Sampson County Board of Commissioners declares September 2021 as Preparedness Month

[September 14, 2021] – On the anniversary of Hurricane Florence three years ago, the Sampson County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring September as “Preparedness Month,” joining counties across the state in the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ “100 Counties Prepared” initiative. The resolution encourages citizens to take proactive steps to prepare for potential emergencies by developing a household emergency plan and communicating their plan to family members, building an emergency kit, understanding weather watches and warnings, and knowing where to find critical local storm response information. In 2018, Hurricane Florence’s winds caused tornadoes and catastrophic flooding in Sampson County, which necessitated more than 70 water rescue operations. Nearly 60% of the county lost power, and many areas became temporarily isolated due to washed out roadways. The County operated a total of 13 shelters, housing over 3,200 people and 200 pets. “As we recall the devastation of three years ago, we are reminded of the need for all of us to be prepared,” stated County Commissioner Jerol Kivett, who represents the District 6 counties (Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland) on the NCACC Board of Directors. “My colleague and NCACC President Frank Williams of Brunswick County has appointed a task force of commissioners charged with developing training for county commissioners on emergency readiness and encouraging strategic response relationships. We are delighted to join this important initiative.” 100 Counties Prepared will encompass the full spectrum of emergencies that can occur anywhere in the state, including mudslides, earthquakes, tornadoes, flooding, hurricane, and pandemic response. The 2021 theme of National Preparedness Month is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”