Public Information Officer
Throughout the Bertie County Emergency Operations Plan the role of the Public Information Officer is prominent. Numerous responsibilities are assigned to this important office.

The Director of Emergency Management, in coordination with the Recovery Steering Committee, is responsible for ensuring that the Disaster Recovery Plan and Recovery Functions documents are reviewed and revised regularly. Plan maintenance issues to consider include:

• Distributing and communicating the Disaster Recovery Plan

• Designating the review team

• Identifying issues that impact the frequency of changes required to the Disaster Recovery Plan

• Establishing a review cycle

• Policy or mission changes that significantly affect recovery functions or their priorities

• Changes that affect lead and support agencies for each recovery function

• Changes in technology, communication, or systems (critical resources)

• Changes in organizational structure

• Changes to specific information such as contact lists, vendor lists, succession of leadership, etc.

Engineering is responsible for the following Divisions: Central Services, Solid Waste, Utilities and Water Quality. In addition, Engineering provides project management for County Capital Projects.

Water Division
The Water Division operates and maintains the County Water system which serves most of the county.

Solid Waste Division
The Solid Waste Division provides the county with a transfer station for waste disposal, a drop-off site for recyclable materials, white goods (used appliances and metals), tires, and wood waste. The Department is responsible for waste reduction, recycling and disposing of solid waste in order to protect the public's health, safety and welfare.

The Bertie County Department of Social Services provides numerous programs and services to assist the citizens of the County. The department's mission is to improve the safety, health, well-being, independence, and quality of life for children, elderly and disabled, and families in Bertie County. Social Services has several goals which include:

The Bertie County Health Department provides services to assess the health of the community and assure that its health needs are met by preventing diseases and promoting wellness through the delivery of clinical, environmental, and community health and educational services.

Environmental Health Division
The Environmental Health Division is responsible for ensuring Bertie County residents of having a clean and healthful environment in which to live, work, and play. This is accomplished through education, inspections, and active enforcement of county and state rules and regulations. Inspections of establishments include the establishment's level of cleanliness, food handling practices, and proper food protection during preparation, storage, and transportation. After inspection, the establishment receives a certified card with a Grade of A, B, or C. Each establishment is required to display their Grade Card in a prominent location for the public to see. Visit the Restaurant Grades webpage for the most current grades for dining establishments in Bertie County. New and temporary dining establishments in Bertie County must have applicable licenses and permits. Inspectors will work closely with owners and management to ensure the quality and safety of food service to the public.

Nutrition Services Division
The Nutrition Services Division offers services to promote healthful eating behaviors, access to nutritious food through the WIC Program, nutrition workshops and technical assistance for groups and organizations, breastfeeding support, and weight management for children and teens.

The purpose of the Bertie County Planning Department is to provide staff support and technical assistance to the Bertie County Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, Technical Review Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, Historical Resources Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Environmental Advisory Committee. Planning staff also works with and assists other County Departments, governmental agencies, public officials, and the public. The Planning Director reports directly to the Assistant County Manager.

The Bertie County Tax Department is comprised of both the Assessor and Collector Offices. The Assessor�s Office is responsible for the listing, appraisal and assessment of all taxable property in Bertie County. The Collector�s Office is responsible for the collection of all property taxes due in Bertie County.
 

The Finance Department provides service and financial assistance to all departments of County Government and to the general public. The department assists County departments by processing payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchase orders, accounting for fixed assets, assistance in budgeting, and the provision of financial information as requested.
 

The mission of the Bertie County Sheriff�s Office is to serve our community and in partnership with them, prevent and investigate crime, enforce the law, and safeguard lives and property. This service will be delivered by a highly trained and dedicated team of professionals. Our style will be a proactive one achieved through courteous interactions with our community.
 

The Cooperative Extension Service provides a broad range of educational programs that are of benefit to farmers, rural and urban residents, community leaders, homemakers, parents and youth. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens. Cooperative Extension is an educational partnership of colleges and universities helping people put research-based knowledge to work for economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and an improved quality of life. These initiatives focus on the following concerns of North Carolinians: sustainable agriculture; rural revitalization; waste management; water quality; food safety and quality; youth at risk; environmental protection and conservation of natural resources; families in crisis; and health and human safety. Extension programs focus on traditional and changing needs in the areas of agriculture, home economics, community and rural development, and 4-H and Youth. During times of disaster, the Cooperative Extension provides its educational expertise and agricultural knowledge to assist farmers and others with disaster recovery. They serve as a key agency in the agricultural damage assessment process and assist with fatalities of livestock.

