Hazard Mitigation
Hazards
Natural processes are an enduring condition in and around the human environment. While most
processes present little danger to human well being, some develop into hazardous situations that
place the life, property and economy of communities at risk. Such hazards, in the form of
hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and other potential disasters, cannot be controlled. When natural
hazards occur and intersect with the human environment, they become disasters. Disasters have
caused devastating loss of life, property, and economy in the past. Development pressures in areas
susceptible to natural hazards, like floodplains and coastal areas, threaten to increase the frequency
of disasters as communities grow into the paths of these hazards.
What is Hazard Mitigation?
While hazardous events cannot be prevented, human actions before and after hazards occur can
profoundly reduce disastrous impacts on the human environment. Hazard mitigation defines and
implements the actions necessary to minimize the adverse consequence of disasters. The Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines hazard mitigation as “sustained actions taken to
reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their effects.” The
attention to long-term risk in FEMA’s definition differentiates hazard mitigation strategy from
emergency, short-term reactions to impending disasters. Long-term planning for potential disasters
can provide continued security and stability to communities, as well as result in significant cost
savings from reduced clean up, redevelopment and other efforts often required in the aftermath of
disasters.
Federal and state regulations are in place to help communities mitigate natural hazards and protect
valuable resources. Hazard mitigation can be used to strengthen a community’s emergency response
capabilities, in areas such as hospitals, police and firefighting infrastructure, and emergency warning
systems. In addition, hazard mitigation planning can identify and prescribe numerous tools and
techniques available to county governments for development and maintenance of hazard-resilient
communities. These tools and techniques include:
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Control of development through land use management and subdivision regulations,
acquisition or monetary measures.
Information distribution about hazard risks and preparation measures.
Implementation of disaster warning systems.
Improved building standards.
Conservation of important natural areas to maintain the environment’s natural ability to
absorb natural hazards.
Developing a Disaster Mitigation Plan
Hazard mitigation plan preparation provides an invaluable tool for assessing the community’s
vulnerability to both natural and technological hazards and for taking steps to prepare for, and
prevent, adverse impacts before a disaster strikes. The benefits of thorough mitigation planning will
affect overall Camden County’s readiness and resiliency.
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Meets Community Needs
In light of the fact that every community exists in a distinct natural, economic and social
environment, hazard mitigation plans must fit within the specific needs of individual communities.
A plan must consider the geography, demography, community size, economy, land uses, plans for
future development and growth, and the hazards that define a community. Mitigation plans are
designed to correspond with other community goals in order to provide a plan that best suits the
overall needs of the community.
Achieves Multiple Objectives
Mitigation plans can cover numerous hazards. By conducting a concurrent assessment (vulnerability
and capacity to manage) with various hazards, communities are able to prioritize needs and develop
appropriate solutions to current and potential problems. This evaluation provides a comprehensive
strategy for contending with the multiple facets of hazard preparation, response and recovery.
Promotes Public Participation
Citizen input into development of a mitigation plan is essential to developing a comprehensive and
agreeable strategy for all members of a community. Citizen knowledge of the community and ideas
for potential solutions are invaluable elements of the planning process. At the same time, citizen
involvement provides ownership and understanding of decisions affecting the community.
May Increase Funding Eligibility
Many disaster assistance agencies and programs, including FEMA, require pre-disaster mitigation
plans as a condition for both mitigation funding and for disaster relief funding. Such plans must
include a thorough evaluation of potential hazards and community readiness for potential disasters.
Programs that require such a plan include the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which is
authorized by section 404 of the Stafford Act,. The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA)
and the Community Rating System (CRS), all of which are over seen by FEMA and run by the state.
The Stafford Act, which authorizes HMGP funding, requires that communities include the
following components in their mitigation plan:
44 CFR 206.405
(a) General. In order to fulfill the requirement to evaluate natural hazards within the designated
area and to take appropriate action to mitigate such hazards, the State shall prepare and implement
a hazard mitigation plan or plan update. At a minimum the plan shall contain the following;
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An evaluation of the natural hazards in the designated area;
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a description and analysis of the state and local hazard mitigation policies, programs and
capabilities to mitigate the hazards in the area;
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Hazard mitigation goals and objectives and proposed strategies, programs and actions to
reduce or avoid long-term vulnerability to hazards;
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A method of implementing, monitoring, evaluating and updating the mitigation plan. Such
evaluation is to occur at least on an annual basis to ensure that implementation occurs as
planned, and to ensure that the plan remains current.
