts of Hurricane Florence in Pender County, all hurricanes can cause significant damage, even if they are not considered a Major Hurricane (Category 3 or higher).

Always keep these important facts in mind while preparing:

Know Your Risk: To search for general information about risks in your area, visit https://gis.pendercountync.gov/maps/ and type in your address. Click on layers and select flood zones to see what flood zone you are in or near. You can also visit NOAA’s historical hurricane track tool at https://coast.noaa.gov/hurricanes/ to check the severity and frequency of past hurricanes in your area.

Flood Alerts: To sign up for flood alerts that are tied to the nearest river gages, go to Pender County’s website and search for the webpage “Being Prepared for a Hurricane” https://pendercountync.gov/pcd/planning-community-development/being-prepared-for-a-hurricane/. Instructions to sign up for alerts can be found under the Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) section.

Be Prepared: Act now to be prepared for hurricane season. Make sure you have family evacuation and communication plans, update your emergency supply kit and evaluate your flood insurance needs.

Survival Kit Supplies: Water, food (non-perishable), flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio (can be purchased at Red Cross store online), extra batteries, deluxe family first aid kit, medications and medical items, multi-purpose tools, sanitation, and personal hygiene items, copy of personal documents, cell phone with charger, family and emergency contact information, extra cash, emergency blanket, maps of the area, and if needed: Baby supplies, games and activities for children, pet supplies, and a manual can-opener.

Flood Insurance: Did you know that homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from flooding? The good news is that Pender County is a member of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Flood insurance is available to homeowners, condo owners, apartment owners, renters and business owners. Typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before your policy goes into effect. Areas in the floodplain are at a high risk of flooding. In high-risk areas, there is at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.

For more information, visit the Pender County Emergency Management website or our Facebook page. If you have not signed up for the CodeRed alert system, register for free at https://pendercountync.gov/em/ or call 910-259-1210 for details.

On-street parking violations are subject to a $250 fine

PENDER COUNTY – To give fire and emergency apparatus unobstructed access, the North Carolina general statute orders all roadways must be passable.

“In housing developments where parking on the street occurs, especially near a fire hydrant, this can be a serious concern and a violation of state statute,” said Pender County Deputy Fire Marshal Amy Burton.

State law mandates fire apparatus must have an unobstructed width of not less than 20-ft., not including road shoulders, and a vertical clearance of not less than 13-feet 6 inches.

“State statute specifically notates the parking of vehicles along a street,” said Burton. “Every street, especially in heavily populated areas, must be clear for emergency vehicles at all times.”

North Carolina General Statute 20-162 details the law concerning parking near fire hydrants, in front of private driveways, near intersections, and parking in fire lanes. The statute also gives law enforcement the authority to remove vehicles.

“Pender County fire code officials have the authority to issue civil citations, and/or remove vehicles,” said Burton. “Fines can be as high as $250, per citation, according to state law.”

“To ensure the safety of our residents and their properties, we urge all neighborhoods to evaluate all street parking. Residents with concerns regarding obstructed access should call the fire marshal’s office,” said Burton.

Community feedback sought to identify Cape Fear and Albemarle regions’ community climate hazards

Regional Resilience Portfolio Program workshop will offer local support for growth and stability

RALEIGH, N.C. – Community members from the Cape Fear council of government regions (Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties) and the Albemarle council of government regions (Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties) are invited to attend an online public workshop to discuss and identify locations that are subject to damage or loss due to climate hazards. Workshop attendees will also be provided an opportunity to share personal experiences with disaster preparedness and recovery. An initiative of the Regional Resilience Portfolio Program, the workshop is an opportunity for residents to provide direct input on the development of a regional vulnerability assessment. The assessment will be released for public comment before it is finalized and used to create a portfolio of priority community resiliency projects.

The Regional Resilience Portfolio Program is a component of the larger Regions Innovating for Strong Economies & Environment (RISE) Program. RISE is a partnership between the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) and N.C. Rural Center, in collaboration with the N.C. Councils of Governments.

The Regional Resilience Portfolio Program serves the following council of governments regions: Kerr-Tar, Upper Coastal Plain, Albemarle, Mid-Carolina, Mid-East, Lumber River, Cape Fear, Eastern Carolina and Triangle J (except for Wake, Durham and Orange counties). A list of counties for each region can be found on the RISE website, along with a program kickoff announcement.