Emergency Programs Division
The goal of the Emergency Programs Division (EP) of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS) is the reduction of vulnerability to, or the impact from, any disaster affecting the agricultural community of North Carolina. EP provides leadership within the NCDACS and the agricultural community for emergency preparedness and response. It also establishes public-private partnerships between vital government agencies, industry, and volunteers. The Emergency Programs Division, in collaboration with the State Animal Response Team (SART), USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), NC Cooperative Extension Service, and others, evaluates the effect of the disaster on the agricultural animal industry. EP leads the response in providing technical guidance and assistance to producers and the agricultural industry in managing mortality or necessary services to prevent further mortality. EP collaborates with SART and other divisions in conducting assessments or coordinating local response. In the past, the state has provided the following agricultural programs, all of which require a special appropriation or allocation of funds. Under the Farm Structure and Equipment Loss program the state has provided funds to assist with repair and replacement of damaged and destroyed farm structures and equipment. Financial assistance has been made available in disaster declared counties to farmers who have sustained farm structure and equipment losses. The state has also provided funds for crop loss using the USDA FSA Crop Disaster Program (CDP) criteria. However, CDP reimburses losses for certain crops only. The NC Crop Loss Assistance program historically has provided assistance for all verified agricultural crops. All agricultural producers with verified agricultural crop loss are eligible. Finally, the state has provided funds to provide grants and loans to compensate commercial fishermen, including trout farmers, for up to 60% of their combined losses. All commercial fishermen, including trout farmers, who incurred equipment losses and reductions in harvests as a direct result of the declared disaster, are eligible.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
The Cooperative Extension Service provides a broad range of educational programs that are of benefit to farmers, rural and urban residents, community leaders, homemakers, parents and youth. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens. Cooperative Extension is an educational partnership of colleges and universities helping people put research-based knowledge to work for economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and an improved quality of life. These initiatives focus on the following concerns of North Carolinians: sustainable agriculture; rural revitalization; waste management; water quality; food safety and quality; youth at risk; environmental protection and conservation of natural resources; families in crisis; and health and human safety. Extension programs focus on traditional and changing needs in the areas of agriculture, home economics, community and rural development, and 4-H and Youth. During times of disaster, the Cooperative Extension provides its educational expertise and agricultural knowledge to assist farmers and others with disaster recovery. They serve as a key agency in the agricultural damage assessment process and assist with fatalities of livestock.

Martin Community College - Windsor, NC
Community Colleges follow the lead established by public schools in most cases for opening and closing of the college. The College President makes the final decision on when the College closes. The College has IT backup off-site, which includes payroll records, student records and has emergency generators that cover the entire campus. The College�s auditorium is designed for special needs and can be used as congregation point. The College also has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emergency Management.
 

Created in 1957, the Department of Administration acts as the business manager for North Carolina State Government. The department oversees Government Operations such as building construction, purchasing and contracting for goods and services, managing state vehicles, acquiring and disposing of real property, and operating auxiliary services such as courier mail delivery and the sale of state and federal surplus property. In addition, the department provides Internal Services and Programs. Internal Services include the maintenance of state-owned buildings and grounds, police security for state government facilities in Wake County, and leadership in managing the department's information resources. The department's programs provide advocacy, assistance and services to diverse segments of the state's population that have been traditionally underserved.
 

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state's leading economic-development agency, working with local, regional, national and international companies. The department�s mission is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. The mission is carried out by serving existing business and industry, including providing international trade assistance; recruiting new jobs and domestic and foreign investment; encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation; marketing North Carolina and its brand; supporting workforce development; strengthening communities; and promoting tourism, film and sports development. The Department also provides data, statistics, information and reports for state government and agencies, which regulate commerce in the state.

Division of Community Assistance
The Division of Community Assistance (DCA) in the North Carolina Department of Commerce does not directly assess damages; instead, it responds to inquiries from communities with funding provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the state of North Carolina. The Division manages Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) provided by U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist in disaster recovery. One way communities may use CDBG funds is through supplemental appropriation by Congress in response to a natural disaster. Since CDBG supplemental funds are not guaranteed and are not part of a standing program, the state must apply for them. Program activities and design are determined for and specific to each disaster. A second way CDBG funds can be used for disaster response is through the North Carolina small cities CDBG program. These funds are allocated to the state annually and can be made available for disaster recovery on a priority basis in two ways. First, if communities have open CDBG projects with uncommitted funds and want to address hurricane related activities, they can ask to amend their open projects. Second, if there are uncommitted small cities CDBG funds in other program categories that have not been awarded to local governments, the Department of Commerce can reallocate them for hurricane efforts through an urgent need award process.

In December, 2010, the Governor of North Carolina recommended consolidating three criminal justice agencies, Crime Control and Public Safety, Correction and Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, into one department to make state government more efficient and to help save taxpayer money. This was a necessary step to streamline government while assuring that the functions of the three state agencies continue undiminished in their overall mission of protecting the public. The change was effective Jan. 1, 2012.

The consolidation encompasses many criminal justice and public safety functions including Alcohol Law Enforcement, the N.C. National Guard, Prisons, Probation and Parole, Youth Development Centers, the Governor�s Crime Commission, the Center for the Prevention of School Violence, Statewide Automated Victims Assistance and Notification (NC SAVAN), Emergency Management, the Boxing Commission, Correction Enterprises, Butner Public Safety, Victims Compensation Services, the Parole Commission, State Highway Patrol and State Capitol Police.

North Carolina National Guard
The Army National Guard is an elite group of part-time citizen soldiers who dedicate a portion of their time to serving their nation, state and local community. Every state and territory has its own National Guard as provided by the Constitution of the United States. Guard members have a long and noble history of serving at home and abroad to ensure the safety and freedom of their fellow citizens. They have combated natural disasters, supported active duty Army troops, and when called upon, taken up arms against their nation�s enemies. The National Guard has a unique dual mission that consists of both Federal and State roles. Each state governor can call the National Guard into action during local or statewide emergencies, such as storms, fires, earthquakes or civil disturbances. In addition, the President of the United States can activate the National Guard for participation in federal missions such as deployment to the Middle East to defend America against Terrorism.

