From Duplin County Emergency Management:

Tropical Storm Hannah passed through Duplin County early Saturday morning, September 6, 2008. The storm knocked down trees throughout the county and caused power outages primarily in the northern areas, affecting approximately 5000 households. The Duplin County Emergency Operations Center was opened Friday, September 5 at 4:00 pm and remained open until 9:00 am on Saturday. James Kenan High School was opened as a shelter on Friday night at 6:00 pm due to the high wind warnings and also closed at 9:00 am Saturday. A total of 85 residents with 13 staff members from Duplin County Social Services, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Duplin County Health Department were sheltered at James Kenan. CodeRED, the newly implemented emergency notification software was utilized to warn residents of the storm and to advise them of the shelter opening. CodeRED notified more than 8500 county residents in less than 10 minutes Friday evening at approximately 6:00pm. We continue to encourage residents to update their information for CodeRed from the county’s web site or by calling Duplin County Addressing at 910-296- 2169 if they do not have computer access. Duplin County Fire Departments responded to multiple calls for trees and power lines that had fallen, but no major damages or injuries have been reported. Brian Pearce, Duplin County Emergency Services Director “wanted to thank all of the agencies that helped during the storm response, especially those who staffed the EOC and shelter, and remind everyone that this is just the beginning of the active part of Hurricane season for eastern North Carolina”.