Public Management Bulletin #19

 While any year might bring unique challenges to North Carolina in terms of the type, timing, and impact of natural disasters, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has forced a new focus on concerns to be addressed in planning and response efforts.

During 2014–19, just as an example of one kind of natural disaster, the state was struck by nine hurricanes. As of 2020, many counties have not fully recovered from past storms and must now plan for an overly active hurricane season in the midst of a pandemic. Voluntary organizations and local governments continually develop new strategies, protocols, and partnerships to cope with the ongoing threat that is COVID-19. At the same time, community resources are likely changing as a direct or indirect result of the pandemic.