Division of Emergency Management
NCDEM, one of multiple agencies of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, prepares, responds, recovers from, and mitigates the effects of emergencies and disasters. From the Administration Building in Raleigh and three branch offices throughout the state, the Emergency Management Division responds to support local government emergency operations. There are three branch managers and 15 area coordinators trained to respond to the scene of an emergency to coordinate the delivery of state assistance. The work of the NCDEM includes a four-phase approach: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The division also assists the county with the preliminary damage assessment. NCDEM coordinates with and supports the County, as necessary, and acts as a liaison with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal assistance. NCDEM ensures that individuals and families have access to the full range of state and federal programs made available in the aftermath of a disaster. NCDEM also develops and maintains partnerships with state, federal and voluntary organizations that deliver resources to disaster victims. NCDEM develops and maintains programs, policies and partnerships to administer human service programs. For additional information refer to the State�s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

North Carolina State Disaster Recovery Team
The State Disaster Recovery Team (SDRT) is comprised of all necessary organizations involved in the state�s disaster recovery efforts. The SDRT is responsible for ensuring that the state delivers a cohesive and coordinated interagency effort. It serves as a parallel organization to the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), and both organizations are activated at the same time. The SDRT addresses issues associated with the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts of returning the affected regions and communities to their pre-disaster conditions. The SDRT serves as a resource for all disaster recovery efforts of the governor and/or General Assembly. Immediately after a disaster, preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) reflect the initial needs of public health and safety. However, as the state shifts from immediate response to long-term recovery, all SDRT members are responsible for ensuring that effective damage assessments occur and are reported to the SDRT. The SDRT oversees the compilation and maintenance of a comprehensive damage assessment that includes the effect on business and industry, labor and workforce, agriculture, environment, transportation and infrastructure, public health and welfare, housing, government services and facilities, and other affected areas. The SDRT comprehensively assesses the effects of a disaster and identifies and prioritizes the greatest needs. Information collected and reported by SDRT serves as a resource in advising the Governor and other state leaders in developing a recovery strategy. The SDRT uses the information regarding losses and needs to determine how best to address the problems. The SDRT assists in identifying and pursuing federal assistance, as well as supplying input on where or how the state should provide assistance. As federal, state, and local governments coordinate with private and nonprofit organizations in long-term recovery efforts, the SDRT is the state body charged with ensuring that all efforts are working in concert and progressing effectively. The SDRT is charged with identifying and resolving all issues that arise in the weeks, months, or years of the state�s recovery efforts.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol's primary mission is to reduce collisions and make the highways of North Carolina as safe as possible. Troopers and Motor Carrier Enforcement officers also guide traffic during hurricane evacuations or re-route traffic around hazardous chemical spills. The Patrol stands ready, should any act of terrorism occur, to carry out the directives of the Governor. The Highway Patrol has eight troop locations throughout the state. The Highway Patrol continues to promote highway safety through education and enforcement.

North Carolina Department of Corrections

Probation and Parole
The mission of the North Carolina Department of Correction is to promote public safety by the administration of a fair and humane system which provides reasonable opportunities for adjudicated offenders to develop progressively responsible behavior.

Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission
The Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission is an independent agency that is responsible for releasing offenders who meet eligibility requirements established in North Carolina General Statutes. The Commission does not hold formal hearings and does not meet personally with offenders when reviewing cases for possible parole. Each case is reviewed on an individual basis since each has its own characteristics. The three members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor, who also selects one commissioner to serve as chairman. The majority of the Commission - two members - must agree to deny or approve parole for all eligible offenders. During disasters, this department serves as a resource for security personnel to support security operations,

Division of Environmental Health
The mission of the Division of Environmental Health (DEH) is to safeguard life, promote human health and protect the environment through the practice of modern environmental health science, the use of technology, rules, public education and above all, dedication to the public trust. The DEH is comprised of six sections: Environmental Health Services; Public Water Supply; Public Health Pest Management; Shellfish Sanitation; On-Site Wastewater and Radiation Protection. The division is also home to the Office of Education and Training, which provides centralized intern training for newly hired environmental health specialists working for the county health departments; certification for public water supply operators; and general training for staff. The office also oversees the authorization of all agents enforcing North Carolina health-related rules.

Division of Water Quality
The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is the agency responsible for statewide regulatory programs in surface water and aquifer protection. DWQ's mission is to protect and enhance North Carolina's surface water and groundwater resources through quality monitoring programs, efficient permitting, responsible management, fair and effective enforcement and excellence in public service. The agency, with central offices in Raleigh and seven regional offices located across the state, issues pollution control permits, monitors permit compliance, evaluates environmental quality and carries out enforcement actions for violations of environmental regulations. The division, comprised of administrative officers and six sections (Surface Water Protection, Aquifer Protection, Construction Grants and Loans, Laboratory, Planning and Environmental Sciences) administers the policies and rules established by the state's Environmental Management Commission. These policies and rules are designed to support the division in its resource protection, management and regulatory efforts.

Division of Forest Resources
The Division of Forest Resources is mandated and directed by Chapters 77, 113 and 143 of the North Carolina General Statutes and by Title 15, Chapter 9 of the North Carolina Administrative Code to protect, manage and develop the forest resources of the state. The techniques used to accomplish this mandate involve management of existing resources, development and creation of new and better forests, and protection of these valuable resources. Programs include reforestation services, forest fire prevention and suppression, and insect and disease control. The Division also is involved in the operation of tree seedling nurseries, long range forestry planning and technical development, water quality controls, urban forestry assistance, training, and support to volunteer fire departments and forestry education. Each county signs an agreement with the Division and shares in the cost of the county program. All personnel employed in the counties are state employees; however, the County Board of Commissioners participates in the selection of the county ranger. Professional assistance in technical areas is provided by foresters and specialists on the district staff who are responsible for managing all programs administered by the counties within that district.

North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation
The Division of Soil and Water Conservation is one of 27 agencies in the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and works in cooperation with the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to protect and improve soil and water resources throughout the state. Staff totals 58, with 23 in the Archdale building in Raleigh and 35 based in regional and field offices. Spread among Administrative, District Operations, Nonpoint Source Programs and Technical Services sections, the dedicated workforce includes program managers, engineers, attorneys, soil scientists, environmental specialists, paralegals, land surveyors and administrative staff.

