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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 4, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Kirby Saunders, Director, 919-245-6100 <br /> Sarah Pickhardt, Division Chief of <br /> Emergency Management, 919-245- <br /> 6100 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring September 2025 as "Orange County <br /> Preparedness Month". <br /> BACKGROUND: National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family <br /> and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. North Carolina continues to <br /> experience a high volume of disasters, to include the severe weather, flooding events, and <br /> extreme temperatures. So far this year, Orange County has experienced multiple watches and <br /> warnings issued by the National Weather Service for severe weather and flooding. <br /> The most devastating disaster this year so far is Tropical Storm Chantal. On July 6th, Tropical <br /> Storm Chantal brought over ten (10) inches of rain in a short period of time to the Orange County <br /> community. This caused widespread flooding that resulted in over 70 water rescues, nearly 8,000 <br /> calls to 9-1-1, and the tragic death of one (1) person as she was travelling to work. Initial damage <br /> estimates of the storm include 448 homes with damage, an estimated $26 million in commercial <br /> damages, and over $24 million in damages to public infrastructure. <br /> It is critical that everyone works together as a community to ensure that people are connected <br /> and prepared to remain resilient in the face of future disasters. All residents of Orange County are <br /> encouraged to take the month of September to build a disaster kit for their families, make an <br /> emergency plan, and get connected with OC Alerts (Orange County's emergency <br /> notification/information system) to stay informed during emergencies. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high-quality community safety and <br /> emergency services in order to meet the community's evolving needs. <br />