Onslow County Emergency Services

01/28/2021

A final draft of the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is available for review and we’d like your feedback on the plan. An online public meeting will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021 from 6:00PM – 7:00PM to present the plan and its findings and recommendations and to answer any questions about the plan from the public. Feedback received at this meeting will be reviewed, considered and potentially used to modify the plan if needed.

Registration is required so if you are interested in attending this meeting, please sign up at the link provided below.
https://zoom.us/j/98414113440?pwd=YjZUbWk5Y1JBNWgxdTJUbXl4aTRwUT09

A draft of the plan can be viewed at the following link: https://bit.ly/3pF3FUo

Should you have any questions about the plan, or if you are unable to attend the public meeting, but wish to have your comments considered, please email Nathan Slaughter at [email protected] or call 919-415-2726.

01/25/2021

We understand that the information has been changing regularly. Here is the updated flyer from the state demonstrating Active Groups. We appreciate your patience as we navigate through the phases with our community partners. Vaccinating our community has been a team effort and we thank those who are helping us make that possible. Onslow County Senior Services Onslow County Schools Onslow Memorial Hospital and many others!

For more information on eligibility visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/findyourspot

#vaccinateonslow #vaccinessavelives #covid19vaccine

12/16/2020

Just a reminder there is no drive thru testing being conducted today. Please visit the states Find my Testing Place for more information on testing locations near you.

Just a reminder there is no drive thru testing being conducted today. Please visit the states Find my Testing Place for more information on testing locations near you.

12/12/2020

THE NWS NEEDS YOUR HELP! - To accurately understand what is happening across our area in real time, weather spotters have been trained to reports all types of weather to the NWS. For more information on the program visit our local spotter page: https://www.weather.gov/mhx/MHXSkywarn
If you're looking for something to do on a more consistent basis, consider joining CoCoRaHS - the community collaborative, rain, hail and snow network. Learn more at: http://www.cocorahs.org.

12/12/2020

When driving, ice can be very difficult to recognize. The roadway may appear to be wet when in reality when appears to be water may actually be ice. If the temperature outside is below freezing, ice can form on the roads, especially on bridges and overpasses. When encountering ice, do not panic and do not stomp on your brakes. It is safer to slowly decelerate to a stop.

12/12/2020

Ice falling in the form of freezing rain is particularly dangerous and poses a variety of problems. The ability of freezing rain to accumulate on nearly every surface, including trees, power lines, and bridges, makes it one of the most dangerous forms of winter weather. As little as a quarter of an inch of freezing rain can create widespread power outages. On February 17th of 2015, inland areas of Eastern North Carolina saw widespread freezing rain of up to a quarter of an inch of ice which created power outages.

12/11/2020

You're probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets' health? Just like people, pets' cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health.
Learn more: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-animal-safety

12/11/2020

Hypothermia and frostbite are both dangerous conditions that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. By preparing your home and car ahead of winter storms or other winter emergencies, and by taking safety precautions during extremely cold weather, you can reduce your risk of developing health problems related to cold weather.
Learn More at: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html

12/11/2020

Cold weather is a fact of winter. With the cold temperatures comes an increase in the number of house fires. House fires resulting from heating material within the home ranks second for the most deaths and property loss. Chimney fires are the number one cause of home heating fires and typically the result of a poorly maintained chimney where creosote is allowed to build up. Space heaters are typically involved in 25 perfect of home heating fires and account for 74 percent of the deaths. Be sure to test some detectors and replace any broken detectors and dead batteries.

12/10/2020

Overall drive slower: Driving at even posted speeds is extremely dangerous when snow and ice are on the road. Many vehicles will lose traction especially at higher speeds resulting in serious accident and vehicle rollovers.

Steer your car into the skid: If your vehicle loses traction and begins to skid, steer the front tires into the direction of the skid. Never hit your brakes as this will result in a more serious skid and spinning of the vehicle. When your vehicle skids keep your cool and remain calm. Again driving at slower speeds will help you recover from a skid.

12/10/2020

Being prepared is the best first step when dealing with winter weather hazards: Make sure your car is in good running condition. Make sure that your battery, antifreeze, windshield wipers, ignition and thermostat are all in good working order. Be sure your tires have enough tread. Replace any of these items if necessary.

Also, keep the following basic items in your car - windshield scraper and brush, booster/jumper cables, a tow chain or rope, bag of sand or salt, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit and road map.