Members of the public who wish to attend the April virtual meetings should follow the steps below to register online for one of the workshops:

Cape Fear Council of Governments Region Public Workshops
April 7, 10 – 11 a.m. and 6 – 7 p.m.
Register at: https://form.jotform.com/220743857526159
Deadline: April 6

Albemarle Commission Region Public Workshops
April 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
April 8, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
April 9, 10 – 11 a.m.
Register at: https://form.jotform.com/220744585126154
Deadline: April 6

RISE is funded by a $1.1 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant, with support from both NCORR and N.C. Rural Center. The Duke Energy Foundation has committed $600,000 to offer Accelerator Grants to the regions for priority projects identified as an outcome of the program. RISE is managed by NCORR, a division of the N.C. Department of Public Safety. To learn more about the program or what’s happening in each council of government region, visit the RISE website.

March 6-12 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Governor Cooper Reminds North Carolinians to Prepare for Severe Weather

RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March 6-12 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week and is urging North Carolinians to prepare for severe weather that’s common during spring months.

“North Carolina is no stranger to severe weather, and while spring is typically the most active season for thunderstorms and tornadoes, they can happen any time,” Governor Cooper said. “Help protect your family by being prepared for severe weather. Make sure you have an up-to-date emergency kit, a way to receive alerts about dangerous weather, and a preparedness plan to review with everyone in your household.”

Governor Cooper also encourages North Carolinians to participate in this year’s statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 9 at 9:30 a.m. At home or at work, that means seeking shelter on the lowest floor of your home or building, in an interior room away from doors or windows.

Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms when winds change direction and increase in speed. These storms can produce large hail and damaging winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. A tornado can develop rapidly with little warning, so having a plan in place will allow you to respond quickly.

“I encourage everyone to participate in this year’s statewide tornado drill, at home, at work, or at school. Having a plan and knowing your designated safe places will go a long way to helping you survive an actual tornado,” said Emergency Management Director Will Ray.

Test messages will be broadcast via the Emergency Alert System on radio and TV and on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, signaling the start of the tornado drill.

Across the state in 2021, North Carolina recorded 21 tornado touchdowns, 101 large hail storms, 344 damaging thunderstorm wind events, 109 flood or flash flood events, which includes the remnants from Tropical Storm Fred that caused deadly flooding in Western North Carolina.

Emergency Management officials recommend the following safety tips:
• Develop a family emergency plan so each member knows what to do, where to go, and who to call during an emergency.
• If thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning is close enough to strike you.
• Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room away from windows.
• Know the terms: WATCH means severe weather is possible. WARNING means severe weather is occurring; take shelter immediately.
• Assemble an emergency supply kit for use at home or in your vehicle. Make sure to include a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water.
• If driving, leave your vehicle immediately to seek shelter in a safe structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle and do not stop under an overpass or bridge.
• If there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area.

Find more information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness online at ReadyNC.gov.

Read the Proclamation.

Local Emergency Planning Committee highlights disaster preparedness

NEW HANOVER COUNTY – More than two dozen government agencies from Pender and New Hanover counties, several local municipalities, and private business partners from across the region came together at the Wilmington Convention Center on Feb. 3 for the first conference of the New Hanover and Pender Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

The event was an opportunity for officials in the public and private sectors to discuss, review and develop a deeper understanding of the needs and strategies necessary to collaborate and successfully navigate an emergency, should it arise.

“Working together when a disaster happens, whether it’s a natural event or something caused by human error, is so important to keep our communities safe. This was a chance to really dive into what that looks like,” said New Hanover County Emergency Management Technician and event conference coordinator Teresa Smith. “In Southeastern North Carolina, we know a lot about hurricanes and flooding, but those aren’t the only type of disasters that could potentially impact our area. Being prepared for an array of events and scenarios is so critical to safety.”

The conference opened with a welcome by Pender County Chairman David Piepmeyer who stressed the importance of regional collaboration. The event was bookended by two speakers who drove home the importance of being prepared. Charleston firefighter Dr. David Griffin opened the day with an emotional presentation about the 2007 fire at a furniture store in Charleston that left nine firefighters dead and how that moment reshaped the training and skill development of firefighters in the city and across the country. Pender County Fire Marshall Mark Haraway closed the gathering by discussing his role as Fire Chief and Emergency Management director for the town of Apex during a chemical fire back in 2007 at the Environmental Quality Industrial Services plant that made international headlines.

In between those presentations, more than 200 attendees heard from and asked questions of local and state health officials, staff at General Electric, the National Weather Service, community service providers and others about things to consider when developing plans for a major event.

“Hearing from people who have lived through these types of catastrophic events truly drives home just how crucial it is to be prepared and have those open lines of communication between our public and private partners in the LEPC,” said Pender County Emergency Management Director Tommy Batson. “We certainly hope this training and these partnerships are something we never have to call upon, but we also know it could be the thing that leads to a decision that saves someone’s life.”

