New Bern, NC

Friday, September 28, 2018
TRASH PICKUP & RECYCLING UPDATE
(stickers now required on extra bags)

TRASH PICKUP:  Trash pickup for City residents is running on schedule. Craven County trash stickers are required on trash bags sitting outside cart (one sticker per bag no larger than 33 gallons weighing no more than 50 pounds). Be aware that construction debris, carpets, clothing, etc. cleaned out from flooded homes should not go in your trash receptacle. 

Questions concerning trash pickup outside of the city limits of New Bern should be directed to your service provider. 

RECYCLING: Recycling service is suspended until further notice by Craven County (www.cravencountync.gov).  We understand that service could resume on or around October 1, 2018.  In the meantime, residents may take recycling to a Craven County Convenience Center. 

DEBRIS COLLECTION: City staff and contractors have started picking up storm debris.  Please put debris curbside but NOT in the street.  Debris should be properly sorted into three piles: leaf/limb/vegetation in one pile. Construction debris (carpet, sheetrock, wood, furniture, etc.) in one pile, and white goods (appliances & electronics) in a third pile.  Reminder: please place at the back of the curb, NOT in the street so as not to impede stormwater drainage and vehicle access.  City staff and contractors will be working 12 hour shifts from 7 am-7 pm to collect debris.  City residents may also take leaf/limb/vegetation debris to the city’s yard waste facility located at 1803 Country Club Road.  This facility will operate Monday-Saturday from 8 am-4 pm until further notice.  Or, you can take it to a Craven County Convenience Center. 

Questions concerning debris removal for residents outside of New Bern city limits should be directed to Craven County (252)636-6659 or www.cravencountync.gov

 Thursday, September 27, 2018

**New recovery resources flier with updated local FEMA Disaster Recovery Center office



Tuesday, September 25, 2018 1:20 pm
Updated recovery resources:


Monday, September 24, 2018





Friday, September 21, 2018 3:40 pm

Initial damage assessments have been completed in the City of New Bern.  Here are the final numbers: $74.5 million in residential damage from hurricane Florence, $25.6 million in commercial damage.

If you are still out of power after hurricane Florence, CONTACT US! (252)636-4070 or go to our website.   Or, email us at Control@newbern-nc.org and include: your name & address (or a brief description of the location if address is unknown), your phone number with a short summary of the problem.  Even if you have called, emailed, or used our web portal in the past, please contact us again.

Friday, September 21, 2018, 1:30 p.m

The effects of this hurricane will be felt for some time to come as flooding and winds have caused widespread damage.  We have had several calls regarding payment of utility bills during this event and we are expecting many customers will be relocating from their flooded or damaged homes.  To ease the burden on our customers during this difficult time, the following actions are planned:

• Late fees and delinquencies will be suspended until further notice, effectively extending the due date of all unpaid bills until such time as the City has recovered
• Shutoffs for nonpayment will also be suspended until further notice
  • Please note that while shutoffs for nonpayment will be suspended, we will be pulling meters and cutting service to damaged properties by order of the Building Inspector.
• New deposit assessments typically required for current City of New Bern customers/residents and their immediate families (those living in the same household) will be temporarily waived until November 15^th.   All new customers/residents locating from outside of the immediate area will continue to follow the requirements. 

MODIFICATIONS/REPAIRS TO HISTORIC PROPERTIES AFTER HURRICANE FLORENCE:
Please be aware that all proposed modifications to all properties within New Bern’s Historic Districts are subject to approval by the HPC (or HPC Administrator for minor works) in the form of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA); however, the HPC would like you to know that all repairs made that are “replacement-in-kind” are perfectly allowable.  This means that the repairs made make no modification to what previously existed, but are simply replacements of damaged elements or materials in the same configurations as they existed. Prior to beginning work for “replacement-in-kind”, please contact Morgan J. Potts, City Planner/HPC Administrator, (252)639-7583 to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Friday, September 21, 2018 12 pm

If you are still out of power after hurricane Florence, CONTACT US! (252)636-4070 or go to our website.   Or, email us at Control@newbern-nc.org and include: your name & address (or a brief description of the location if address is unknown), your phone number with a short summary of the problem.

Our yard waste facility is OPEN! City residents can take their yard debris from hurricane Florence to the city facility located at 1803 Country Club Road. The facility is open Monday-Saturday, 8am-4pm until further notice.  

Yard debris pickup has begun.  Put your debris curbside but NOT in the street.  Separate it into three piles:  yard waste, construction/household debris, and appliances.  Our contractor crews will be working 12 hours shifts from 7am-7pm to collect all of it.  Or, you can take it to a Craven County convenience center. 

We are working to update our sewer inundation maps. We will get those assembled and published ASAP.    

153 people remain in the hurricane shelters inside city limits. We are working to secure temporary FEMA housing for people who have nowhere to go and whose homes were destroyed by hurricane Florence.

Thursday, September 20, 2018 4:00 pm

City offices will remain closed on Friday, September 21, 2018. Only essential staff need to report.  City offices will reopen on Monday, September 24, 2018.

Power outages: we are 96% restored after hurricane Florence.   Currently there are 1,020 customers left without power.   The remaining outages exist at addresses that were flooded or heavily damaged.  Utility staff say we could remain at this number for the next couple of weeks while electrical repairs are made and work is inspected ahead of restoration.

Wednesday, September 20, 2018 11:45 am

Updated sewer inundation map for Pembroke/Towne Woods/Hidden Harbor area.  We've gone a little backwards on this one but are working to get it back online asap. Some residents who thought they were in the clear from water conservation efforts should consult this map for new changes to those recommendations. We apologize. 



Wednesday, September 20, 2018, 11:30 am

North Carolina Emergency Management provides the following information to assist with community needs during recovery efforts.


Wednesday, September 20, 2018, 9:30 am

The water/sewer department has been busy getting the system back up and running. We only have one station down at this time near the Pembroke in community. See the maps below for the status of the affected areas.









Wednesday, September 19, 2018 6:00 pm
UPDATE

93% restoration on power outages. Only 1,469 customers are left. 

Damage assessments continue to increase. As of 6pm, residential damage assessments for the City of NewBern are $63.2 million.  Commercial damage assessments are up to $23.3 million.

Trash pickup has resumed.  Put your trash out on your regularly scheduled pickup day.  If you have extra trash that does not fit in your receptacle, bag it and place the bag next to your receptacle streetside.  No stickers are needed and there is no extra charge for these bags.  Be aware that construction debris, carpets, clothing, etc. cleaned out from flooded homes should not go in your trash receptacle.  

If you have an abundant amount of trash and want to dispose of it ahead of your trash pickup day, you may take it to a Craven County convenience site.  However, the convenience sites will not open until Thursday, September 20.  Craven County has confirmed that trash stickers will NOT be required.  Questions concerning trash pickup outside of the city limits of New Bern should be directed to your service provider.

Debris pickup has started. Put your debris curbside but NOT in the street.  Separate it into three piles:  yard waste, construction/household debris, and appliances.  Our contractor crews will be working 12 hours shifts from 7am-7pm to collect all of it.  City residents may also take leaf/limb/vegetation debris to the city's yard waste facility located at 1803 Country Club Road beginning Thursday, September 20.  This facility will operate Monday-Saturday from 8am-4pm until further notice.  Or, you can take it to a Craven County convenience center beginning Thursday, September 20.   Questions concerning debris removal for residents outside of the city of New Bern should be directed to Craven County.

Recycling:  Recycling is operated through Craven County.  We understand recycling pickups will resume on Friday, September 21.  

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 3:00 pm

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 10:30 am
DISTRICT ATTORNEY WARNS AGAINST POST-FLORENCE CRIMES

District Attorney Scott Thomas is warning all residents of Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico Counties to be wary of a variety of crimes that are typically committed following a major catastrophe, such as Hurricane Florence, and to report any and all such crimes as soon as possible.

