Agenda - 09-05-2023; 4-a - Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 5, 2023 Action Agenda Item No. 4-a SUBJECT: Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services Proclamation Director, 919-245-6100 Sarah Pickhardt, Division Chief of Emergency Management, 919-245- 6100 Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, 919-245-2000 PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring September 2023 as "Orange County Preparedness Month". BACKGROUND: National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. The theme of this year's National Preparedness Month is "Preparing for Older Adults." North Carolina continues to experience an unusually high volume of disasters, to include the severe weather, flooding events, and extreme temperatures. So far this year, Orange County has experienced multiple watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service for severe weather and flooding. The 2023 Hurricane Season continues to be above normal in predictions for both severity and frequency of storms. Older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies communities face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas. It is critical that as a community, everyone works together to ensure that people are connected and prepared to remain resilient in the face of future disasters. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the proclamation. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: