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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 1, 2020 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-e <br /> SUBJECT: Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6100 <br /> PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation declaring September 2020 as "Orange County <br /> Preparedness Month". <br /> BACKGROUND: National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote <br /> family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. The theme of this year's <br /> National Preparedness Month is "Disasters Don't Wait. Make your plan today." <br /> North Carolina has experienced an unusually high volume of disasters this year, to include the <br /> ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. To date, Orange <br /> County has experienced over 30 watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service <br /> for severe weather, flooding, and tornadic activity. The Orange County Emergency Operations <br /> Center (EOC) has set records for activation length this year at well over 200 days. The EOC <br /> remains activated to respond to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic as well as monitor for <br /> potential threats from the 2020 hurricane season, which is predicted to be extremely active. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br /> this item: <br /> • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY <br /> The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang <br /> activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. <br /> Disaster response and recovery takes the whole community (government, voluntary agencies, <br /> businesses, and community members) to be successful. A prepared community starts with <br /> individuals and families. People can prepare for disasters by following three steps: <br /> 1. Create a kit with at least three days' worth of supplies <br /> 2. Make a family disaster plan <br />