District Attorney Scott Thomas said, "Following a major event such as the damage done by Hurricane Florence, we typically see most residents – friends, neighbors, even complete strangers – band together and lend a helping hand toward recovery. However, experience has also taught that there are predators who commit, and try to commit, despicable crimes to scam vulnerable people out of their money. My prayers are with our neighbors who have suffered as a result of Hurricane Florence. After each of these tragic storm events, we emerge, as a community, stronger and closer together. We will work through the aftermath of Florence and move forward in a positive direction. Unfortunately, after major storms in our prosecutorial district of Carteret, Craven and Pamlico Counties, scammers show up to commit crimes. In the past, we have prosecuted these criminals -- and we will do so again. If you become a victim of a scammer, file a complaint with your local law enforcement agency immediately so it can be investigated and reviewed for prosecution. Scammers are put on notice that their conduct will not be tolerated in our district. They will be investigated, charged with the most serious provable offense, and prosecuted vigorously."

One of the most common crimes committed following a storm is fraud committed by so-called contractors who offer a range of services, from tree cutting and removal, to home repairs, to paving and masonry work. Often, these persons are unlicensed, and while they have a good sales pitch, they are only looking to steal. Once they get a “downpayment,” they quickly cash the check, and flee that neighborhood, moving on to the next possible victim. No reputable contractor should require payment up front to purchase materials for any construction project. Homeowners should always check the background of a contractor before entering into any agreement, written or otherwise, to work on their home. Warning signs of a possible scam include: pressure to pay up front; pressure to pay in cash rather than by check or credit card; a lack of a North Carolina phone number, office, or work location; an obvious lack of tools, equipment, or manpower to undertake the job; a lack of references in this area; and a lack of a license issued by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (www.nclbgc.org). When in doubt, do not pay. There are plenty of honest, hard-working contractors in our three counties to hire and trust. Often, a simple check of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s site will uncover prior criminal records: https://webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view.

These kinds of cases usually result in felony criminal charges of Obtaining Property by False Pretense, and, depending on the circumstances, Exploitation of the Elderly or Disabled. Even attempting to get money by misrepresentation is a felony, and can result in prison sentences. Depending on the amount involved, the criminal can face mandatory prison sentences. The District Attorney’s Office will also explore every possible aggravating factor in order to increase those prison sentences.

District Attorney Scott Thomas added, “In order to solve these cases and successfully bring charges, we need all homeowners to pay careful attention, and make notes – not just of the person’s name and business name, but the business phone numbers, the make and model of any vehicles on your property, the license plate numbers for those vehicles, and copies of any forms of payment you make. Without this information, often law enforcement cannot find the person who defrauded the homeowner, and they are able to escape justice. Keep all contracts, estimates, business cards, and other paperwork, and take plenty of photographs – not just of the damage to be repaired, but of the people who come to your house to perform work, and their vehicles. If they are nervous about your taking pictures, tell them to leave and not come back.”

Charities in our area perform amazing and under-appreciated work following natural disasters such as hurricanes; however, sometimes unscrupulous people will pose as representatives for charities, and seek donations of cash or property (clothing, furniture, even vehicles) while intending to simply steal these items. Before making any charitable donations, take the time to confirm that the charity is a reputable one, and that your donation is going directly to the charity. Sites such as www.charitywatch.org, and www.give.org have done background work on charities and provide reliable information whether to trust them with your donations. Again, if you suspect fraud involving someone soliciting contributions, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency.

Reports of scams and frauds should not be made using the 911 system. Please only use 911 when an emergency situation exists and needs immediate response. In all other cases, call your law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number to make a report. An officer will respond, and often a detective or investigator will then continue the investigation. These non-emergency numbers include:

New Bern Police: (252) 672-4100
Carteret County Sheriff: (252) 728-8400
Morehead City Police: (252) 726-5361
Newport Police: (252) 223-5410
Emerald Isle Police: (252) 354-2021
Pine Knoll Shores Police: (252) 247-2474
Atlantic Beach Police: (252) 726-2523
Cape Carteret Police: (252) 393-2183
Craven County Sheriff: (252) 636-6620
Havelock Police: (252) 447-3212
Trent Woods Police: (252) 637-3030
River Bend Police: (252) 638-1108
Vanceboro Police: (252) 244-0440
Bridgeton Police: (252) 637-2033
Pamlico County Sheriff: (252) 745-3101
Oriental Police: (252) 249-0369

Another common report made after hurricanes and other catastrophes is that of price gouging. The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office notes the following:

North Carolina’s price gouging law is usually triggered when the state suffers or is threatened by a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, winter storm, or flooding. Price gouging—or charging too much in times of crisis—is against North Carolina law when a disaster, an emergency or an abnormal market disruption for critical goods and services is declared or proclaimed by the Governor or a municipality. The price gouging law is currently in effect for the state of North Carolina after a State of Emergency was declared on September 7, 2018 related to Hurricane Florence. Under the law, the Attorney General’s Office can put a stop to price gouging and seek refunds for consumers who paid too much. The courts may also impose civil penalties against price gougers of up to $5,000 for each violation.

If you suspect an instance of price gouging, report it immediately using the Attorney General’s online form available here: https://www.ncdoj.gov/Consumer/2-2-12File-a-Complaint/Price-Gouging-Complaint.aspx.

Occasionally, there also appear some claims of insurance fraud following a storm such as Hurricane Florence. If you suspect any kind of insurance fraud, you may report it to the North Carolina Department of Insurance by email at reportfraud@ncdoi.gov, or by calling 1-888-680-7684.

District Attorney Scott Thomas concluded, “My first concern is, obviously, for the well-being of everyone in Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico Counties, and I hope that all residents take proper precautions for their own safety. I urge everyone in the coming weeks to be vigilant about possible scams, and to err on the side of caution and call the police if you have suspicions of improper or criminal behavior. As always, report emergencies to 911, and gather as much information as possible to help us prosecute these criminals.”

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 9:30 am
UPDATE

90% power restoration, 2,200 customers left.  These last restorations will be toughest to reconnect.  They are in areas heaviest hit by hurricane Florence.

Updated sewer inundation map for Trent Woods/Cypress Shores area.  The rest of the maps remain the same from yesterday (see web post immediately below this one).

196 people left in 2 shelters located within city limits.  No update on how many are left inside the county shelters.

Trash pickup has resumed.  Put your receptacle out on your scheduled pickup day and we will come get it.  We're bringing in extra contractor crews to complete this task.

Recycling pickup will resume on Friday.  It is managed by Craven County.

Debris removal has begun.  Please place your debris curbside, but NOT in the street. We do not want to impede our stormwater drainage.  Separate your debris into THREE piles: yard waste, household/construction demo, and appliances. Contract crews will be working 12 hour shifts from 7am-7pm until further notice to pick all of it up.

Inspectors are evaluating damage to residential and commercial properties.  To date, they've calculated $42M in residential damage from the storm and $21M in commercial damage. Inspections are expected to last another week, so that total will grow a lot more.

Thursday, D.H. Connelly High School is sending us 2-3 school buses full of football players who want to help in New Bern's debris cleanup.  We are so thankful for their willingness to help!

Electrical inspections: if your home was flooded or damaged, your power can’t be turned back on until an electrical inspection and/or repair has been made.  Utility staff have gone door-to-door in the affected areas providing instructions for reconnecting your electric service.  We have more inspectors coming to New Bern to process permits so there isn’t a backlog of inspections which creates delays. 

New Bern Fire-rescue has completed its mission to go door-to-door in the hardest hit areas, where they did the most rescues…checking on residents and making sure everyone is accounted for.  They've used color-coded ribbons to identify conditions at each home.  We're happy to report they discovered no fatalities.   

