How Is Your County Preparing For The Hanna Threat?
How Is Your County Preparing For The Hanna Threat? Save Email Print
Posted: 4:58 PM Sep 2, 2008
Last Updated: 6:13 PM Sep 4, 2008

A | A | A

Many emergency management officials in Eastern Carolina have been on conference calls with state and local officials to discuss Hanna’s path and possible impact on Eastern Carolina.

Below is a county-by-county look at how else they are preparing. We’ll continue to add more information as we get it. Emergency officials can send their updates for this list to stephanie.shoop@witntv.com.



Beaufort County

In Beaufort County, a generator has been ordered for Southside High School, one of the facilities used as a shelter should a hurricane come our way. Additional meetings are on tap to discuss possible action.



Bertie County

Officials in Bertie County are checking to make sure communications are ready. They are waiting until Wednesday and Thursday to determine if more resources are needed. Bertie County emergency leaders are checking phone lines and computer systems. Like many other counties, Bertie County is checking its text messaging to the state, which is a line of communication to call for help. Bertie County has three schools designated as shelters if a hurricane roars ashore in the East.



Carteret County

Carteret County emergency management officials are closely monitoring Hanna. They are getting disaster teams ready, such as the Red Cross. Carteret County has a Code Red emergency call system which can reach up to 60,000 people with one phone message. Newport Middle School is a facility that would be used as a shelter should Hanna churn this way. Capacity is about 200 people. A shelter for people with special needs would be opened at Leon Mann Enrichment Center on Galantis Street in Morehead City. The evacuation routes out of Carteret County are Highway 70, Highway 101 and Highway 58.



Craven County

Stores in Craven County are stocking up on generators, gas cans and bottled water, as well as hurricane preparedness kits with flashlights and batteries. Emergency services officials are urging residents to prepare now, before Hanna or another powerful storm is ready to hit. Officials will pay close attention to low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.



Dare County

Emergency officials in Dare County are keeping close watch on Hanna. Conference calls are being held with state officials. It takes a very powerful hurricane to prompt evacuations on the Outer Banks. If such a storm should roar ashore, evacuations are done on Highway 12 to Highway 64 West and Highway 158 North. It takes approximately 18 hours to evacuate the Outer Banks.



Duplin County

In Duplin County, emergency officials are monitoring all appropriate agencies of the threat. They are coordinating with power companies, schools and EMS in order to be prepared. They are preparing the emergency operations center in case they need to open it.



Edgecombe County

Emergency management officials are updating county officials, as well as emergency staff. They are continually checking with the weather service and are in touch with organizations like the Red Cross.



Greene County

Greene County officials are watching the storm and holding meetings about potential responses depending on the Hanna’s track and intensity.



Jones County

Jones County officials are notifying all appropriate agencies, checking reaction plans and keeping close watch on the storm.



Lenoir County

Lenoir County emergency services officials and staff are holding meetings to assess the threat and to determine what plans need to be put into place.



Martin County

Martin County emergency management officials are reviewing their plans, holding conference calls and touching bases with appropriate agencies, like the Red Cross.



Nash County

In Nash County, officials tell us they are checking communications with the state, as well as checking generators and radios. They are getting the word out about the need to prepare to smaller towns. The staff is prepared to deal with Hanna should the storm come this way.



Onslow County

Onslow County emergency officials are making sure disaster teams are ready and working with stores to get hurricane necessities stocked, such as batteries, flashlights, water and generators.



Pamlico County

Pamlico County officials say they are also monitoring the storm closely, as well as surrounding counties and reaction plans. All appropriate agencies have been notified about the possibility of an impact from Hanna. Pamlico Community College on Highway 306 in Grantsboro is used as an evacuation shelter should one be needed.



Pasquotank County

Pasquotank County emergency management officials are following their hurricane check list. Tow trucks are being fueled, chain saws and generators are being checked, and local leaders are monitoring the storm with state officials.



Pitt County

Pitt County officials are bracing for Hanna’s potential threat. They are preparing for the worst, just in case. The emergency management director has contacted the Red Cross, schools, the hospital, the fire department, ECU and other agencies to make sure people are aware and prepared.



Washington County

In Washington County, officials are monitoring the storm and working to get the word out to residents: Have a disaster plan. A briefing is set for Wednesday.



Wilson County

Wilson County personnel have been put on alert. Emergency officials say they are reaching out to smaller towns to make sure these communities are prepared.

More Stories
Search For Missing Teen In Pamlico County Waters

NEW INFO: Survivor From Ocracoke Fireworks Blast In Fair Condition

UPDATE: Suspect In Greenville Double Murder Claims Innocence

Memorial Parade On Ocracoke Island

OFFICIALS: Husband And Wife Dead After Murder-Suicide

Overnight Shooting In Downtown Greenville

Palin Takes To Web For Hints Of Political Future

Officials: Missiles Show N. Korea Skills Improving

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: hyde co resident Location: swan quarter on Sep 5, 2008 at 05:17 PM
We don't even have an emergency management official. Who's calling the shots now? And how experienced are they? By the looks of things around here, they haven't got a clue!

Posted by: ozone Location: belhaven on Sep 4, 2008 at 02:26 AM
The real question is ----Is Belhaven ready for a storm with one person working for the electrical dept and no public works director and still only one police officer. The ball is in your court Mr mayor......

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Columbia on Sep 3, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Hyde and Tyrrell are trying to figure out what is going on. Not prepared yet again.

Posted by: Wheat Location: In A Field In Beaufort County on Sep 3, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Yeah, sounds like beaufort county is on the ball right now, they have one generator lined up, Hot Dog! They do know how to survive a storm, way to look out for your 40,000 plus citizens. Better slow down though before you over do it.

Posted by: ??? Location: NC on Sep 3, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Lenoir County, they are all going to stick thier heads in the sand like a bunch of ostriches.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 3, 2008 at 09:23 AM
At least Beaufort County order a generator. Wonder if that is where all the commissioners stay? Are they even reviewing plans or talking to different depts or monitoring the storm like other counties?

Posted by: Anonymous Location: swan quarter on Sep 3, 2008 at 08:30 AM
thats just par to the course for hyde co.

Posted by: isabel survivor Location: swanquarter on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:55 AM
What is Hyde County doing? I did not see any plans listed for us on your list of counties.

Posted by: voter Location: nc on Sep 2, 2008 at 11:05 PM
when asked, our e m replied, "what storm?"


Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.
Special Sections
CarSoup
Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment.
Double Dollar Deals
Save 50% from local merchants.
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.
Experts
Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.
Business Break
Two minutes of info from local businesses.
Attorneys On Call
Free legal information on a variety of topics.
Video Home Tours
Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.
AP Video