-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
As of April 16, 2020, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Vance County increased to 27. Presently, 25 individuals are self-isolating at home with two (2) others currently undergoing treatment at Maria Parham Health.
One death has been reported in Vance County as a result of complications associated with Coronavirus infection.
According to Granville Vance Public Health, there are 105 known cases in Granville County, with 74 of these cases being reported at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner. The NC Department of Health and Human Resources reports four (4) virus-related deaths in Granville County.
North Carolina reports a total of 5,465 cases.
It is still very likely that given the progression of this virus elsewhere in the world and in our country, cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead.
At this time, the Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations coordinated response posture remains the same. We strongly encourage our citizens to continue to observe the social distancing parameters and closing orders issued by the governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0063_H-V-Emergency-Operations.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-04-17 08:58:062020-04-17 08:58:06Vance County COVID-19 Cases Rise to 27; Granville Reports 105
-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
As of today, we now have five (5) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Vance County. The number of cases will likely continue to increase as we move further into the Coronavirus worldwide pandemic.
We continue to coordinate with public health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners.
Please keep in mind this continues to be a very fluid situation and the information provided and included could change at any time. The confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase not only locally but throughout the state, the nation and the world.
Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 121, advising North Carolina residents to stay at home remains in effect. This is an attempt to reduce the number of individuals being infected with the COVID-19 virus in our state.
211 has established a hotline and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions. There is also a toll-free Coronavirus hotline manned by trained individuals that can answer questions that you may have. The number is 888-892-1162.
To reiterate, as of the creation of this situation report, Vance County has five (5) positive cases of the Coronavirus. At this time, we are not implementing any changes to our current response posture nor are we altering our recommendations to the general public.
Testing is ongoing through Maria Parham Health, our local Health Department and private institutions. There are currently 1,584 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina and thus far ten (10) deaths. Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc
Tomorrow (Thursday) we will begin our local medical surge coordination meetings with Maria Parham Health, our local Health Department and EMS to try and stay ahead of this as much as possible as additional cases are reported.
Vance County and the City of Henderson continue to operate under a local State of Emergency.
Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.
-Information courtesy Brian Short, Director of H-V Emergency Operations
Today, there are no local changes from the previous situation report. However, as we move further into the Coronavirus worldwide pandemic, please keep in mind this continues to be a very fluid situation and the information provided and included could change at any time.
The confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase throughout the state, nation and, in fact, the world. We continue to coordinate with public health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners. We are communicating several times daily in an attempt to gauge their needs and be as proactive in meeting those needs as we can be.
Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 121, advising North Carolina residents to stay at home goes into effect at 5 p.m. today. This is an attempt to reduce the number of individuals being infected with the COVID-19 virus in our state.
With the issuance of this order, we have now seen a significant increase in calls into the 911 center with general questions regarding the order and to what extent individuals are permitted to move around now that it is in place. 911 personnel are not equipped to answer questions of this nature nor is it their responsibility to do so.
We are asking residents NOT to call 911 for any general questions pertaining to the Coronavirus. As always, 911 is for emergencies only. Calling 911 for general questions and other non-emergency reasons could actually delay help for someone with a true emergency.
211 has established a hotline for this purpose, and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions. There is also a toll-free Coronavirus hotline manned by trained individuals that can answer questions that you may have. The number is 888-892-1162.
As of the creation of this situation report, Vance County has three (3) positive cases of the Coronavirus. All individuals continue to be isolated at home and our local health department is actively conducting contact tracing to determine the level of exposure to others. At this time, we are not implementing any changes to our current response posture nor are we altering our recommendations to the general public.
Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health, our local Health Department and private institutions. There are currently 1,307 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina and thus far six (6) deaths. Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state:https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc
Personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to be very scarce as global competition for the same supplies is occurring. Responders and health care providers are being encouraged to reuse PPE, in particular, masks as often as possible to ensure that we hold on to our supplies for as long as possible. Once they run out, they could be out for an extended period of time.