Curfew is still in effect for restricted areas: downtown and the Woodrow area.  10pm-6am daily until further notice.  Please adhere to barricades and cones that are set up.  You never know what may be on the other side, such as a sinkhole or other danger or debris.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 4:00 pm
UPDATED SEWER SYSTEM INUNDATION MAPS

See if your neighborhood is clear from water conservation restrictions & sewer system inundation:
Cypress Shores, areas of Trent Woods
Highway 55 area
Oaks Road area
Pembroke/Olde Towne/Hidden Harbor areas
Trent Woods/Trent Shores area
Trent Woods

Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 3:15 pm

City offices remain closed Wednesday. Only essential staff need to report. Our EOC remains fully mobilized.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 1:15 pm
RECOVERY RESOURCES

  





















Tuesday, September 18,  2018, 11 am

The city's Department of Public Utilities has put together a flier explaining how to restore power service to a damaged or flooded home. These fliers are being distributed in neighborhoods where significant damage & flooding have occurred.  

Also, the New Bern Preservation Foundation has assembled on their webpage helpful information for disaster recovery including links to FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program, Small Business Administration, etc.  Click here to go to their webpage.



Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 10:00 am

TRASH PICKUP:  Trash pickup for city residents will resume today.   Contractors will begin with Tuesday's route and resume each route each day.  There will be no pickups for services lost in the last several days.  If you have extra trash that does not fit in your receptacle, bag it and place the bag next to your receptacle streetside.  No stickers are needed and there is no extra charge for these bags.  Be aware that construction debris, carpets, clothing, etc. cleaned out from flooded homes should not go in your trash receptacle.  

If you have an abundant amount of trash and want to dispose of it ahead of your trash pickup day, you may take it to a Craven County convenience site.  However, the convenience sites will not open until Thursday, September 20.  Craven County has confirmed that trash stickers will NOT be required.

• Questions concerning trash pickup outside of the city limits of New Bern should be directed to your service provider.

DEBRIS COLLECTION:  Contractors made it to our state Monday night and mobilized for debris pickup.  City staff and contractor crews will begin today picking up storm debris.  Please put debris curbside but NOT in the street.  Debris should be properly sorted into three piles:  leaf/limb/vegetation in one pile.    Construction debris (carpet, sheetrock, wood) in one pile.  Brown good/white goods (furniture & appliances) in a third pile.  Reminder: please place at the back of the curb, NOT in the street so as not to impede stormwater drainage.   City staff & contractor crews will be working 12 hour shifts from 7am-7pm to collect debris.  City residents may also take leaf/limb/vegetation debris to the city's yard waste facility located at 1803 Country Club Road beginning Thursday, September 20.  This facility will operate Monday-Saturday from 8am-4pm until further notice.  Or, you can take it to a Craven County convenience center beginning Thursday, September 20.   

• Questions concerning debris removal for residents outside of the city of New Bern should be directed to Craven County.

RECYCLING:  Recycling is operated through Craven County.  We understand recycling pickups will resume on Friday, September 21.  

Monday, September 17, 2018, 6:55 pm

City offices remain closed on Tuesday. Only essential staff need to report.

Monday, September 17, 2018, 4 pm

AMENDED RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER PROCLAMATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY 

            WHEREAS, I, Dana E. Outlaw, Mayor of the City of New Bern, North Carolina, issued a proclamation declaring a State of Emergency at  1:30 p.m. on September  10_, 2018 in anticipation of the imminent threat of Hurricane Florence; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of public safety and protection to set a curfew, regulate alcoholic beverages, regulate the use of firearms and explosives, and restrict access to certain areas. 

            NOW, THERFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Mayor of the City of New Bern under the authority of Chapter 22, Article II, Sections 22-28 and 22-29 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Bern, as follows: 

A)    Curfew

1. No person not exempted by this Proclamation shall be or travel upon any public street, alley or roadway or upon public property within the corporate limits of the City of New Bern between the hours ___10:00  p.m. and ____6:00  a.m. of any day in the restricted access areas as identified on the attached map, unless in search of medical assistance, food or other commodity of service necessary to sustain the well-being of himself and his family or some member thereof.
2. The following classes of people are exempt from these curfew restrictions in circumstances indicated:

a)     Any police or public safety officer or other government employee engaged in official business;

b)     Any member, volunteer, or employee of an organization providing disaster-relief services;

c)     Any person in transit from a place where they were temporarily engaged and could not have planned their departure to avoid the curfew;

d)     Any medical service provider engaged in delivering medical services; and

e)     Members of the news media engaged in duties essential to providing public information.

All of the above must carry property identification. 

B)    Possession, Transportation, and Transfer of Dangerous Weapons or Substances

1. No person shall possess off one's own premises, or buy, sell, give away or otherwise transfer or dispose of any explosives, firearms, ammunition or dangerous weapons of any kind,
2. Sell gasoline or any other similar petroleum products or any other inflammable substances except as expressly authorized by the provisions of the curfew imposed.
3. The following classes of people are exempt from these curfew restrictions in circumstances indicated:

a)     Police, Fire-Rescue-EMS officers may possess any weapon necessary to carry out their duties when on active duty; and

b)     Any person may possess gasoline when the gasoline is in the tank of a car in his possession; or if engaged in the business of selling gasoline.

C)  Possession, Consumption, and Transfer of Intoxicating Liquor

1. No person shall sell beer, wine, or other intoxicating beverages of any kind or possess or consume the same off one's own premises.

2. The restrictions and prohibitions relating to the possession, consumption and transfer of intoxicating liquor established by this proclamation shall be effective during the hours of curfew established by this proclamation. 

D)  Access to Certain Areas

1. The Chief of Police and his subordinates may restrict or deny access to any area, location, or street where such a restriction is necessary in order to help overcome this emergency or to prevent the emergency from worsening.  These restrictions on access shall be indicated by means of barricades, posted notices, or orders to anyone in the area.

2. No person shall obtain access or attempt to obtain access to any area, location, or street to which the Chief of Police and his subordinates have restricted access according to the above directive. 

            Anyone violating any restriction imposed by this Proclamation or under its authority violates a City Ordinance and is guilty of a Class 2 Misdemeanor in accordance with N.C.G.S. §14-288.20A. 

I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast and that a copy of this Proclamation of State of Emergency be posted in City Hall and other public buildings as appropriate. 

            Be it further proclaimed that the restrictions set forth above shall apply to the entire city limits of the City of New Bern, North Carolina and shall be effective at     9:30a.m. on September 17, 2018 and shall remain in effect until rescinded in writing.           

            This 17^th day of September, 2018.

Monday, September 17, 2018, 1 pm

Mayor Dana Outlaw, Mayor Pro Temp Sabrina Bengel and City Manager Mark Stephens hosted a press conference this morning at City Hall to talk about hurricane Florence impacts and recovery.  Click here to watch a video of the press conference. 

Preliminary data being compiled shows over 4,300 homes were damaged or destroyed during Florence.  Additionally, approximately 300 businesses suffered the same fate.  We expect that number to increase as evacuees return to NB and get their first look at homes and businesses.  City inspectors began more detailed assessments of damage yesterday morning.  It is anticipated that this task will take weeks to complete and on day one of their assessments, damages have been estimated at more than $6 million. 

President Trump has signed a disaster declaration for North Carolina, which will speed up federal aid to our state.  This declaration will also open up avenues for individual assistance for residents, nonprofits and businesses alike.  We are most appreciative of the President’s expeditious decision to assist us towards the path to recovery and we look forward to doing all that we can locally to help our citizens achieve that goal. 

During the storm event, emergency personnel from both New Bern Fire and Rescue and the New Bern Police Department, swift water rescue teams, and parks and recreation staff rescued over 800 people from flooded homes and transported them to the safety of the county operated shelters.  Also, numerous brave volunteers with their own trucks and boats risked their lives to save others in our rescue efforts.  Staff and volunteers came from countless locations nearby such as Cary, Greenville, Currituck, and Elizabeth City and as far away as places like Houston and Boston.  Their efforts along with our own city staff saved many lives during this storm and thus far, we have no known fatalities to report as a result of this storm.  This is truly a blessing in such a significant and record-setting storm event.  As if floodwaters and high winds were not enough, several structure fires also occurred during the storm.  Brave souls fought those fires just the same as any other beautiful Carolina blue-sky day here in New Bern. 

