The Emergency Management Division works to protect the citizens of Sampson County from the effects of natural and technology hazards. The division is responsible for assisting emergency responders as well as businesses and local government in planning for major emergencies, responding to emergencies, and recovery from disasters.
In order to accomplish this task, the Emergency Management Division has developed the Sampson County Emergency Operation Plan, which is approved by the Sampson County Board of Commissioners. If a major emergency threatens or strikes Sampson County, the Emergency Operation Plan assigns roles and responsibilities to all county departments and agencies. Defining the roles of each response agency reduces confusion, chaos, and conflict during emergencies and significantly decreases the vulnerability of the citizens and their property to hazardous threats. An emergency or disaster could last from one hour to days or even weeks. It is important that each family prepare for emergencies or disasters. Outside help will get there as quick as possible but help may not be able to get to you due to roads being blocked or impassable. Therefore, it is very important that everyone be prepared to survive on their own for at least 72 hours by completing a family disaster supplies kit and having a family emergency plan. Another way to protect yourself is to be prepared for emergencies before they happen. You can prepare yourself by learning what to do for the specific emergency that may occur such as tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and flooding. Additional information may be obtained from the American Red Cross, FEMA website and the FEMA for Kids website.
The response phase consists of five basic stages:
The Emergency Operations Center will be activated at the Emergency Services Office during large-scale emergencies to assure central coordination of response and resources. Shelters have been designated in Sampson County in accordance with the multi-hazard disaster response plan. Shelter operations in Sampson County is a cooperative effort of public/private facilities, schools, Social Services, Health Department, Emergency Management and Red Cross. In 1999, shortly after Hurricane Floyd, several local businesses donated funds for the purchase of six shelter trailers, which are utilized to store and transport many of the items needed for Sheltering Operations. Each of the six units are equipped with generators, emergency lighting, 150 cots, 150 blankets, as well an administrative trunk for registering evacuees and a nursing trunk for emergency care.
States and Local governments benefit from mitigation planning by:
Sampson County's current Hazard Mitigation Plan can be viewed here. Hazard Mitigation Plans are updated every 5 years. Recovery The recovery phase includes: debris clearance, damage assessment, disaster assistance centers, disaster grants or loans, crisis counseling, reconstruction and/or temporary housing. How quickly a community recovers from a disaster depends on the type of event, the size of area involved, and the capabilities of resources as well as many other possibilities. After a disaster, help will be available, but not everyone can be reached immediately. Depending upon the type and magnitude of the disaster, it could take hours or even days. Preparedness is your best protection and proper planning prior to a disaster is essential. |
Sampson County
Emergency Services Phone: (910) 592-8996 Fax: (910) 592-5383 Physical/Mailing Address: 530 Commerce St, Clinton, NC 28328 |