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Core Phases of Emergency Operations
A Coordinated Approach Before, During, and After Emergencies
Emergency management is an ongoing, coordinated effort to reduce risk, prepare for emergencies, respond effectively, and support recovery. This work follows four connected phases that guide planning and decision-making before, during, and after incidents in Pitt County.
Reducing Risk Before Disasters Happen
Mitigation focuses on actions taken before emergencies occur to reduce risks to people, property, and critical infrastructure. These efforts help limit damage from natural and human-caused hazards through safer building practices, smart land-use planning, and public education.
Mitigation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce disaster impacts. The process begins with identifying and understanding local risks. By reviewing potential hazards and how they may affect the community, planners can focus mitigation efforts where the need is greatest.
Building and Infrastructure Improvements
- Flood control projects that help manage water flow and reduce flooding
- Stronger, disaster-resistant buildings designed to better withstand hazards
Planning and Policy Actions
- Review the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Land-use planning, zoning rules, and building code enforcement that guide safer development in higher-risk areas
Protecting Natural Areas
- Preserving wetlands, floodplains, dunes, and other natural features that help absorb floodwaters and reduce storm impacts
Getting Ready Before an Emergency Occurs
Preparedness focuses on actions taken before an emergency to help people, agencies, and communities respond more effectively. This phase includes training, organizing resources, and public education to reduce confusion and improve coordination when incidents occur.
Emergency preparedness is an ongoing process. By reviewing risks, practicing response actions, and building needed capabilities, emergency management partners can better protect people and maintain essential services during emergencies.
Emergency Plans
- Evacuation and sheltering plans to support residents during large-scale events
- Continuity of Operations plans that help keep essential services running
- Emergency Operations Plans used to guide response during major incidents
- Pet-friendly sheltering options to support households with animals
Public Awareness and Education
- Presentations and outreach for civic and community groups
- Encouraging disaster supply kits for homes and families
- Use of NOAA Weather Radio and other alert systems ush as Hyper-Reach for timely warnings
Community Involvement
Community members play an important role in emergency preparedness. Learning basic safety steps, staying informed about local alerts, and building an emergency supply kit can help households respond more confidently during emergencies.
Learn More About Awareness, Preparedness & Safety Now
Residents can also take a more active role by becoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certified. CERT training teaches volunteers how to assist safely during emergencies, support neighbors, and work alongside first responders when help is needed most.
Learn More About CERT Now
Responding During an Emergency
Response includes actions taken during and immediately after an emergency to protect lives, reduce harm, and meet urgent community needs. This phase puts preparedness plans into action by mobilizing trained staff, first responders, and support teams to address public safety concerns and provide lifesaving assistance.
Response plans are regularly reviewed and improved based on lessons learned from training exercises and real emergencies. After Action Reviews help identify what worked well and where improvements are needed.
Emergency Response Services and Teams
- First response teams: Fire, EMS, and law enforcement provide emergency medical care, firefighting, search and rescue, and other lifesaving services.
- Specialized response teams:
- Regional Response Team (RRT)
- Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
- County Animal Response Team (CART)
- Swift Water Rescue Team
- Public Health Regional Response Team (PHRRT)
- State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT II)
- The Red Cross
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
- Resource coordination: Managing personnel, equipment, and supplies
- Public information: Sharing alerts, updates, and safety guidance through public notification systems and media releases
- Communications: Supporting response efforts through the E911 Center, communications trailers, amateur radio systems, and notification tools
Learn More About the E911 Center
Sign Up for Pitt County Emergency Alerts (Hyper-Reach)
Sheltering and Evacuation
- Opening general shelters for residents who cannot return home
- Providing shelter-in-place guidance when evacuation is not required
- Supporting special medical needs sheltering
Helping the Community Recover After a Disaster
Recovery focuses on actions taken after an emergency to help the community return to more normal operations. This phase begins once immediate lifesaving needs are addressed and shifts attention to long-term rebuilding and restoring of essential services. Planning and coordination during this phase help communities move forward in a steady and organized way.
Recovery Efforts May Include:
- Restoring public infrastructure and facilities such as roads, utilities, and public buildings
- Federal and state assistance programs may include individual assistance, recovery grants, and residential buyout programs