Our City not only cares for the lives of its citizens, it also cares for the welfare of our citizens’ pets.  NBPD took extra steps to activate its animal control officer during the storm to transport family pets to the Colonial Capital Humane Society for safekeeping while citizens were evacuated to shelters. Their volunteerism and commitment to the safety of animals in the midst of severe weather was truly inspiring.  As we speak, their efforts continue today alongside national services to continue the safekeeping and veterinarian care of our citizens’ beloved pets. 

The NBPD continue their efforts today by providing routine police services to all areas of the city during the recovery period. The Greenville, NC Police Department has provided police officers to assist us in these efforts.  This includes providing safety and security of those seeking shelter at our local shelters.  These efforts will continue until the last person leaves.  Currently, the Police Department is concentrating additional efforts on those areas of the city that are the most vulnerable to looting, vandalism, and other criminal acts. We are using police officers as well as members of the North Carolina National Guard to secure these areas and prevent unauthorized access.  Additionally, they are conducting directed patrols in many other areas of the city to ensure that our city remains safe.  To date, there have been no arrests made related to criminal activity because of Hurricane Florence. 

During the storm, our electric system sustained damages that resulted in loss of service to all of our 22,300 customers.  As Hurricane Florence was leaving the area, our crews commenced restoration efforts in the rain and wind after it was safe to do so at 8am on Friday, September 14^th.  Since then, their efforts, along with numerous contract crews from all over the country have resulted in the restoration of over 80% of our system.  Significant portions of the remaining outages to be completed are those where energized lines are not yet possible due to damages sustained to the homes and businesses.  We will continue to work until we achieve 100% restoration and ask that those who still do not have service to be patient as staff and citizen safety are paramount.  We urge the public to consider any electric wire on the ground or exposed to be dangerous until electric crews have cleared them.  Our goal is to make safe any public exposure within 2 days barring any major difficulties with restoration efforts. 

Water and Sewer treatment services are working appropriately and are normalizing after the effects of Hurricane Florence.  Minor impacts were seen to our water system services and the only remaining issues from storm impacts are those where service lines were pulled from the ground or broken at homes that were damaged.  These issues have been isolated and pose no threat to contaminating our water system.  Some of our sewer system experienced significant inundation during the storm.  This required us to take some vacuum systems offline to eliminate significant damage to electrical and system components.  These services are currently coming back online and should be fully functional within the next few days.  It is estimated that approximately 1,500 customers were affected and they have been encouraged to conserve water as much as possible in these areas. 

Finally, our public works, parks & recreation, and stormwater staff have been instrumental in getting most of the roadways in and around New Bern open with some exceptions.  Those exceptions are streets that may have trees down that involve electric lines or where roadway structural failures have occurred.  These locations have been coned off or blocked and motorists are asked to heed all warnings and do not drive around or through these locations. Click here to view a map detailing the current restricted areas. 


Monday, September 17, 2018, 12:10 pm
Water system update/Sewer system update

The City of New Bern’s Water Resources Department continues to work through the impacts of Hurricane Florence on our water and sewer operations. 

To start, we can report that the city’s water system did not suffer any negative impacts from the storm and did not have to move off of standard operating procedures at any point.  The drinking water was always safe throughout the hurricane and remains safe to drink today.  We do not expect any future impacts on the water system. 

The city’s sewer system has been significantly impacted.  The 20-plus inches of rain, combined with the 10-plus feet of storm surge, has inundated the portions of our system that are in the flooded areas of the city. 

More than 70 members of the city’s Water Resources Department have been working continuously since Wednesday to keep our water and sewer systems functioning and/or return them back to normal operations.  We can report that our wastewater treatment plant did NOT suffer any storm-related impacts.  It is fully functioning today and 80% of the sewer system is back to normal operations.  

However, for the areas that have been hardest hit by flooding, our pump stations in those areas have been inundated by water and are not functioning properly.  Crews are moving from pump station to pump station with equipment to try and return them to, or maintain them at, operational levels.

Until we can fully restore the pump stations in our low-lying and flooded areas to service, we ask the residents these areas to restrict their use of the sewer system through the greatly restricted use of water in their homes.  These areas include the Trent Woods, Pembroke, and James City neighborhoods of the city. 

Again, the drinking water is safe and its safety was never an issue during the storm.  However, the use of water that will enter the sewer system must be restricted in flooded and low-lying areas.  Restrictions of water use in these areas include, but are not limited, to: the use of toilets, showers/baths, and the use of sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines.  If residents are cleaning their homes using water, we ask that they use buckets to capture their water use and not run their taps. 

Water Resources Department employees will continue to work throughout the week to return the sewer system to normal.  The City of New Bern understands that this is an added inconvenience as our residents begin to recover from Hurricane Florence and we thank them for their patience.  With their help, we will be able to restore our sewer system to normal operations as soon as possible.

Monday, September 17, 2018, 1:50 a.m.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, the City of New Bern remains under a state or emergency and our city curfew expires Monday, September 17 at 7am. While the citywide curfew will be lifted, City residents returning to New Bern will find restricted access into the most heavily damaged areas of New Bern. The boundaries of the restricted areas may change over the course of the next several days to weeks depending on damage & cleanup efforts. Control points will be established throughout the restricted area boundaries requiring residents & business owners to show proof of residency or business ownership before being granted access. Click here to view a map detailing the current restricted areas.  Currently, Craven County is still under a mandatory evacuation order due to inland rainfall causing potentially dangerous water levels in rivers and streams.  Motorists traveling in and around New Bern should take extreme precaution in their travels

Sunday, September 16, 2018, 10:40 p.m.

PRESS CONFERENCE
Monday, September 17, 2018, 9:30 a.m.
Historic City Hall, 300 Pollock Street
Contact: Colleen Roberts, PIO, (252)617-0417

Please join us at historic City Hall in downtown New Bern for a press conference to discuss “Hurricane Florence: Where Do We Go From Here?” – an update on storm response and recovery efforts in New Bern.  The conference begins at 9:30am tomorrow at City Hall, located at 300 Pollock Street.  Mayor Dana Outlaw, Ward 1 Aldermen Sabrina Bengel, City Manager Mark Stephens, and city staff will present information and share resources on where to get relief supplies, how to donate, and partnerships to rebuild New Bern. 

This press conference will be aired live on Facebook, the City website at www.newbernnc.gov, and on our government-access channel City 3 TV.  We hope you will tune in and include this update in your print editions and newscasts.

Sunday, September 16, 2018, 6:45 pm

City phones down. They ring, but too much static to hear anything. Either email us, info@newbern-nc.org, or message us on Facebook/Twitter.

Sunday, September 16, 2018
CITY OFFICES CLOSED

City offices will remain closed on Monday, September 17th.  Only essential staff need to report.  Our Emergency Operations Center remains fully mobilized.

Sunday, September 16, 2018, 4:15 pm

City residents, please seperate debris as described and place on the curb, but not in the street.




Sunday, September 16, 2018, 1 pm
It's been a busy morning inside the Emergency Operations Center.   Around 2am we received a request for mutual aid in Jones County due to the rapid swelling of the Trent River.  The waters were rising approximately 12 inches per hour at a time when most people were asleep.  Our thoughts are with Jones County as they continue to rescue and connect with residents with the affected residents in Pollocksville & Trenton.

65% of utility customers now have their power back on in New Bern.  Our utility crews are steadily making progress on outages.  Sewer inundation remains an issue for some residents in areas along Hwy 55, in Kings Row, in Trent Shores, parts of Trent Woods, Pembroke, and Oaks Rd northeast to the river.  SEE MAPS HERE.  Water conservation is recommended.  The sewer system was inundated with storm surge.  Continual discharge into the sewer system, including taking showers and flushing the toilet, could result in a sewer backup inside your home.

