Declaration of State of Emergency - Tropical Storm Debby

DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, information from the National Weather Service (“NWS”), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), and other sources indicate that Tropical Storm Debby is approaching the North Carolina coast; and

WHEREAS, the National Hurricane Center (“NHC”) anticipates that Tropical Storm Debby will make landfall on the North Carolina coast and impact Sampson County within the next twenty-four (24) to forty-eight (48) hours; and

WHEREAS, the weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Debby, including, but not limited to, strong winds, potential flooding, and possible tornadoes, pose an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of North Carolina previously declared a State of Emergency in light of the anticipated impacts of Tropical Storm Debby on August 5, 2024; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.22 and the Sampson County State of Emergency Ordinance, the undersigned Chairman of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners has the authority to declare a State of Emergency within a defined emergency area, which may not exceed the area over which Sampson County has jurisdiction to enact general police-power ordinances; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.31 and the Sampson County State of Emergency Ordinance, the undersigned Chairman of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners has the authority to impose certain restrictions within a defined emergency area, including, but not limited to, compelling the voluntary or mandatory evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the governing body's jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, there is increased confidence that the southernmost portion of Sampson County will experience flooding conditions that will pose a significant danger to life and property, including river flooding; and

WHEREAS, this Declaration of a State of Emergency is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to secure property;

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in the Chairman of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners under Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the General Statutes of North Carolina, Article 36A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, and the Sampson County State of Emergency Ordinance, R. Jerol Kivett, Chairman of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners, hereby declares as follows:

1. A STATE OF EMERGENCY exists within the jurisdiction of Sampson County, North Carolina and, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.22(b)(2), by request of the mayors of the Towns of Autryville, Garland, Harrells, Newton Grove, Roseboro, Salemburg, and Turkey, within the corporate limits of those municipalities.
2. It is hereby ordered that all emergency management personnel subject to the control of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration, all applicable local ordinances, state and federal laws, and the Sampson County Emergency Operations Plan.
3. The Sampson County Manager is authorized to take such protective action as he deems necessary or prudent, including, but not limited to, the implementation of prohibitions and restrictions on the County’s employees, alterations of the manner in which services are provided by Sampson County, and the procurement of additional resources to promote and protect the public welfare during this public health emergency.
4. It is hereby order that this Declaration be: (a) distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; (b) filed with Clerk to the Sampson County Board of Commissioners; (c) posted in the Sampson County Courthouse; and (d) distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this declaration.
5. This Declaration shall become effective immediately upon endorsement and shall continue in effect until rescinded pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.31(e).