The Division of Soil and Water Conservation is statutorily connected to North Carolina's 96 local conservation districts through General Statute 139 and delivers its programs through the comprehensive district infrastructure. The division cost shares on 116 county-employed district technician positions throughout the state.
 

Districts partner with federal, state and local entities to deliver state and federal conservation programs related to water quality practices, farmland protection, wetlands restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement. Districts assist with community conservation planning in natural resource management areas such as erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, flood control, water use efficiency, stream restoration, small-plot forestry management and restoration efforts after natural disasters. Districts also help implement conservation easements and respond to local projects such as building environmental education centers.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Since its inception in 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) has been dedicated to the wise-use, conservation, and management of the state's fish and wildlife resources. Commission policies and programs are based on scientifically sound resource management, assessment and monitoring, applied research and public input. The WRC consists of wildlife and fisheries biologists, wildlife enforcement officers, educators, engineers and administrative staff in nine districts across the state. The WRC also houses a number of divisions that will assist communities during an event. The primary missions of the Division of Engineering Services is to direct, plan and manage all engineering related projects for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Additionally, the Division administers the Boating Access Construction and Maintenance and Waterway Marking programs. The Enforcement Division is charged with enforcing the rules and regulations established by the Wildlife Commission and the General Assembly of the State. Wildlife enforcement officers are sworn, full-time law enforcement officers with full arrest authority for state and federal violations. In particular, Wildlife officers enforce the game, fish and boating laws to protect the resources of the state and the safety of its citizens.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its divisions contribute to a variety of several assessment and assistance recovery efforts during and following a disaster. The DHHS Office of Citizen Services (OCS), part of the Office of the Secretary, coordinates the activities of the divisions during a disaster. All affected and responding divisions submit daily reports via phone, electronically, and in face-to-face meetings. The OCS SERT member uses this information to compile necessary reports to the state emergency management human services director, DHHS secretary, and division directors. OCS serves as the central point of contact for all of the following DHHS divisions and for one Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) division.

Division of Social Services
The Division of Social Services (DSS) is heavily involved in Emergency Operations Center activities, particularly in terms of mass care. DSS is not responsible for making damage assessments, but it provides volunteers (as needed) to participate in disaster recovery assistance centers and to serve on community relations and damage assessment teams, when requested. DSS also convenes a communications center in the Albemarle Building in Raleigh to facilitate communications with local departments of social services involved in a disaster. At least daily conference calls are made to discuss local issues and needs. DSS supervises several services that are administered through county departments of social services. Economic benefit programs particularly applicable in times of disaster recovery include Work First, Crisis Intervention, and Food Stamps. In addition, child protective services may be required in times of disaster. Other than Food Stamps (which is discussed separately below), the programs operate as usual with no modifications for disaster situations.

Division of Public Health
The Division of Public Health coordinates a follow-on public health assessment to document the health impacts of the disaster. The assessment is a joint effort that involves the DENR Division of Environmental Health; the DHHS Office of Emergency Medical Services; the DHHS Division of Health Service Regulation; the DHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS); and the federal Uniform Public Health Service to document the impacts. Assessment includes extended monitoring of the following: mold abatement, asbestos removal and abatement, contamination from hazardous chemicals, contamination from unknown industrial sites, continuation of notifications to boil water and collection of geographic information system (GIS) data layers for the spatial mapping of the disaster�s impacts on public health. In coordination with the DHHS Office of Citizen Services, the Division of Public Health leads five major public health assessment and surveillance initiatives: rapid community health assessment to identify priority needs of housing, shelter, food, and health care; follow-on public health assessments to address ongoing and long-term effects; public health surveillance of the displaced populations and disaster response/recovery workers; human health environmental risk assessments such as drinking water, ground water, and structural damage; and epidemiological studies of selected long-term impacts.

Division of Child Development
In the event of a disaster, the Division of Child Development (DCD) supports child care providers and helps provide safe and healthy child care alternatives for families. The division carries out the following functions: assists in coordinating the relocation of children in affected child care settings; assesses providers� needs, including establishing temporary emergency child care; and makes referrals to family child care home (FCCH) providers (private homes that are registered child care facilities). Assessments are made by staff members, partner agencies, and child care providers. The DCD director, under the direction of the DHHS Office of Citizen Services (OCS) and the DHHS secretary, oversees and coordinates the activities of the DCD management team, disaster function team leaders, and disaster coordinator. DCD disaster function teams are activated to assess and communicate the division�s capacity to carry out its roles as affected by the disaster and to make provisions for the continuation of core division functions. DCD assessment responsibilities include the following: communicating with partner agencies (e.g., the Child Care Resource and Referral Council and local agencies, the North Carolina Partnership for Children and local partnerships, and the NC Head Start Association) to assess their role and functionality as affected by the disaster; initiating the assessment of child care providers� damages and needs, with assistance of partner agencies; assessing the need to relocate children off-site, ensuring that children are safe while they are in child care; assessing the need to approve temporary emergency child care arrangements to improve access to child care; assessing the need to activate special licensing policies and to reestablish safe child care; assessing the continuation of child abuse and neglect investigations involving child care; assessing the ability to use subsidy funds to pay for emergency child care; assessing the implementation of other assistance for specific disaster needs; coordinating communication with the North Carolina Division of Social Services (DSS) about child care facilities and local social service departments; coordinating with DCD State Emergency Response Team (SERT) members to ensure the assessment of child care facilities that primarily serve children with special needs. Whether DCD carries out an individual disaster function depends on the specific needs at the time and available resources, both human and financial. Ongoing efforts may include evaluation of the following: relocation of children to an off-site location; need for or duration of temporary emergency child care arrangements; special licensing policies allowed; continuity of abuse and neglect investigations in child care; and use of subsidy funds to pay for emergency child care