The National Guard has brought in 50 additional men and women to help with hurricane Florence's aftermath.  Additionally, several recovery operations including Baptist Men's & Samaritan's Purse are here gearing up for hurricane recovery.   Check their websites or social media pages for volunteer opportunities.  Several businesses are open and equipped with storm relief options: Academy Sports will be open until 4pm and has grills, water, waders, rainsuits, etc (while supplies last).  Planet Fitness is open until 8pm tonight for the public to come by and shower.  There are no fitness facilities available, only the locker rooms.  You must bring your own hygiene items & towels.  On Sunday, Academy will be open 7am-5pm and Planet Fitness will be open from 9am-9pm (again, only locker room facilities).

Requests have been made to FEMA for temporary housing.  Inspectors are out doing damage assessments.  A curfew remains in effect until 7am tomorrow (Monday).  We do not have information on the status of road conditions getting back into New Bern.  Refer to NCDOT for that information.   Our EOC remains mobilized to serve our citizens as we continue recovery from hurricane Florence.

Saturday, September 15, 2018 6:20 pm
 
The city is limiting access to the downtown area.  The crossed off area on the attached map will be limited to property owners with proof of residency or ownership.  The green path indicates roadway that is open for vehicle traffic around the limited access area. 

Saturday, September 15, 2018
ALL EMERGENCY RESCUES COMPLETED

All emergency rescues have been completed.  This morning, rescue teams pulled another 69 people to safety.  In all, 455 people were rescued from  hurricane Florence's rising floodwaters.  One group who participated in additional rescues, that hasn't been mentioned so far, is our Parks & Rec staff.  On Wednesday, they accompanied police who were going door-to-door encouraging folks to evacuate.  Parks & Rec staff were driving buses offering to take residents to shelter.  We learned today that Parks & Rec transported approximately 350 people to shelters.  So, they need to be credited with rescues too!  

Want to thank someone for putting themselves in harm's way to save lives?  Meet the members of Task Force 10, a state supported group of fire-rescue and EMS departments who respond to areas across the state to perform swift water rescues and other types of emergency services.  They were exhausted when we caught up with them, and had just had their first bite to eat after a busy Saturday morning of rescues.  Most of the group is made up of Greenville Fire Rescue staff, with some members from New Bern Fire-Rescue.  Thanks Task Force 10!








Saturday, September 15, 1:20 pm

AMENDED RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER PROCLAMATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY 

            WHEREAS, I, Dana E. Outlaw, Mayor of the City of New Bern, North Carolina, issued a proclamation declaring a State of Emergency at  1:30 p.m. on September  10_, 2018 in anticipation of the imminent threat of Hurricane Florence; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of public safety and protection to set a curfew, regulate alcoholic beverages, regulate the use of firearms and explosives, and restrict access to certain areas. 

            NOW, THERFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Mayor of the City of New Bern under the authority of Chapter 22, Article II, Sections 22-28 and 22-29 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Bern, as follows:  

A)    Curfew

1. No person not exempted by this Proclamation shall be or travel upon any public street, alley or roadway or upon public property within the corporate limits of the City of New Bern between the hours of 11:00 a.m. beginning on September 15, 2018 and ending at 7:00 a.m. on September 17, 2018, unless in search of medical assistance, food or other commodity of service necessary to sustain the well-being of himself and his family or some member thereof.
2. The following classes of people are exempt from these curfew restrictions in circumstances indicated:

a)     Any police or public safety officer or other government employee engaged in official business;

b)     Any member, volunteer, or employee of an organization providing disaster-relief services;

c)     Any person in transit from a place where they were temporarily engaged and could not have planned their departure to avoid the curfew;

d)     Any medical service provider engaged in delivering medical services; and

e)     Members of the news media engaged in duties essential to providing public information.

All of the above must carry property identification. 

B)    Possession, Transportation, and Transfer of Dangerous Substances

1. Sell gasoline or any other similar petroleum products or any other inflammable substances except as expressly authorized by the provisions of the curfew imposed.  Any person may possess gasoline when the gasoline is in the tank of a car in his possession; or if engaged in the business of selling gasoline.  

        C)  Possession, Consumption, and Transfer of Intoxicating Liquor

1. No person shall sell beer, wine, or other intoxicating beverages of any kind or possess or consume the same off one's own premises.

2. The restrictions and prohibitions relating to the possession, consumption and transfer of intoxicating liquor established by this proclamation shall be effective during the hours of curfew established by this proclamation. 

D)  Access to Certain Areas

1. The Chief of Police and his subordinates may restrict or deny access to any area, location, or street where such a restriction is necessary in order to help overcome this emergency or to prevent the emergency from worsening.  These restrictions on access shall be indicated by means of barricades, posted notices, or orders to anyone in the area.

2. No person shall obtain access or attempt to obtain access to any area, location, or street to which the Chief of Police and his subordinates have restricted access according to the above directive.  

            Anyone violating any restriction imposed by this Proclamation or under its authority violates a City Ordinance and is guilty of a Class 2 Misdemeanor in accordance with N.C.G.S. §14-288.20A.  

I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast and that a copy of this Proclamation of State of Emergency be posted in City Hall and other public buildings as appropriate. 

Saturday, September 15, 12:30 am

We've restored power to about 15,000 customers.  Current outages: 7,085.  We've transported at least 300 people to MCAS Cherry Point for shelter so we could increase capacity in our Craven County shelters.  Late last night, New Bern Fire-Rescue rescued 15 people who were stranded at the Bridgepointe.   Early this morning, another 8 people, 6 dogs and 2 cats were traveling in vehicles and became stranded on MLK Blvd, requiring rescue.  More than 100 people still require rescue and we have three rescue teams who are working around the clock to get into communities to retrieve people.  If you require rescue, call 911.

Our new staging area for rescue boaters is Grover C. Fields Middle School, located at 2000 MLK Jr. Blvd. 

We've been sharing photos of the storm on our social media platforms.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook at CityofNB.  Quick shoutout to Greenville Police Department who sent us 7 officers who worked diligently yesterday alongside our staff to man the staging area for rescue boaters, and when they were released from duty could no longer make it home to their families in Greenville due to rising floodwaters.  Then, in their efforts to send us 10 more officers the following day, Greenville PD found they could not get to New Bern.  This is the first report we've received that roads into New Bern are impassable, similar to what happened after hurricanes Irene and Floyd.  River flooding will continue to be a problem when rivers begin cresting in the next week or so.


Friday, September 14, 6:25 pm

City of New Bern Fire/Resuce, Police and search and rescue teams from across the country are still actively conducting search and rescue missions. So far rescue teams have rescued over 360 people from flooded areas and still have nearly 140 more to get to. Though the water levels may have gone down some, there is still a chance for the water to rise again.

The city electric department is working hard to get electricity up and running again. Currently there are less than 13k customers without electricty, down from over 21k.

Friday, September 14, 1:31 pm

40 rescues left from our earlier report of 150 remaining rescues.  But, they are stacking up again as winds, rain, and floodwaters pick up again.  There are about 100 new rescue calls stacked up for crews to strategically respond to.  We're getting a lot of calls requesting a welfare check: friends who are concerned about residents and haven't heard from them.  If a neighbor or church member of that person can try contacting them, that would free up our police department and rescue crews from unspecific 911 calls.

Turn around, don't drown! The FEMA saying is definitely true here.  Do not go out sightseeing.  New Bern roads are a mess.  Floodwaters and the forecast continues to fluctuate and it's still too dangerous to be out on the roadways.  Additionally, there is a 24 hour curfew in effect in New Bern.  Residents should stay inside until further notice.  Violating a curfew order is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

We have 75 reports of trees down or debris blocking roadways.  Public Works is prioritizing this list since those blockages are preventing our emergency response and power restoration crews from getting where they need to go.  15 crews are currently out on the roads doing "push and shove" to remove that debris.