We continue to wait for previously submitted requests for PPE and related resources to State EM to be filled and we are hopeful that they will be very soon.
Vance County and the City of Henderson continue to operate under a local State of Emergency. Being under a local state of emergency allows implementing certain emergency protective measures if or when they should become necessary.
The Emergency Operations Center is currently not activated, however, our Emergency Management staff is closely monitoring the situation across the country and at home on a continuous basis.
The 911 Telecommunicators are asking additional Coronavirus screening questions on all medical-related calls and will continue to do so until it is no longer needed. Our Backup 911 center remains prepped and ready to be occupied if needed.
This week, a number of area churches will be participating in Spring Break Meal Pickup in cooperation with Vance County Schools. This will occur on Tuesday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Both the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office are now responding to non-emergency calls via telephone but are still responding as they always have to emergency calls.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the Henderson Family YMCA is offering emergency child care for essential employees. You may inquire as to the details on their website at www.hendersonymca.org.
We continue to encourage our citizens as they shop for groceries and other related items to please shop smart. Our local convenience stores and grocery stores and working hard to restock their shelves and, for the most part, items are available for them to do so, however, we have to allow them to do that. That means using good shopping practices and buying only what you need for yourself and your family. The fact that the governor has issued a Stay at Home Order does not mean that individuals are not allowed to leave their homes to shop for groceries.
We are strongly encouraging our citizens to continue to observe the social distancing parameters and closing orders being issued by the Governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies.
Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0063_H-V-Emergency-Operations.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-03-30 17:08:122020-03-30 17:08:12Reported COVID-19 Cases Hold Steady in Vance; Stay at Home Order Goes Into Effect
-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 increase throughout the state, nation and in fact the world, we continue to coordinate with Public Health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners.
Thus far, there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Vance County, though that could change at any time. Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health and our local Health Department.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is becoming very scarce as global competition for the same supplies is occurring. Responders and health care providers are being encouraged to reuse PPE, in particular, masks as often as possible to ensure that we hold on to our supplies for as long as possible. Once they run out, they could be out for an extended period of time.
We continue to submit requests for PPE and related resources to State EM as they are received, and so far all of our requests have been filled or are in the process of being filled as supplies become available.
Vance County and the City of Henderson have been under a local State of Emergency since 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020, and will remain so until it is no longer needed.
The Emergency Operations Center is partially activated and we are monitoring the situation across the country and at home on a continuous basis.
Calls into the Vance County 911 Communications Center have not shown a significant increase as of now, however, we are poised to up staff should it become necessary. The 911 Telecommunicators are asking additional Coronavirus screening questions on all medical-related calls and will continue to do so until it is no longer needed.
We ask that citizens please DO NOT call 911 to ask general questions about the Coronavirus. 211 has established a hotline for this purpose and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions.
Both the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriffs Office are now responding to nonemergency calls via telephone but are still responding as they always have to emergency calls.
We are strongly encouraging our citizens to observe the social distancing parameters being ordered by the Governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies.
Many of our local restaurants have been very creative about continuing to provide their services to our citizens whether it be keeping their drive-through services open, offering online ordering or curbside services, and this is greatly appreciated.
We encourage our citizens as they shop for groceries and other related items to please shop smart. Our local convenience stores and grocery stores are working hard to restock their shelves and, for the most part, items are available for them to do so. Please use good shopping practices and buying only what you need for yourself and your family.
Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.
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Vance County, NC Situation Report (as of 1 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020)
EOC activated: No – EM Staff is monitoring.
State of Emergency: YES
Closures: County private and public schools are closed.
Total Cases: None confirmed so far; several tests have been administered daily.
Law Enforcement: Enhanced operations but observing distancing when possible. All non-emergency calls handled by phone.
EMS/Hospital: Normal Operations.
Fire Responders: Responding in accordance with new Coronavirus screening protocols.
Fire: Normal Operations.
Communications: Normal Operations – additional Coronavirus screening questions in place.
