Item 7-c - Hurricane Florence Operations Review and Debriefing

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3 missions. South Orange Rescue Squad deployed to one mission. The Orange Rural Fire Department assisted on two missions, and the Chapel Hill Fire Department and Public Works Department each deployed on one mission. Lessons Learned and Mitigation As part of the debriefing process, County departments have identified several lessons and opportunities for improvement and future mitigation. • Reassessment of mass care shelter needs and readiness o During sheltering operations, County staff noted the need to improve some facility elements and refine how care is provided to medically fragile or vulnerable individuals. Long term sheltering operations will also require a more robust staffing plan. • Personnel policies for exempt, essential employees o The County's shelters were largely staffed by exempt employees who do not receive additional compensation for hours worked during a suspension of nonessential operations. The County will review this policy for fairness and consistency. • Policy for media access in shelters o The County was asked by several media outlets to enter the shelters and interview shelter residents. The County will refine and codify its policy for media access so that shelter managers can provide clear guidance. • Expectations of Community Centers o The County's three community centers are capable of providing respite following a severe weather event. However, these expectations are not outlined in the Center's operating agreements. The County needs to define and communicate consistent expectations across the centers as well as evaluate the Centers' role in the County's severe weather communications strategy. • Flood Prone Area Assessment and Mitigation o The County has identified several flood prone areas that consistently flood during heavy rainfalls. The most significant risks are located in the Town of Chapel Hill. Responding to this consistent flooding consumes significant public resources. The County will work with the Town to develop mitigation strategies for these areas. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The County is continuing to gather information regarding the cost of emergency protective measures and damage to public and private property. Current estimates suggest the cost of protective measures to be approximately $2.4 million, damage to public property to be over $1.4 million, and private damage to approach $500,000. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.