We've done a preliminary inspection of city buildings.  For the most part they survived the storm well.  The worst damage has been to the Union Point Park restrooms and an old stormwater building out off of Rhem/2nd Avenue.  The roof was ripped off the building.  Early assessments show at least 4,325 homes have been damaged in the storm, and 300 businesses.  This is very preliminary...we'll know once evacuated residents and business owners return to New Bern and have a chance to survey damages and begin the clean up/clean out process.

We're working to address the boats that are sitting in the middle of N. Craven Street.  We're also reaching out to Norfolk Southern to alert them to railroad tracks that have washed away at E. Rose and Biddle streets near our stormwater pumps.  The tracks will have to be replaced before service to New Bern can resume.

We've been able to restore about 7,000 power customers.  Our electric department is slowly reactivating feeder lines that went down during the storm.  They're starting with the feeder lines that were the least damaged.  Unfortunately, with weather conditions as they are, we expect power outages to increase again before the storm fully passes.

Winds are forecast to drop over the next 24 hours from 40mph to around 23mph.  This will be good news for our many crews out in the storm.  But the forecast isn't expected to change significantly until Sunday.  That means we still have a lot of rain, flooding, and wind ahead of us. 


Friday, September 14, 7:00 a.m.

Friday, September 14, 1:30 a.m.

There is some misinformation floating around about New Bern's water system. Our water system is fine. It is stable and we have not lost pressure. The water tanks are full and our water is safe for consumption. If things change, we will issue a boil water advisory. Again, our water is SAFE TO DRINK!

Thursday, September 13, 8:31 pm

This map illsutates the known high water areas within the city so far and may not be all inclusive. Residents are reminded that the city curfew is in effect until 7:00 am.

http://newbern.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=158479a2afec4529836b67f7b91d2111

Thursday, September 13, 6:40 pm

We have called in all emergency response crews due to high winds. Once sustained winds reach 35 mph, our crews stand down rather than risk life and safety responding to power outages and emergencies. Right now, we are seeing sustained winds at 35mph and wind gusts at 47mph.  We will now begin stacking calls and strategizing response once conditions improve.  At this time, approximately 6,900 customers are without power.  Our sewer system has been inundated with storm surge, and hundreds of customers have been contacted to alert them to conserve water where possible, including refraining from taking showers or flushing the toilet.  Once storm surge recedes, we will be able to get the sewer system back online.   

Residents should stay home or in their storm survival location for the duration of the storm.  It is no longer safe to venture out.  Many roads are closed.  

Thursday, September 13, 3:45 pm

We are getting reports of floodwaters already creeping up in the low-lying areas along the New Bern riverfront, including Trent Court, Union Point Park, Pollock/East Front Street, National Avenue/Oaks Road, Trent Shores, and more.  The rain bands from hurricane Florence started moving in this morning and have continued most of the morning and afternoon, and the wind is beginning to whistle outside.

Shelters are still open.  Ben Quinn is at capacity.  Craven County has opened an additional shelter at Trent Park Elementary School, 2500 Educational Drive, for evacuees.  Havelock High School, Farm Life Elementary, and Brinson Elementary remain open but are also seeing an increase in people coming in.  The window for evacuation has already closed in many areas of New Bern due to rising floodwaters, and that window will continue closing quickly on those who wish to get out.  As a reminder, once sustained winds reach about 35-40 mph, our crews will stand down.  We will not be able to come rescue you.  It will be too dangerous to put staff in bucket trucks to restore power or extend life saving apparatus over floodwaters and into homes.  Our crews will be brought in for safety.  We will ride out the storm indoors and continue addressing emergencies, calls for service, and outages once conditions improve.

Emergency response crews are stationed on both sides of the river for the most efficient response to emergencies, medical calls, fire/police calls, debris, power outages, etc.  We've received many reports of trees down across the City.  If you are in need of evacuation but have no means of transportation, call Craven County at 636-6608.  We've addressed approximately 1,100 power outages so far.  All but 60 of them have been fully restored.  Storm surge has compromised our sewer system in back of the Trent Shores neighborhood and along National/Oaks new Dail Street, Harbor Street, parts of Florida Avenue, Alabama Avenue, S. Carolina Avenue, and Skinner Court.  A CodeRED Emergency Alert notification was sent to subscribers in those areas.  Residents in those areas should conserve water until storm surge recedes and we have an opportunity to get our sewer system back online.  Repeated discharge into the sewer system, including taking showers & flushing toilets, could result in a sewer backup into your home. 

If you are a city customer and you lose power, report it by using our website portal at www.NewBernNC.gov.  From the homepage, click on “How Do I,” then “Report a Problem,” then “Report a Problem” (again), which will direct customers to a page where they can report power outages, water/sewer emergencies, and non-emergency issues.  Or, call us at (252)636-4070.  You do not need to speak to an operator. Leave a detailed message with your address, type of emergency, and contact info and an operator will call you back to ensure restoration.

Follow the City of New Bern on Twitter @CityofNewBern, Facebook  City of New Bern, NC Government, or on Instagram @cityofnewbern for storm information as well as on our website www.NewBernNC.gov. 

 Thursday, September 13, 3:15 pm
AMENDED RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER PROCLAMATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY 

(Copy of CodeRED message launched this morning with special emphasis on low-lying areas.)
This is a CodeRed message from the City of New Bern.

Residents in low lying areas are encouraged to evacuate ahead of hurricane Florence.  This morning, Fire-Rescue & new bern police are going door-to-door and making aerial announcements encouraging residents to get out ahead of rising water from this storm.  These neighborhoods include, but are not limited to, duffyfield, Woodrow, north hills, north 2^nd avenue, attmore drive, trappers trail, hazel avenue, and trent court.  For those who did not mandatorily evacuate, shelters are open at ben Quinn elementary school and Brinson elementary school.  Ben Quinn is pet friendly but only for dogs and cats. Havelock high school is also a county shelter as well as farm life elementary school. An inland shelter is also open at the Sanford army national guard facility on Nash street in Sanford.

We are expecting approximately 9-13 feet storm surge from this hurricane. This could be life-threatening, especially in low lying areas. Please evacuate to higher ground or to one of the available shelters as soon as possible.

A curfew remains in effect for the city of New Bern.  Residents and motorists should remain sequestered in their hurricane survival location from 9pm to 7am everyday until further notice.  

Thursday, September 13, 7:40am

Fire-Rescue will begin riding through low-lying neighborhoods using aerial announcements to encourage remaining residents to evacuate in advance of rising water.  New Bern Police will go door-to-door in Duffyfield & other low-lying areas encouraging same.  The first rain bands from hurricane Florence will begin this morning.  Power crews from Missouri and Texas arrived Wednesday and are staged with city power crews to respond to outages.

Shelters are open as a last resort.  They are located at:

• Ben Quinn Elementary School, 4275 MLK Boulevard.  Ben Quinn is pet-friendly, but only for dogs and cats (no exotic pets).
• Brinson Elementary School, 319 Neuse Forest Avenue, New Bern
• Havelock High School, 101 Webb Boulevard, Havelock
• Farm Life Elementary School, 2000 Farm Life Avenue, Vanceboro

*Please bring your own survival supplies such as pillows, blankets, medications, clothing and food.  These shelters are available on a first come, first serve basis until they get full.

A curfew remains in effect for the city of New Bern.  Residents and motorists should remain sequestered in their hurricane survival location from 9pm to 7am everyday until further notice.  

Inside the EOC, management staff are reviewing flood base maps.  New Bern could see 9-13 feet storm surge with hurricane Florence despite the southern turn in forecast track.   Watch our morning hurricane briefing here.