Total Casualties: None.
Restaurants: All restaurants have complied with the Governors Order Many have remained open with take and drive-thru service available.
Hospital Bed Availability: Capacity is 78 with 67 currently admitted, 8 ICU beds with 5 beds currently occupied.
Medical Surge Planning (Hospital): Standalone air filters have been implemented to convert some patient rooms into isolation rooms. No visitors are allowed, with a few exceptions. Staff, patients and visitors will have their temperatures checked prior to entry.
Needed Supplies and Stock Items: PPE being closely monitored but OK for now.
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Information courtesy Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
Please check the WIZS website, Facebook page and listen live to WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM for storm updates throughout the week. The latest briefing from the National Weather Service can be found any time by clicking here.
Hurricane Dorian has begun making its northerly turn and is headed our way. The storm has decreased now down to a category 2 but is still expected to track very close to our coast as a category 2 storm.
As of now, we can still expect wind gusts of 15 – 35 mph and periods of heavy rain. Localized urban and flash flooding is also likely. Isolated downed trees and power outages are also possible. Presently, we should begin to feel the storm’s effect late Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning. Rainy and windy conditions will likely be present throughout the day Thursday and into Thursday night. By mid-day Friday, the storm should have moved on.
The local Vance County Emergency Operations Center will partially activate with EM staff only as of 9 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday). We will also escalate to a readiness level of 1 at that time.
Today, we conducted a local officials briefing at 11 a.m. in the EOC to lay out our local response posture and we will continue to coordinate with our local response agencies over the coming days.
We will also continue to have daily conference calls with State EM, the National Weather Service and other State agencies throughout the week as well.
We continue to recommend that our residents begin basic storm preparation activities of their own if they have not already done so.
At this time we do not believe our level of impact will require the opening of a shelter. If that changes, we will utilize our Code Red community alert and notification system and social media to get the information out to our citizens.
We will be issuing a local Proclamation of a State of Emergency for the City of Henderson and Vance County as of 5 p.m. today. Presently, there are no public restrictions in place, however a curfew could be implemented if travel becomes hazardous due to fallen trees, blocked roads or downed power lines.
Please keep in mind, if you should experience a power loss, it could take several days to get it restored depending on our level of impact. We encourage those of you that do not have an alternative power source available to charge your personal devices (phones, laptops, etc.) and, in particular, those devices that provide a life sustaining function for you, such as a portable oxygen concentrator.
Please remember that 911 is for emergencies only. We will be overstaffed for the event, but our telecommunicators will likely be extremely busy handling emergency calls. Processing nonemergency calls could delay help getting to a person with a true emergency.
Please like and follow us on Facebook – Vance County Emergency Operations – to stay informed on current preparedness efforts and other storm related information.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/national-weather-service-logo.jpg266504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-09-03 16:57:022019-09-03 16:57:02Hurricane Dorian Updates – Sept. 3; County & City Issue State of Emergency
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
For Thursday’s edition of Town Talk, WIZS’ John Charles Rose took a “virtual radio tour” through the Henderson -Vance Emergency Operations Center with director Brian Short.
The Emergency Operations Center includes both the 911 Center and Emergency Management, an entity typically activated during weather-related events.
911 Center
When asked to describe a 911 telecommunicators typical day on the job, Short said a day usually consists of an assortment of loud music, larceny, shoplifting, shots fired, medical and fire calls.
“You name it, if it has a blinking light on it, we dispatch it; it all comes through us,” said Short.
Telecommunicators typically work a rotating schedule of 12-hour shifts and are extensively trained to handle the unique nature of their jobs.
“Telecommunicators are considered trainees for an entire year,” Short explained. “They take part in advanced training programs that involve in-house training, federal training, on-the-job training and certifications.”
Emphasizing the importance of good training, Short said, “Every time they answer the phone, they have the potential of talking to a person that is having the worst day of their life. We have to make sure they are prepared, trained and ready to handle any incident that is thrown at them.”