12/10/2020

More road safety tips for winter weather today. Did you know that seventy-five percent of all winter weather related deaths occur on the road, either in accidents or by people becoming stranded. When the weather is bad and driving conditions are poor, the best bet is to stay at home

If you must go out when snow and ice are on the ground, let someone know your destination and when you plan to arrive. Also take a cell phone with you if possible. Clean snow and ice off all parts of your car before you drive away.

12/09/2020

Stock an emergency supply of food and water prior to the onset of a winter storm. Include food items which require no cooking such as canned meats, peanut butter and other non-perishables. Also do not forget to have necessary medicines and baby items on hand. A three to five day supply of food and medicine is generally sufficient. A lot of these items may already be in your home from your hurricane kit.

12/09/2020

Staying prepared for winter weather makes it easier if we actually get some of the white stuff or the icy stuff.

Severe winter storms can produce conditions which can isolate you in your home for several days. Prolonged loss of power and telephone services can severely limit your ability to heat your home and call for help. In severe winter storms, obtaining supplies, food and other necessities can be hampered or prevented by poor road conditions.

12/08/2020

The final installment of "Sneaky" Winter Hazards: The most common and dangerous winter weather systems which can produce snow and ice are strong coastal low pressure systems known as nor'easters. This was the case almost 2 years ago on January 3rd - 4th, 2018 when more than 6" of snow fell inland across our area. In addition behind the system, often we can experience a period of very cold weather. This happened with the early January 2018 storm when many locations away from the coast had morning lows below zero, behind the system. In fact some areas had snow and ice covered roads for days! Who says Eastern North Carolina can't experience winter?

12/08/2020

Part 2 of "Sneaky" Winter Hazards - flash freezing on the roadways! This can occur with or without snow, anytime we have a combination of wet roads and temperatures below freezing. Bridges are more prone to these events but it can happen on any roadway. Remember to allow extra time for driving and slow down a little. Avoid cruise control.

12/08/2020

Today we will share a series of three "Sneaky" Winter Hazards that you may face while out driving. Remember to plan a little extra time for morning commutes during the winter when roads may be wet and/or slick.

Winter storms can make driving and walking extremely dangerous. Winter storms can be deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. People die in traffic accidents on icy roads, have heart attacks while shoveling snow, or succumb to fires or carbon monoxide while trying to heat their home improperly. With proper planning and preparation, you can limit or even mitigate the impacts from winter storms.

12/07/2020

This week is winter weather preparedness week, and since it is 2020, we wanted to help spread some awareness. We will share more throughout the week.

Watches are issued when a storm is in it's early stage of development, and may create conditions that may harm life and property. Hazardous winter weather is only a possibility, not a certainty. The following are the watch headlines issued for winter weather events:

Winter Storm Watch: is issued when heavy snow, damaging ice accumulations, or blizzard conditions are possible. Winter storm watches are typically issued 24 to 48 hours before a winter storm starts. Watches are issued when at least 3 inches of snow, and/or 1/4 inch or more of ice accumulation is expected in a 12 to 24 hour period.
Wind Chill Watch: is issued when dangerously cold wind chills are possible typically in the next 12 to 48 hours.

12/01/2020

NC Department of Health and Human Services begin a program today to help eligible households with winter heating assistance. Learn more about the program at the link below.

NCDHHS today announced it will issue an automated payment to thousands of eligible households to help with winter heating expenses via the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

The automated payment will be issued beginning Dec. 1 and is designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities access winter heating assistance in a safe and socially distanced manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more: ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/ncdhhs-provide-automatic-payment-thousands-seniors-and-people-disabilities-help

11/24/2020

Updates on County facilities.

‼️POST 2‼️:

COVID-19 Change in County Building Access.

Please note the following exceptions and special information that will be effective as of 5:00 PM, Monday, November 30, 2020:

✨Public access will be permitted for all publicly-noticed governmental meetings, but meeting attendance will be restricted in number in compliance with current Executive Orders.

✨Albert J. Ellis Airport continues to be accessible. To reduce the risk of crowding at the County airport during the holidays, family and friends meeting inbound or sending off outbound passengers are asked to wait in their vehicles in the parking lot.

✨Onslow County Public Libraries will be accessible to the public (masks required) Monday-Friday, 9AM-Noon, and 3-6PM for computers, browsing shelves and WiFi usage; Monday-Friday, 10AM-Noon, and 4-6PM curbside pickup will be available; on Saturdays, the Main Library will be publicly accessible 10AM-2PM; all in-person programming is suspended.

