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Special Disaster Info

Hurricane preparedness in a pandemic

PENDER COUNTY – The 2020 Hurricane Season is predicted to have an above-average number of storms. This is difficult news for anyone who is suffering from “COVID-19 Fatigue.”

“Pender County residents have the opportunity now to prepare for a hurricane and the pandemic,” said Carson Smith, Pender County Emergency Manager. “We encourage residents to prepare for Before, During, and After a Storm.”

Before the storm is the time to think about shelter and supplies.

The first step is: Make A Plan. As we continue social distancing and taking necessary safety measures, decide: Where will you go?

“In the event of evacuation, know your zone,” said Smith. “Preplan your route by selecting a destination.”

Identify the home of a family member or friend where you can stay. Or locate an affordable hotel where you can stay.

Public shelters set up by the local health department and Red Cross should be a refuge of last resort. Due to social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the state health department, local shelters will require a sparse configuration of distancing. Officials will check the body temperatures of evacuees signing into a shelter.

Secondly, build your emergency kit.

“Now is the time to stock your essentials and have an emergency kit,” Smith said.

Supplies such as non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, batteries, a transistor radio, a manual can opener, medications, pet supplies, cash, and important documents secured in a watertight bag are essentials for an emergency kit. However, during a pandemic, you must include face coverings, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

Every family member should have a seven-day supply of medications and toiletries, food, and water as well as a supply of hand sanitizers and face coverings. While preparing, remember to have a seven-day supply of pet supplies and pet medications, if applicable.

During a storm stay informed. Know your reliable sources of information. Don’t trust chat boards and rumors on social media. Pender County Emergency Management will post announcements on their website, Facebook page, and to local news media. Do not venture out during a storm.

After a storm flooding and down power lines may occur. Do not drive through water moving over roadways. Be aware of fire ants, bees, and use caution when operating a chainsaw. If you use a generator, do not operate it indoors.

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

Pender County response to COVID-19

The Pender County Board of Commissioners are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and health of Pender County residents and employees are of great concern.

Pender County officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. As of this morning, there are 33 cases of COVID-19 in the State of North Carolina. Currently there are no cases in Pender County.

Pender County Health and Human Services is monitoring the pandemic and providing updated information to our communications personnel.

Consistent with state and CDC guidance, Pender County officials are following protocols to prevent the impact of COVID-19.

County operations and events

Pender County Government business will continue to operate, but several programs and services are impacted in order to help reduce risk to our community:

• All county-sponsored group activities and events have been suspended.

• All organized sports in Pender County parks have been suspended. Parks are not yet closed to the public, but that is a day to day situation to monitor.

• The facilities department is paying special attention to disinfecting all doorknobs, surfaces, etc. Each employee is also responsible for their cleansing workspace and equipment.

Pender Fire and EMS has issued protective measures for personnel.

• At this time, the Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and most other official government meetings will continue as scheduled.

• Additionally, county employees will not travel out of town for business, will hold meetings, as much as possible, by conference call, webinar or a virtual platform.

• Visitation in the Pender County Jail has been suspended until further notice.

Cooperative Extension will postpone all educational programs until the end of April. The state is encouraging the department to work from home.

Utilities and solid waste will continue normal and emergency staffing.

• The Board of Commissioners authorized Pender County Utilities to temporarily suspend cutoffs during this event however, late fees and penalties will still accrue.

• The Pender County Sheriff offers a wellness check service called “Are You Okay?” To request a wellness check through the Sheriff’s Department call 910-259-1212.

• The Pender County Tax Office urges anyone paying business or personal property taxes to use the return envelope to mail in payments. The return address is Mt. Airy, which is where the county’s print vendor is located, which will in turn report all payments to Pender County.

Pender County Housing will continue by appointment only. All waiting lists are closed. All paperwork needed for housing assistance is available near the housing department entrance. Completed paperwork should be left in the drop box in front of the housing department office.

PAS-TRAN will run medical appointments only for transportation, effective March 20. This will be in effect until April 2, unless otherwise notified.

Pender Adult Services are suspending all senior center activities effective March 19. The last congregate meal will be served March 18 and Shelf Meals will be provided for the remainder of the week for Home Delivered Meals. Effective March 24, one hot meal will be provided for current congregate meal clients on a drive-thru basis only. Call PAS for information at 910-259-9119.

• Home Delivered Meal clients through Pender Adult Services and van rider congregate clients will receive one hot and one cold meal delivered with shelf meals for the week, effective March 24 and each following Tuesday until further notice. For questions call 910259-9119.

  • Pender County Board of Elections is operating as normal except the office is closed to public entrance. Elections staff can be reached by phone 910-259-1220, email penderboe@pendercountync.gov. or visit our webpage for documents or forms.A Drop box will be located at the front door if anyone wishes to drop off a form in person

Visit CDC.gov for more information. The State of North Carolina has set up a Coronavirus hotline at 1-866-462-3821. Watch the Pender County Government website for local updates and information.

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