Preparedness Phase

As part of the division's mission to protect public safety, public awareness and information programs are conducted throughout the year, including "The Governor's Hurricane Conference" and "Severe Weather Awareness Week," which are conducted in cooperation with other local, state, federal, and private sector organizations. The division regularly places exhibits at shopping centers and conventions, and presents programs to interested civic groups. The division also conducts workshops on specific threats, such as hurricanes and terrorism, for governmental officials and emergency personnel. The division provides literature, audio-visual materials and speakers to promote hazard awareness and risk reduction.

Planning

The Emergency Management Division work to identify and analyze the hazards that may threaten communities, and operations plans are developed accordingly. Emergency Operations Plans address the predictable consequences of disasters, i.e., isolated communities, lost power, downed trees - regardless of the hazard (hurricane, tornado, earthquakes, nuclear power incidents, and terrorism). These consequences are addressed through functional planning. Functional planning allows emergency planners to focus on operational tactics such as evacuation coordination, shelter operations, search and rescue, power restoration, debris removal, and donated goods. Exercises, ranging from tabletop versions to full-scale mock accidents involving multiple counties, are conducted to validate these state and local operations plans. The division regularly participates with local, state and federal agencies and utilities to test the emergency plans for nuclear power plant.

Training & Education

Training and education programs area also developed and coordinated through the division. The Emergency Management Division regularly conducts classes on such topics as hazardous materials, search operations, emergency response operations, recovery operations, hazard mitigation and public information.

Alert System

Hazard awareness and emergency preparedness information are critical to the public. The Emergency Alert System (EAS), is a cooperative effort between emergency management and commercial broadcasters across the state. North Carolina radio and television stations voluntarily give broadcast time to alert the public when threats become imminent. Such valuable information aids in saving lives, reducing injuries and lessening the impact on property.