State Bureau of Investigation
The SBI assists local law enforcement with criminal investigations, working closely with local police and Sheriffs, district attorneys, federal investigators and federal prosecutors. The SBI has statewide jurisdiction and investigates homicides, robberies, property crimes, and other serious cases. Involvement is at the request of the local department that maintains original jurisdiction over the case. The SBI has original jurisdiction in the following areas: Drug Investigations, Arson Investigations, Election Law Violations, Child Sexual Abuse in Day Care Centers, Theft and Misuse of State Property, and Computer Crime Investigations that Involve Crimes Against Children. Additionally,

North Carolina Justice Academy
The North Carolina Justice Academy, also a part of the DOJ, provides training and technical assistance for law enforcement agencies. Commissions staffed by DOJ employees oversee law enforcement training and standards.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is the agency charged with implementing the State's public school laws and the State Board of Education's policies and procedures governing pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public education. The elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction heads the Department and functions under the policy direction of the State Board of Education. DPI develops the Standard Course of Study which describes the subjects and course content that should be taught in North Carolina public schools and develops the assessments and accountability model used to evaluate school and district success The DPI's primary offices are in Raleigh, NC, with three regional alternative licensing centers in Charlotte, Fayetteville and Nashville. The state agency works closely with nine Regional Education Service Alliances/Consortia across the state as well as directly with the state's 115 local education agencies.

Division of Non-Public Education
The North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) mission impacts non-public schools and the quality of education received by their students. It monitors non-public school compliance to the laws governing those schools in a professional, objective and uniform manner. DNPE also engages in the following activities: maintaining current statistical data on each private elementary/secondary school including the school's name, address, telephone number, chief administrator, range of grades or ages taught, number of students enrolled, number of professional staff, type of school, student body composition, etc; overseeing the non-public school student driving eligibility certificate program; and serving as the state government liaison office between state government, the private elementary/secondary school community and the general public.

Division of Highways
The Division of Highways is the key agency involved in assessing the impact of a disaster on state-maintained roads and highways and in restoring them to their pre-disaster conditions. Assistance provided by the division includes debris removal and restoration of infrastructure. The Division of Highways conducts preliminary damage assessments and damage and inspection reports. Reporting procedures are coordinated through NCDOT county maintenance personnel and district offices. Additionally, the Division of Highways repairs or replaces bridges or roadways damaged in a disaster.

Rail Division
The Rail Division responds as requested to needs initiated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMA). It assists the National Guard and other groups by transporting troops, other personnel, and/or equipment to disaster response points. The division also helps railroads file claims with FEMA and oversees the restoration of any rail service that was hindered by the disaster.

Ferry Division
The Ferry Division plays a crucial role in both evacuations and the transportation of resources and equipment in the event of a disaster. Upon request from the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the Ferry Division transports fuel, generators, and heavy debris removal equipment.

Aviation Division
The Aviation Division provides resources for aerial photography and reconnaissance needed in disaster-related damage assessment. NCDOT receives reimbursements from FEMA and FHWA for its work. The division also helps assess damage to public airports upon request and allocates state and federal funds, if available, for repair and restoration to airport infrastructure.

The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service works to create a culture of service and civic engagement in the state. The Commission encourages community service and volunteerism as a means of problem solving across the state by administering federal funds to community service and volunteer programs such as AmeriCorps and Citizen Corps. State priorities including the Governor's Page Program, the NC Mentoring Partnership and the Governor's Award for Volunteer Service are also managed by the Commission. Above all, the Commission provides valuable support for North Carolina's growing force of volunteers who make extraordinary impacts in the lives of others and help meet community needs.

North Carolina Citizens Corps
The North Carolina Citizen Corps, funded by the Department of Homeland Security and managed by the Commission, provides opportunities for people in our state to volunteer to help make their families, homes and communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for all kinds of disasters and emergencies. Everyone has a role in hometown security and a personal responsibility to be prepared. Since 2002, communities in North Carolina have worked to create Citizen Corps Councils that bring together first responders, firefighters, emergency health care providers, law enforcement officers, individuals with disabilities, representatives from the private sector, and emergency managers with its local volunteer resources. Councils help to expand opportunities for people to engage in volunteer service that will support emergency preparation, prevention, and response.

North Carolina volunteers serve in five Citizen Corps Programs:

• Community Emergency Response Teams,
• Medical Reserve Corps Units,
• Volunteers in Police Service Programs,
• Fire Corps Programs,
• Neighborhood Watch Communities

The NCHFA, an agency of North Carolina government, creates affordable housing opportunities for North Carolinians whose needs are not met by the market. The NCHFA does not specifically assess damages, rather, it utilizes information about damage provided by other sources (NCEM, local governments, etc.). NCHFA responds to disasters with resources provided by Congress and the NC General Assembly. To alleviate threats to life and safety in owner occupied housing, NCHFA provides, through nonprofits and local governments, grants of up to $5,000 per unit to homeowners with special needs, Through the Urgent Repair Program (URP) Nonprofits and local governments apply to the NCHFA for funding to provide urgent repairs and accessibility modifications to households in their service areas. Individual households cannot apply to the NCHFA directly; they must contact their local government or the nonprofit serving their area to inquire whether those organizations have urgent repair projects, some of which are NCHFA-funded. The NCHFA�s current Single Family Rehabilitation (SFR) Program provides up to $40,000 per unit (with an average of $25,000 per unit) to rehabilitate owner- occupied housing. This program works through nonprofits and local governments to make forgivable loans to individual households. Nonprofits and local governments apply to NCHFA for funding to rehabilitate homes in their service areas. Individual households cannot apply to the NCHFA directly; they must contact local governments or non-profits serving their area to inquire whether those organizations have Single Family Rehabilitation projects. NCHFA also provides a Disaster Rental Assistance program. Disaster rental assistance is for victims of natural disasters seeking temporary living quarters. It is a short-term rent assistance program providing funding to individual households to make up the difference between the rent they can afford to pay and the rent necessary for an available rental unit. The Rental Production Program (RPP) provides gap financing for the development or rehabilitation of rental housing affordable to low-income households (earning below 60% of median family income for the area). In the event of a disaster, the NCHFA can provide financing for the development or rehabilitation of rental housing, provided NCHFA receives an appropriate funding source from HUD or the General Assembly and provided it receives quality applications for housing in appropriate areas.
 