✨Onslow County Tax Office will still be accepting payments prior to the January 5, 2021 deadline, and will spread out to provide services to both the first and second floor of the Government Center to improve safety. Please make payments online or by telephone if possible, or use the secure drop box located in front of the Government Center.

✨Onslow County Health Department services will continue offering in-person services by appointment only.

✨Animal Services will be answering emergency calls in person. Please call ahead to make an appointment for in-person assistance at Animal Services.

✨The Meadowview Road Landfill and all convenience sites will continue on a regular schedule (and are closed only for Thanksgiving Day). Payment boxes will be reinstalled at convenience sites. Please bring exact change if possible.

✨The Register of Deeds office will be closed to the public, and will offer online services. Limited appointments are available for marriages and notary oaths, but please call in advance.

✨The Register of Deeds will accept maps and documents for recording that are brought to their front door.

✨The Onslow County Museum will continue to limit capacity and require masks, (but are open regular hours on Saturday after Thanksgiving).

✨Onslow County Senior Services is suspending all in person programming, but will continue in-home aide, drive-through congregate meal pick-up, and home delivered meal programs.

✨The Courthouse and Justice Center (Sheriff’s Office) are currently exempted from the closure to the public, and continue having publicly accessible facilities. Please go to nccourts.gov to get information about the court system and individual court times. Extra spacing and mask requirements have been put into place at both facilities.

✨Parks and Recreation facilities will remain open but citizens are reminded to wear masks.

✨Social Services has online access for citizens on their County Internet page for changes to their income maintenance services cases as well as access to Food and Nutrition Services and Medicaid online through ePASS as well.

For inquiries about specific Departments, please call their individual offices.

11/16/2020

Come out Wednesday, November 18 from 10-3 at the Onslow County Museum in Richlands to donate blood. The area is still at critically low levels going into the holidays and every donation helps save a life. Get a $20 Visa gift card for donating. Reserve a time at

http://Donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/156325

Walk ins will be accepted as well!

11/13/2020

Onslow County Emergency Services would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to a long-time member of the emergency services family, Mrs. Debra Miller, and her family, on the loss of their husband and father Mr. Charles Miller.

11/12/2020

11/12/2020 4:27pm - Onslow County remains under a Flood Warning through 7:15pm this evening. NWS Newport/Morehead is reporting between 3-6 inches of rain throughout their service area.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding

For the latest forecasts and warnings, you can also visit weather.gov/mhx

11/12/2020

Updated: 11/12/2020 @ 3:46pm
11/12/2020 2:49pm - current flooded roads. This list is not inclusive and conditions continue to change. Stay alert and do not drive through high water areas.
Office Park
Huff Drive
McDaniel Dr.
Vandergrift Dr.
Greystone Ave.
Other areas with water on the roadway include
Old Maplehurst
Hwy 17 near Old Maplehurst
Pony Farm near Greystone
Hwy 53
Holly Shelter Rd area of 645
Walnut Dr.
Catherine Lake at Hwy 258 intersection
Firetower Rd near Triple C Ln.

11/12/2020

11/12/2020 1:58pm - We are getting reports of flooded roadways throughout the County.

Please find alternate routes and avoid flooded roadways for your safety. With continued rainfall amounts we may see additional flooding.

11/11/2020

11/11/2020: 0810 - National Weather Service Newport/Morehead has put Onslow County under a Flash Flood Watch from midnight tonight through 6am on the 13th due to widespread expected rainfall of around 2 to 4 inches with as much as 4 to 6 inches possible closer to the coast. The heavier rain is forecast to begin late tonight and continue through most of Thursday.Stay alert to changing conditions and do not drive through flooded roads.

11/11/2020 6:12 AM: Good morning and Happy Veterans Day! We issued a Flash Flood Watch overnight due to widespread expected rainfall of around 2 to 4 inches with as much as 4 to 6 inches possible closer to the coast. The heavier rain is forecast to begin late tonight and continue through most of Thursday.

10/29/2020

Friday blood drive to address shortage in Onslow County

Donate the gift of life on Friday at the EOC from 10-3. The blood you donate could find itself on an Onslow County EMS ambulance saving the life of another.

Emergency officials in one eastern North Carolina say the local blood supply is critically low due to both the pandemic and people being hesitant to donate. In an effort to combat this shortage in Onslow County, a blood drive will be held at the Emergency Operations Center in Jacksonville on Friday....

10/27/2020

Community Paramedic

Community Paramedic

Performs intermediate technical and protective service work providing proactive care to include outreach education and community resource navigation to improve the overall health and wellness of program participants, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supe...