If you are a city customer and you lose power, report it by using our website portal at www.NewBernNC.gov.  From the homepage, click on “How Do I,” then “Report a Problem,” then “Report a Problem” (again), which will direct customers to a page where they can report power outages, water/sewer emergencies, and non-emergency issues.  Or, call us at (252)636-4070.  You do not need to speak to an operator. Leave a detailed message with your address, type of emergency, and contact info and an operator will call you back to ensure restoration.

Follow the City of New Bern on Twitter @CityofNewBern, Facebook  City of New Bern, NC Government, or on Instagram @cityofnewbern for storm information as well as on our website www.NewBernNC.gov. 

Wednesday, September 12, 1:20 pm
RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER PROCLAMATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY

 WHEREAS, I, Dana E. Outlaw, Mayor of the City of New Bern, North Carolina, issued a proclamation declaring a State of Emergency at 1:30 p.m. on September 10_, 2018 in anticipation of the imminent threat of Hurricane Florence; and 
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of public safety and protection to set a curfew, regulate alcoholic beverages, regulate the use of firearms and explosives, and restrict access to certain areas.

NOW, THERFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Mayor of the City of New Bern under the authority of Chapter 22, Article II, Sections 22-28 and 22-29 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Bern, as follows:

 A) Curfew
1. No person not exempted by this Proclamation shall be or travel upon any public street, alley or roadway or upon public property within the corporate limits of the City of New Bern between the hours 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of any day unless in search of medical assistance, food or other commodity of service necessary to sustain the well-being of himself and his family or some member thereof.
2. The following classes of people are exempt from these curfew restrictions in circumstances indicated:
a) Any police or public safety officer or other government employee engaged in official business;
b) Any member, volunteer, or employee of an organization providing disaster-relief services;
c) Any person in transit from a place where they were temporarily engaged and could not have planned their departure to avoid the curfew;
d) Any medical service provider engaged in delivering medical services; and
e) Members of the news media engaged in duties essential to providing public information.
All of the above must carry property identification.

B) Possession, Transportation, and Transfer of Dangerous Weapons or Substances
1. No person shall possess off one's own premises, or buy, sell, give away or otherwise transfer or dispose of any explosives, firearms, ammunition or dangerous weapons of any kind,
2. Sell gasoline or any other similar petroleum products or any other inflammable substances except as expressly authorized by the provisions of the curfew imposed.
3. The following classes of people are exempt from these curfew restrictions in circumstances indicated:
a) Police, Fire-Rescue-EMS officers may possess any weapon necessary to carry out their duties when on active duty; and
b) Any person may possess gasoline when the gasoline is in the tank of a car in his possession; or if engaged in the business of selling gasoline.
 
C) Possession, Consumption, and Transfer of Intoxicating Liquor
1. No person shall sell beer, wine, or other intoxicating beverages of any kind or possess or consume the same off one's own premises.
2. The restrictions and prohibitions relating to the possession, consumption and transfer of intoxicating liquor established by this proclamation shall be effective during the hours of curfew established by this proclamation.

 D) Access to Certain Areas
1. The Chief of Police and his subordinates may restrict or deny access to any area, location, or street where such a restriction is necessary in order to help overcome this emergency or to prevent the emergency from worsening. These restrictions on access shall be indicated by means of barricades, posted notices, or orders to anyone in the area.
2. No person shall obtain access or attempt to obtain access to any area, location, or street to which the Chief of Police and his subordinates have restricted access according to the above directive.  Anyone violating any restriction imposed by this Proclamation or under its authority violates a City Ordinance and is guilty of a Class 2 Misdemeanor in accordance with N.C.G.S. §14-288.20A.

 I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast and that a copy of this Proclamation of State of Emergency be posted in City Hall and other public buildings as appropriate.nnBe it further proclaimed that the restrictions set forth above shall apply to the entire city limits of the City of New Bern, North Carolina and shall be effective at 1:00_ p.m. on September 12 , 2018 and shall remain in effect until rescinded in writing.

 This the 12th day of September, 2018. 

Wednesday, September 12, 12:30 pm

The City's Emergency Operations Center on Highway 55 has been fully mobilized.  Our first storm briefing began at noon.  City staff spent last night boarding up historic City Hall in preparation for the storm.  Several downtown businesses & residences have also boarded up.  Emergency crews are staged across the City in preparation for the storm.  

Mutual aid crews from out-of-state are headed to New Bern. Power companies from Texas and Florida will add to New Bern's public power teams who will head out to restore power once outages occur.  This will effectively double our workforce to respond to outages.  Public Works and Stormwater crews are cleaning ditches & storm drains & maintaining full power at the City's stormwater pumps.  

Although the forecast track for Florence has shifted some, we encourage residents to continue preparing for this hurricane.  We are expecting extreme rain and flooding, storm surge, and power outages.  Craven County has identified an inland shelter for evacuees at the Sanford Army National Guard Facility at 2214 Nash Street in Sanford, NC.   Pets are not permitted at this shelter.  County buses are transporting residents to the shelter.  Call Craven County for an updated schedule (252)636-6608.

If you are a city customer and you lose power, report it by using our website portal at www.NewBernNC.gov.  From the homepage, click on “How Do I,” then “Report a Problem,” then “Report a Problem” (again), which will direct customers to a page where they can report power outages, water/sewer emergencies, and non-emergency issues.  Or, call us at (252)636-4070.  You do not need to speak to an operator. Leave a detailed message with your address, type of emergency, and contact info and an operator will call you back to ensure restoration.

Follow the City of New Bern on Twitter @CityofNewBern, Facebook  City of New Bern, NC Government, or on Instagram @cityofnewbern for storm information as well as on our website www.NewBernNC.gov. 

Tuesday, September 11, 4:15 pm
City Offices Closing, Trash/Recycling, Evacuations

Craven County has announced a mandatory evacuation effective Tuesday, September 11, 2018.  With that said, City of New Bern offices will close at 5 p.m. today (Tuesday) for non-essential personnel and offices will remain closed until conditions permit opening.  Our Emergency Operations Center will be fully activated at 12 p.m. Wednesday, September 12.

Trash, bulk waste and recycling services have been suspended as of 2 p.m. today until conditions permit resuming service.  When collection resumes, the contractor, Waste Industries, will start with that days’ service. Waste Industries is aware there will be an increase of material curbside and requests patience during this time as it may take additional trips to service New Bern’s routes.

Emergency responders are prepared to provide emergency response as needed.  The City is encouraging all residents to self-evacuate due to hurricane Florence and its potential impact of extreme high winds, life-threatening storm surge, rainfall and flooding.  Residents are asked to heed the direction of law enforcement. 

Public shelters will be set up for evacuees outside of the County.  Additional information regarding inland shelter availability will be provided as Craven County receives information from the State of North Carolina.  The City will also pass along that info.  However, it might be more comfortable for those who evacuate to stay at a hotel or a family member or friend's home outside of the hurricane’s predicted path and area of impact. Residents are urged to make arrangements now since hotels fill up quickly.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for the severe weather by having an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods and medicines. Additionally, take care of your pets.  Secure items outside your home as they could become projectiles in the storm.  Secure your property by boarding up windows and leaving garage doors in the locked position. 

If you are a city customer and you lose power, report it by using our website portal at www.NewBernNC.gov.  From the homepage, click on “How Do I,” then “Report a Problem,” then “Report a Problem” (again), which will direct customers to a page where they can report power outages, water/sewer emergencies, and non-emergency issues.  Or, call us at (252)636-4070.  You do not need to speak to an operator. Leave a detailed message with your address, type of emergency, and contact info and an operator will call you back to ensure restoration.

Follow the City of New Bern on Twitter @CityofNewBern, Facebook  City of New Bern, NC Government, or on Instagram @cityofnewbern for storm information as well as on our website www.NewBernNC.gov.