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is a State agency created by the General Assembly to regulate the rates and services of all public utilities in North Carolina. It is the oldest regulatory body in state government. The Commission regulates electric, telephone (including payphone service and shared tenant service), natural gas, water, wastewater, water resale, household goods transportation, busses, brokers, and ferryboats. To a limited degree, the Commission regulates electric membership corporations, small power producers, and electric merchant plants. The Commission is also responsible for administering programs in North Carolina to ensure the safety of natural gas pipelines. The Commission does not regulate telephone membership corporations, cable TV, satellite, commercial mobile radio service, cellular, pagers, or data and internet service providers.
 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is organized to carry out the responsibilities of the secretary of the Treasury under section 7801 of the Internal Revenue Code. The secretary has full authority to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws and has the power to create an agency to enforce these laws. The IRS was created based on this legislative grant. The IRS mission is to provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all. In the United States, the Congress passes tax laws and requires taxpayers to comply. The taxpayer�s role is to understand and meet his or her tax obligations. The IRS role is to help the large majority of compliant taxpayers with the tax law, while ensuring that the minority who are unwilling to comply pay their fair share.
 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers engages in the construction, operations and maintenance of flood control dams, hydro electrical facilities, navigational locks and other water control structures. Additionally, the Corps continues to work on new construction and assisting communities with developing flood mitigation activities and levee inspection and repair. The Corps also engages in floodplain management planning assistance, stream bank and shoreline protection and aquatic ecosystem restoration. The Corps also provides technical assistance with assessment of levels of debris following an incident.
 

Farm Service Agency
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is the primary federal agency for most agricultural disaster recovery activities. Several FSA programs may be available, but usually require special funding. The USDA County Emergency Board (CEB) conducts agricultural damage assessments at the county level. The FSA County Executive Director chairs the CEB. The remaining members of the county emergency board are the representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Rural Development (RD), with input from the Cooperative Extension Service. The FSA also provides agricultural disaster relief in the form of low interest loans, called emergency (EM) loans. These loans are intended to enable farmers to return to their normal farming operations as soon as possible after a disaster. The FSA County Offices provide a local point of contact for the state and Bertie County. The FSA may provide programs for crop loss, livestock, farm structures, trees, cropland, waterways, and other needs. The state may provide additional assistance to address highly catastrophic losses.

Rural Development
USDA Rural Development offers a number of rural housing assistance programs for disaster recovery. The Single Family Housing Assistance program provides loans to construct or repair single family homes in rural designated disaster areas for very low and low-income applicants. The Multifamily Housing Assistance programs are described below.

• Disaster Loan/Grant Funding: The purpose of these loans and grants is to provide assistance for constructing or repairing apartment complexes in rural designated disaster areas for very low and low-income tenants, as well as farm laborers.
• Disaster Rental Assistance: This program provides rental assistance for victims of natural disasters seeking temporary living quarters in USDA Rural Development financed complexes. USDA may make additional funds available after a disaster to provide assistance in covering rental payments in Rural Development housing.

Food Nutrition Service
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) coordinates with state, local and voluntary organizations to provide food for shelters and other mass feeding sites, distribute food packages directly to households in need in limited situations and issue emergency Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). As part of the National Response Framework (NRF), FNS supplies food to disaster relief organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army for mass feeding or household distribution. State agencies notify USDA of the types and quantities of food that relief organizations need for emergency feeding operations. FNS also authorizes States to operate a D-SNAP. The FNS also makes available Food Stamps services to help those affected by the disaster to purchase food.

Natural Resource Conservation Service
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) provides assistance to private landowners in the conservation and enhancement of natural resources. This assistance includes helping citizens with reducing soil erosion, enhancing water supplies, improving water quality, increasing wildlife habitat and reducing damages caused by flooding. NRCS also delivers the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program to clear debris and restore waterways after an event. The NRCS also engages in wetlands assessment, delineation, restoration training and outreach and preservation through a variety of different programs.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has a broad mandate to advance economic growth and jobs and opportunities for the American people. It has cross-cutting responsibilities in the areas of trade, technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, environmental stewardship and statistical research and analysis. After a disaster, the U.S Department of Commerce may provide technical assistance and grants to communities.
 

The U.S Department of Education can provide technical assistance for school systems following disasters. They also have the ability to provide grants.
 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government�s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. HHS represents almost a quarter of all federal outlays, and it administers more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined. HHS� Medicare program is the nation�s largest health insurer, handling more than 1 billion claims per year. Medicare and Medicaid together provide health care insurance for one in four Americans.

HHS works closely with state and local governments, and many HHS-funded services are provided at the local level by state or county agencies, or through private sector grantees. The Department�s programs are administered by 11 operating divisions, including eight agencies in the U.S. Public Health Service and three human services agencies. The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities. In addition to the services they deliver, the HHS programs provide for equitable treatment of beneficiaries nationwide, and they enable the collection of national health and other data.