Partners in the LEPC include New Hanover County Emergency Management, Pender County Emergency Management, City of Wilmington Emergency Management, Town of Carolina Beach, New Hanover County Commissioners Office (with Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr. serving as the representative), New Hanover County Public Health, New Hanover County Fire Rescue, City of Wilmington Fire Department, Pender County Health Department, UNCW Emergency Management, NC Emergency Management, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, NC Department of Environmental Quality, NC Department of Transportation, US Coast Guard, Acme Smoked Fish, Airgas, Alcami, American Red Cross, Buckeye Terminal, Colonial Terminal, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Celanese, Corning, Duke Energy Sutton Plant, Elementis, GE/ GE Hitachi, HEPACO, Kinder Morgan, NC State Port Authority, Novant Health NHRMC, Piedmont Natural Gas, Praxair, SeaSafety, SR&R Environmental, Stepan, and Sturdy Corporation.

The LEPC is responsible for SARA Title III environmental compliance, HAZMAT training and exercises, site-specific chemical planning programs, coordination of chemical information to emergency responders, and maintenance of the county-wide HAZMAT Incident Management Plan.

Conference planning staff included representatives from New Hanover County Emergency Management, Pender County Emergency Management, New Hanover County Fire Rescue, City of Wilmington Fire, City of Wilmington Emergency Management, American Red Cross, and New Hanover County Public Health.

Delayed opening scheduled at Holly Shelter Shooting Range, Jan. 29

BURGAW – Pender County Parks and Recreation announced, due to predicted winter weather, the Holly Shelter Shooting Range will open Saturday, Jan. 29, at noon.

“For the safety of our visitors and staff, we are issuing a delayed opening time,” said Dee Turner from Pender County Parks and Recreation.

For updates, closings, and storm-related information, be sure to follow the county website, pendercountync.gov, Pender County’s Facebook page, the Holly Shelter Shooting Range Facebook page, or the Pender County Emergency Management Facebook page.

 

For storm alerts, residents may register for CodeRed alerts, a free service of the county emergency management department. Sign up at pendercountync.gov/em or call 910-259-1210.

Water line break impacts southern portions of Hampstead area, boil water alert

System Pressure Advisory for portions of Hampstead-area
 
Water customers of Pender County, from Hwy 17 / Whitebridge Road to 469 Whitebridge Road including all roads and side roads including, Mare Pond Place, Holly Grove Lane, Otter Pond Lane, Saddlebrook Lane, and East Rolling Meadows Road, will be without water or will have low water pressure.
 
Repairs are underway and customers will be without water for several hours.
 
The cause of the break is due to construction damage.
 
Water service will be returned upon completion of the work.
 
Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increase the potential for back siphonage and the introduction of bacteria into the water system. Therefore, consumers in the area noted above are advised to boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation) or use bottled water until this advisory is lifted.
 
This advisory will be in effect for a minimum of 24 hours. Vigorous boiling for one (1) minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water. Water customers are strongly urged to conserve water whenever possible.
 
This advisory remains in effect until further written notification is issued.

Pender County Emergency Management partners with American Red Cross to “Sound the Alarm”

Free smoke detectors available to Burgaw and Atkinson

BURGAW – Pender County Emergency Management and local fire departments are partnering with the American Red Cross to provide free information and smoke detectors to members of the Burgaw and Atkinson communities.

“Smoke detectors save lives,” said Pender County Fire Marshal Mark Haraway. “A working smoke detector is essential to protect you and your family – especially at night.”

Haraway explained that when sleeping, the sense of smell is not as sensitive. However, the piercing sound of a working smoke detector will awaken families with enough time to escape a home fire.

Residents who need a smoke detector should call Pender County Emergency Management at 910-259-1210 or register online at www.tinyurl.com/pendersmokealarms.

“Our initial round of smoke detectors is limited,” said Haraway. “We encourage residents of Burgaw and Atkinson who need a working smoke detector to call or fill out the online request. We will be receiving additional smoke detectors in the coming months and plan to distribute those units throughout Pender County.”

The smoke detectors provided through “Sound the Alarm” are extended life units with a lithium power cell and do not require additional batteries.

Installation is available for families on limited or fixed incomes.

The program, “Sound the Alarm” will take place Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. “Sound the Alarm” is a national movement and pledge to keep families safe against home fires. Corporate sponsors for this program include Delta Airlines, FEMA, Lowe’s, NC Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Pender County Emergency Management.

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