Tuesday, September 11, 2:24 pm
Mandatory Evacuation for Craven County

Craven County has issued a mandatory evacuation order effective at 2pm Tuesday, September 11th.  This evacuation order INCLUDES residents of the City of New Bern.  This means there will be NO EMERGENCY SHELTERS opening in New Bern/Craven County.  The State of North Carolina will determine where to open emergency shelters for evacuees and communicate that information to Craven County.

Tuesday, September 11, 12:45 pm

Tonight's Board of Aldermen meeting has been cancelled.  Our Emergency Operations Center on Highway 55 West will mobilize Wednesday afternoon.

Evacuations are encouraged ahead of hurricane Florence.  We are expecting flooding, winds and storm surge like New Bern has not seen before.  If you live in areas such as downtown, Duffyfield, Woodrow, North Hills, Attmore Drive, Hazel Avenue, and other areas that typically flood during tropical events or summer downpours, you should evacuate ahead of the storm.  Emergency shelters open tomorrow, Wednesday, September 12 at 2pm and they are located at:  

• Ben Quinn Elementary School, 4275 MLK Boulevard.  Ben Quinn is pet-friendly, but only for dogs and cats (no exotic pets).
• Brinson Elementary School, 319 Neuse Forest Avenue, New Bern
• Havelock High School, 101 Webb Boulevard, Havelock
• Farm Life Elementary School, 2000 Farm Life Avenue, Vanceboro

*Please bring your own survival supplies such as pillows, blankets, medications, clothing and food.  These shelters are available on a first come, first serve basis until they get full.

*If a mandatory evacuation is issued, residents and visitors should quickly and efficiently vacate New Bern and heed the direction of law enforcement.

Trash, recycling and bulk waste pickup will end today (Tuesday) at 2pm.  Crews will attempt to pick up all of Tuesday's route before shutting down.  These Waste Industries employees largely commute from Pamlico, Carteret and other nearby counties that are under mandatory evacuation.  They are currently packing up their families and heading inland.  We will keep you informed when teams are available for trash, recycling, and bulk waste pickup.  Schedules are not likely to resume until after the storm passes through.

Mutual aid crews are headed to New Bern, effectively doubling our workforce for responding to power outages.  If you are a city customer and you lose power, report it by using our website portal at www.NewBernNC.gov.  From the homepage, click on “How Do I,” then “Report a Problem,” then “Report a Problem” (again), which will direct customers to a page where they can report power outages, water/sewer emergencies, and non-emergency issues.  Or, call us at (252)636-4070.  You do not need to speak to an operator. Leave a detailed message with your address, type of emergency, and contact info and an operator will call you back to ensure restoration.   We will turn off power to public marinas and docks at noon Wednesday.  

Three water rescue teams are staged and ready to respond during the storm.  Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point has also offered a team to help during the hurricane. Additional high clearance vehicles have been requested.   Public Works and Stormwater crews are taking down problem trees and limbs, cleaning ditches, culverts and catch basins ahead of the storm.  Our stormwater pumps at the Jack Smith Creek Stormwater Wetlands on Simmons Street have been running non-stop since Monday in an effort to increase capacity once hurricane floodwaters accumulate.  FEMA is already en route to New Bern to respond to hurricane Florence.

Three Public Works crews and their necessary equipment will be staged alongside our fire-rescue department and emergency responders, ready to clear debris so that emergency crews can get through.  Today, they are staging barricades in areas that typically flood.  Residents and motorists should avoid these areas once floodwaters rise.  

More updates to come.


Monday, September 10, 2:50pm
PROCLAMATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen of the City of New Bern, North Carolina, has duly adopted ordinances to determine and proclaim the existence of a State of Emergency and to impose certain prohibitions and restrictions appropriate to meet the emergency; and
WHEREAS, a State of Emergency exists within the City of New Bern, North Carolina, due to Hurricane Florence. Weather conditions associated with said hurricane are such as to constitute an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property.

NOW, THERFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes and Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Bern, I, Dana E. Outlaw, Mayor of the City of New Bern, do hereby proclaim and declare that a State of Emergency exists within the City of New Bern.  I further proclaim that Mark A. Stephens, City Manager, or his designee, is authorized to implement the Emergency Operations Plan, and to take such further action as may be necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the populace of the City of New Bern, North Carolina.

I further proclaim that the City of New Bern purchasing requirements in preparation and response to Hurricane Florence are hereby waived.  I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast and that a copy of this Proclamation of State of Emergency be posted in City Hall and other public buildings as appropriate.  

Be it further proclaimed that the restrictions set forth above shall apply to the entire city limits of the City of New Bern, North Carolina and shall be effective at 1:30 p. m. on September 10, 2018 and shall remain in effect until rescinded in writing.  This the 10th day of September, 2018.

Signed by Dana E. Outlaw, Mayor

Monday, September 10, 12:00pm
CITY PREPARES FOR HURRICANE FLORENCE

Although the forecast track for hurricane Florence remains uncertain, the City of New Bern is taking steps now to prepare and is encouraging residents to do the same.  National Hurricane Center meteorologists say the storm could pose a significant threat to our coast by week’s end, but forecast models vary widely as to where the hurricane will make landfall.

“We are using this valuable time to get staff, equipment and storm supplies in place and ready to go,” said City Manager Mark Stephens.  City management staff met this morning to discuss possible scenarios and storm impacts from hurricane Florence as well as current preparations. 

The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Highway 55 is currently set up and will mobilize Wednesday afternoon ahead of the storm.  Management staff are scheduling supplemental and on-call staff for week's end and throughout the weekend.  Staff are checking supplies at the city warehouse on Kale Road, making sure needs can be met for mitigating power outages, water and sewer emergencies, and debris removal.  The Department of Public Utilities has mutual aid agreements in place should the City require additional help to restore power quickly and efficiently.  Staff will begin topping off fuel in emergency response vehicles and equipment over the next couple of days. 

“We are expecting significant and damaging effects from this hurricane,” said Mr. Stephens.  “Even if hurricane Florence makes landfall somewhere else, New Bern could see record or near-record storm surge, flooding, and destructive winds and rain. We anticipate significant loss of property.”  Although no evacuation order is currently in place, residents who typically experience flooding during tropical events or brief summer downpours should consider riding out the storm further inland.  These flood prone areas include, but are not limited to, Duffyfield, Woodrow, North 2^nd Avenue, North Hills Drive, Cooper’s Landing, parts of Oaks Road, Hazel Avenue and Attmore Drive.   

The City’s stormwater pumps located at Jack Smith Creek and East Rose Street will begin operating soon in an effort to increase floodwater capacity ahead of hurricane Florence.  During storms, these pumps come on automatically as water levels rise.  Stormwater staff are also making rounds cleaning debris from storm drains, catch basins, and ditches. 

“We are encouraging residents to prepare now in the event of this storm,” said City of New Bern Fire-Rescue Chief Bobby Boyd. “Make sure disaster kits are stocked and ready, have food and water supplies for each member of the family to last several days, have first aid supplies and medications handy as well as batteries, flashlights and a weather radio.”  Additionally, take time now to secure outdoor items that could become projectiles during the storm. 

If you are a city customer and you lose power, report it by using our website portal at www.NewBernNC.gov.  From the homepage, click on “How Do I,” then “Report a Problem,” then “Report a Problem” (again), which will direct customers to a page where they can report power outages, water/sewer emergencies, and non-emergency issues.  Or, call us at (252)636-4070.  You do not need to speak to an operator. Leave a detailed message with your address, type of emergency, and contact info and an operator will call you back to ensure restoration. 

Residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the City’s emergency alert system, CodeRED.  It’s free and alerts subscribers to emergencies within the community through text messaging, emails, or phone calls.  You can sign up on the city website or download the CodeRED app to your smartphone.  

The City will post additional storm updates and information, as necessary, to its social media platforms.  Follow us on Twitter @CityofNewBern. Find us on Facebook at City of New Bern, NC Government, or on Instagram @cityofnewbern.