Departmental leadership is provided by the Office of the Secretary. Also included in the Department is the Office of Public Health and Science, the Office of the HHS Inspector General and the HHS Office for Civil Rights. In addition, the Program Support Center, a self-supporting division of the Department, provides administrative services for HHS and other federal agencies

Centers for Disease Control
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a variety of services that assist state and local communities before, during and after a disaster event. One of the CDC�s overarching goals is to prepare people for emerging health threats. The CDC provides guidance on diseases and health related issues, collects and disseminates data and statistics related to diseases and conditions, emergencies and disasters, environmental health, injury and violence safety, life stages and populations, traveler�s and workplace safety. To assist communities in preparedness for all hazards the CDC engages in a number of valuable activities and programs. Activities and programs include; Snap Shots of State Population Data (SNAPS) which provides local-level community profile information nationwide; Surveillance to include case definitions, illness recognition and detection as well as planning systems; Training and Education on risk communications, public health and clinical training as well as laboratory training; Trauma and mental health resources; and Healthcare Facilities.

The Department of Homeland Security leverages resources within federal, state, and local governments, coordinating the transition of multiple agencies and programs into a single, integrated agency focused on protecting the American people and their homeland. More than 87,000 different governmental jurisdictions at the federal, state, and local level have homeland security responsibilities. The comprehensive national strategy seeks to develop a complementary system connecting all levels of government without duplicating effort. Homeland Security is truly a �national mission.� The Office of the Secretary oversees activities with other federal, state, local, and private entities as part of a collaborative effort to strengthen our borders, provide for intelligence analysis and infrastructure protection, improve the use of science and technology to counter weapons of mass destruction, and to create a comprehensive response and recovery system. The Office of the Secretary includes multiple offices that contribute to the overall Homeland Security mission.

Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA assists state and local governments with a variety of activities related to emergency management during all phases of an event (Preparedness, Mitigation Response and Recovery). FEMA works to reduce the loss of life and property by helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from a variety of disasters. FEMA has the primary federal responsibility to assess damage in any major disaster. FEMA also administers a myriad of disaster assistance programs offered by the Federal Government, many of which require a disaster declaration by the President of the United States (pursuant to the Stafford Act). A Presidential Disaster Declaration provides the most comprehensive federal assistance to an affected area after an event. This declaration includes full FEMA assistance that covers both Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA).

HUD works to help people buy homes, create affordable rental housing, pursue community and economic development and enforce fair housing laws. HUD assists local communities in recovering from a disaster by providing Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). One way communities may use CDBG funds is through supplemental appropriation by Congress in response to a natural disaster. Since CDBG supplemental funds are not guaranteed and are not part of a standing program, the state must apply for them. Program activities and design are determined for and specific to each disaster. A second way CDBG funds can be used for disaster response is through the North Carolina small cities CDBG program. These funds are allocated to the state annually and can be made available for disaster recovery on a priority basis in two ways.

• First, if communities have open CDBG projects with uncommitted funds and want to address hurricane-related activities, they can ask to amend their open projects.

• Second, if there are uncommitted small cities CDBG funds in other program categories that have not been awarded to local governments, the Department of Commerce can reallocate them for hurricane efforts through an urgent need award process.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service�s (USFWS) mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats. The USFWS coordinates with a variety of agency and organizations engaging in cost sharing activities aimed at limiting the negative impacts of flooding on fish and wildlife. The agency also assists with restoration projects and system analysis of floods to limit future damages. The USFWS also manages a Fire Management Program aimed at cost effectively managing fire safety to lower the risk of catastrophic fires. Under this program the agency provides mutual aid to other federal, state and local fire management agencies. Finally, the USFWS provides a number of services and resources regarding animal pathogens, testing of sick and dead birds, sample testing of wild birds and monitoring the testing of sentinel animals.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) assists communities following a disaster event with ensuring that workers remain safe during recovery operations. OSHA provides valuable guidance and information related to a variety of issues that may arise during recovery operations. This includes safety information related to; aerial lifts, heat and sun, asbestos hazards, spiders, carbon monoxide, chain saws, chippers, rescue of animals, lead hazards, crane safety, respirators, electrical safety, West Nile Virus and a variety of others. OSHA also provides Public Service Announcements and training on safety issues that may be present in the community. Under the National Response Framework (NRF) OSHA assists communities with identifying and assessing worker health and safety hazards, assessing the resources needed to protect workers, providing technical expertise in a variety of safety related issues, managing the creation and implementation of a site specific health and safety plan (HASP), providing assistance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), collecting data on accidents and injuries, coordinating and providing incident-specific response and recovery training and assisting with the development and distribution of educational materials on preventing and mitigating hazards.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) assists state and local governments in a number of capacities during and after a disaster event. The DOT ensures that the national infrastructure is safe and maintained, that motor vehicles, parts, rail cars and other associated equipment comply with performance standards and engages in the inspection of hazardous materials for compliance with labeling, packing and transport.
 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of food. These activities include ensuring that foods are wholesome and sanitary; monitoring human and veterinary drugs, human biological products, the safety of medical devices and cosmetics; and electronic products that emit radiation following the relevant guidance. The FDA also ensures that these products are accurately represented to the public. The FDA operates under a mandate authorized by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) [21 U.S.C. �� 321 et seq.] and other public health laws (e.g., section 351 of the Public Health Service Act governing biological products [42 U.S.C. 262]). Finally, the FDA also has authority under the Public Health Service Act to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases [42 U.S.C. 264].
 

The SBA provides low interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations to assist with recovery activities following an event. In disasters that are not large enough to justify a Presidential Disaster Declaration, the SBA may assess the number of damaged homes and businesses and declare an SBA agency disaster. Under an SBA declaration, the SBA opens one or more Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in the declared counties and staffs them with loan officers to assist disaster victims with their paperwork. The SBA can make federally subsidized loans to repair or replace homes, personal property or businesses that sustained damages not covered by insurance. The SBA can provide three types of disaster loans to qualified homeowners and businesses.

