New disaster command center launches in New Hanover County
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Government, nonprofit and faith-based organizations have launched a new command center designed to improve coordination and response following hurricanes and other disasters in New Hanover County.
The New Hanover Disaster Coalition Command Center is the result of two years of work among local officials, nonprofit organizations and faith communities. Organizers said the effort was informed by lessons learned during Hurricanes Florence and Helene.
The command center is intended to help identify gaps in disaster response and connect neighborhoods, businesses, families and individuals with available resources following a storm or other major disruption.
Participating organizations include New Hanover County Emergency Management, the City of Wilmington Emergency Management, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh Cape Fear Region, United Way of the Cape Fear Area and the Harrelson Center.
The coalition said the command center is believed to be the first emergency operations center of its kind in North Carolina created through a nonprofit and faith-based partnership.
The coalition will have a dedicated position within New Hanover County’s Emergency Operations Center, allowing members to communicate directly with county emergency management officials and relay community needs.
The coalition will also coordinate with faith communities, nonprofit organizations and volunteers to help connect identified needs with available resources.
The command center’s primary operating location will be at Plaza on Princess at the Harrelson Center. The 8,000-square-foot event and meeting space is equipped with a 150-kilowatt generator, allowing operations to continue during widespread power outages.
Audrey Hart, executive director of the New Hanover Disaster Coalition, said the center is intended to bring community organizations together before and after disasters.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when, the next disaster will impact our community,” Hart said.
Jason Fuller, a senior emergency management specialist with New Hanover County, said the partnership provides another way for residents to access information and assistance.
“People in the community don’t always have direct access to the resources or information the county may be providing,” Fuller said. “This Command Center creates another pathway to connect residents with the help they need.”
Meade Van Pelt, executive director of the Harrelson Center, said government agencies and community organizations often have different perspectives during a disaster.
“When disaster strikes, government knows what is happening from an emergency-management perspective, while nonprofits and faith communities are often closest to the people experiencing the immediate impact,” Van Pelt said.
The Disaster Coalition has also worked on disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts, including volunteer and donation management, communication planning and connecting residents with community resources.