Short and staff will undergo additional training next week when the Vance Co. 911 Center makes the switch to a new infrastructure on Wednesday, August 28.
Known as “Next Generation 911,” this new telecommunications system provided by AT&T will allow for faster digital communication between the public, participating 911 centers and emergency personnel.
In addition to faster call processing, Short said the Next Generation infrastructure will eventually allow for video chats with callers, improve 911 texting speed and provide faster identification of GPS coordinates.
In a field where seconds can mean the difference between life and death, Short said new technology is constantly improving the emergency management game.
“AT&T won the state-wide contract for NC to provided Next Generation 911, so once all 911 Centers in the state are converted, it will allow us to back each other up, transfer calls and more effectively communicate,” said Short.
While technology continues to improve response time, Short reminded the public that saving 911 for true emergencies can also help.
“People should call 911 for urgent, life-threatening emergencies, to report a fire, to report an injury, to request an ambulance or to report a crime either in progress or that just occurred,” said Short. “911 should not be used to ask for telephone numbers, to see if a relative is in jail or to see if an event is still being held in bad weather, just to name a few.”
Short said nonemergency calls are often “politely” handled by telecommunicators but have further-reaching implications for callers reporting true emergencies. “What you have to understand is if we are tied up on something that’s not an emergency, it could potentially affect the time it takes us to answer an emergency call. Let’s keep 911 for emergencies only.”
Emergency Management
With hurricane season being in full swing and winter weather following not too far behind, Short and staff are paying close attention to weather forecasts.
“This time of year, we always keep an eye on the Atlantic Basin. It’s the last thing I look at before I go to bed and the first thing I check when I wake up,” said Short.
Fortunately, Short said the latest tropical development currently has a low potential to become a hurricane and is not a major concern for the local area.
If it was a concern, or when the next hurricane does threaten Vance County, Emergency Management staff, elected officials, appointed officials and public safety officials will meet in a specially-designated emergency room.
“The room becomes the hub of all activity at the command level,” Short said. “We sit down at the table and we make collective decisions for the good of the community.”
Short said weather drives “everything” involving Emergency Management services, which in turn affects call volume at the 911 Center. In fact, he said the highest spikes in 911 call volume are almost always traced back to inclement weather events, further demonstrating the importance of keeping 911 calls limited to true emergencies.
To hear Short’s interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/911-Call-Center.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-08-22 16:59:012019-08-22 16:59:01Town Talk 08/22/19: Short Discusses Changes to 911 Infrastructure, Hurricane Season
Brian Short, Director of Emergency Operations for Henderson and Vance County, emailed the latest National Weather Service slides to local media and emergency preparedness teams.
The expected snow totals have increased for the entire WIZS coverage area. Henderson and Louisburg are shown with 1 to 2 inch totals while Oxford and Warrenton are forecast with 2 to 3 inch snowfall amounts.
Short said in his email:
“…this event has not gone as planned so far as several counties to our south and west have already received 3 to 4 inches of snow. Our forecast totals have also increased.
“All we can do at this point is wait and see how much we actually get and then adjust our emergency response posture if it should become necessary. Even with the forecast change, we are not expecting the impact to be severe but could likely be more than what we were expecting.
“Additional information will be forwarded along as it is received.”
As mentioned, forecast totals have increased to the south and west of Vance County, and this is something that also must be monitored. The National Weather Service now has areas just south of Raleigh under a Winter Weather Warning.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0063_H-V-Emergency-Operations.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-01-03 21:49:042018-01-03 21:50:38Latest on the Snow Jan. 3rd and 4th
Telecommunicators typically work a rotating schedule of 12-hour shifts and are extensively trained to handle the unique nature of their jobs.
In a field where seconds can mean the difference between life and death, Short said new technology is constantly improving the emergency management game.
“This time of year, we always keep an eye on the Atlantic Basin. It’s the last thing I look at before I go to bed and the first thing I check when I wake up,” said Short.