• Home disaster loans are for homeowners and renters to repair or replace disaster-related damages to home or personal property.

• Business physical disaster loans are for business owners to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including inventory, and supplies.

• Economic injury disaster loans provide capital to small businesses and to small agricultural cooperatives to assist them through the disaster recovery period. The SBA disaster loan program is the primary form of disaster assistance for many individuals.

Cable Television service providers provides cable services to customers in Bertie County. They will also be responsible for communicating with the Emergency Operations Center to ensure coordination as services are being restored.
 

The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers. MRC units are community-based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists. Many community members; interpreters, chaplains, office workers, legal advisors and others can fill key support positions.
 

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1970 in response to Hurricane Camille in the Gulf Coast. Members of National VOAD include national nonprofit organizations whose mission includes programs either in disaster preparedness, response and/or recovery. Since the groups� founding, state and local equivalents of VOAD have emerged to foster cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration at the state and local level, the heart of any disaster response. National VOAD has grown to include 49 national member organizations and 55 State and Territory equivalents. Member organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle; preparation, response and recovery, to help disaster survivors and their communities. Members of National VOAD form a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission.
 

The North Carolina Association of Realtors is part of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and is the state level of the largest trade association in the nation. The association represents the interests of its members in Bertie County.
 

The North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA) is a dynamic group of builders and associate member firms across the state who pool information and efforts to provide the collective clout and muscle the home building industry needs; for self protection, for the benefits of its members and for the protection of home buyers. By meeting together, sharing ideas and mobilizing efforts, NCHBA contributes to the economic growth of each individual member. NCHBA plays a key role in helping maintain consistently higher industry standards of conduct, quality and ethics. Membership in NCHBA helps crystallize collective opinions in order to effect change in Congress, the N.C. General Assembly, the courts and regulatory agencies.
 

The State Animal Response Team (SART) is an independent 501(c)3 organization that deals primarily with the sheltering of displaced pets when their masters� homes are severely damaged or destroyed. SART partners with state and federal agencies to assess the impact of a disaster on animal agriculture and companion animal populations. SART supports county and state agencies with trained volunteers in disaster response and recovery phases. The volunteers work on assessment teams; facilitate communications with deployed personnel; enlist help from additional volunteers, agencies, and states as needed; and provide access to specialists on various topics of animal disaster management and recovery. Other responsibilities of SART include the following: implementation of a feed assistance program, collaboration with NCDACS and NCCES in hay donations and transportation; establishing and staffing shelters for companion animals in collaboration with the American Red Cross and other organizations responsible for sheltering humans; providing financial and logistical support to VMAT and other animal assistance units; providing management support for donations of animal feed, cages, medical supplies and transportation related to disaster response and recovery; and serving as a nonprofit fiscal agent in support of state-defined animal needs.
 

This league serves as a place for coordination and collaboration for municipal leadership. During disasters they can provide invaluable coordination and collaboration to ensure disaster recovery countywide.
 

The North Carolina Baptist Men (NCBM) assists communities during emergency events with a number of services. NCBM assists with hot meals, debris removal and the rebuilding of houses following an event. Additionally, NCBM also provides childcare, laundry services, hot showers chaplaincy, international search and rescue, mass feeding and water. The NCBM Disaster Relief Ministry provides organization, equipment, and strategy for committed volunteers to help affected individuals/families rebuild their lives and homes.
 

Local food banks are typically non-profit organizations that provide food to people at risk of hunger. Their goal is to harness and supply resources so that no one goes hungry in central and eastern North Carolina. Strategies to achieve this mission include; efficiently distributing high quality foods and non-food essentials to nonprofit agencies that serve the hungry; strengthening the agencies directly responsible for distributing food and non-food items; extending Food Bank services to underserved communities within the service area; advocating ways to eliminate hunger; and growing agency financial resources in order to achieve the mission.
 

Habitat for Humanity Disaster Response partners with low-income families to build decent, affordable homes. As a builder of affordable housing, Habitat works to provide long-term solutions to the housing needs of disaster victims. Habitat�s Disaster Response program works with the global Habitat community in the areas of disaster mitigation, preparedness, shelter and long-term recovery initiatives. Disaster Response focuses on the housing needs that arise from natural disasters and humanitarian emergency conflicts. Habitat�s Disaster Response offers consultation in the areas of technical information; program design and implementation; and disaster response policies, protocols and procedures. It also provides support and informational resources for disaster mitigation and preparedness for affiliates and national programs located in disaster-prone areas.
 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the not-for-profit global humanitarian aid organization of the United Methodist Church. UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters that are interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community's ability to recover on its own. UMCOR provides long-term recovery as well as immediate relief. Recognizing that disasters cause disruptions that can last for years and often create permanent changes in people's lives, UMCOR works within a community to address the long-term effects of a disaster and assist people in rebuilding and adjusting to change. UMCOR provides assistance with training, mentors, case management, volunteers, disaster supplies and finances.
 

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
 

These companies provide local telephone services to customers in Bertie County. They will work to restore telephone services to their customers. They will also be responsible for communicating with the Emergency Operations Center to ensure coordination as services are being restored.
 

Will be responsible for restoration of services to their clients, they will also update the Emergency Operations Center as to their overall progress as appropriate.
 

Natural gas companies are responsible for repairing gas leaks and damage to distribution/transmission lines. Facilities are located underground and these companies have an emergency procedures. Local offices provide support and can serve as alternate locations for materials, support and offices.