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Guides Post-Disaster Recovery
Pre-disaster mitigation plans provide a road map for communities once a disaster strikes. Mitigation
plans outline actions to be taken in the immediate aftermath of the event. They also provide a guide
for efficient, effective recovery efforts. Such recovery efforts are important reassessing mitigation
strategies and implementing newly recognized safety needs. In the aftermath of a disaster,
mitigation plans can provide a calming, organizing force in the midst of potential disarray and panic.
Hazard Mitigation and Sustainable Development
In the face of natural hazards, the natural environment in and around eastern North Carolina
provide multiple benefits, including:
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Hazard absorption and protection
Cost savings from averted destruction
Provision of a more attractive and safe environment for residents, visitors and business
interests.
As communities within a region continue to grow, development pressures increasingly threaten the
valuable natural resources and the benefits they provide. A valuable role of land use and
development planning in preventing this threatened loss of ecosystem integrity, economic vitality
and community well being is termed sustainable development.
As illustrated by the devastation of recent natural disasters, development that is not sustainable has a
clear impact on economic and social welfare. The loss of life, destruction of homes and overall loss
of community stability in areas subject to past disasters, such as Hurricane Floyd and Isabel, provide
valuable lessons on how and where development should take place. Communities can incorporate
the principles of sustainable development into their decision-making processes to reduce their
overall vulnerability to natural (and technological) hazards. For areas that are already developed, the
period immediately following a natural disaster presents an opportunity to redevelop in sustainable
ways to prevent future disasters of a similar nature. Sustainability, as a mode of development,
complements hazard mitigation strategies; as both concepts strive to not only accommodate present
land use and development needs but also to ensure future social, economic and environmental
vitality.
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Hazard Mitigation Planning Process
Camden County utilized the process recommended by the North Carolina Division of Emergency
Management (NCEM) to develop this Hazard Mitigation Plan. In short, the process included the
following steps, listed in the order in which they were undertaken:
1. Hazard Identification and Analysis
2. Community Vulnerability Assessment
3. Mitigation Capabilities Assessment
4. Community Goals
5. Hazard Mitigation Strategy
Step 1, the Hazard Identification and Analysis, describes and analyzes the natural hazards present
in a community that can threaten human life and damage property. It includes historical data on
past hazard occurrences, and establishes hazard profiles and a risk index based upon hazard
frequency, magnitude and impact. Key components of the analysis process are maps that include
flood-prone areas, location of critical facilities and data on past hazard events in the area. Using this
information, an assessment of the potential impact of each hazard to the community can be
developed, with classifications ranging from negligible to catastrophic. The risk index forming the
basic foundation for concentrating and prioritizing mitigation efforts rates hazards from 1 – 5 (5
being the highest priority and 1 being the least) as some hazards may present high risk to a
community but occur very infrequently, while others may present lower risks but occur regularly.
Step 2, the Community Vulnerability Assessment identifies the probable magnitude of loss or
harm to people and property were a natural disaster to occur. This analysis must be conducted for
both present development conditions and for projected development trends. This was completed
predominantly through investigative research along with the use of GIS technology and best
available data. It includes narrative descriptions on community characteristics, such as Camden
County’s geographical, economic and demographic profiles, the existence of critical facilities, and
discusses future development trends and implications for hazard vulnerability. To graphically depict
hazard vulnerability, this section also includes community vulnerability assessment maps.
Step 3, the Mitigation Capabilities Assessment, provides a comprehensive examination of the
community’s capacity to implement meaningful mitigation strategies, and identifies existing
opportunities for program enhancement. Capabilities addressed in this section include staff and
organizational capability, technical capability, policy and program capability, fiscal capability, legal
authority and political willpower. The purpose of this assessment is to identify any existing gaps,
weaknesses or conflicts in local programs/activities that may hinder mitigation efforts, or to identify
those local activities that can be built upon in establishing a successful community hazard mitigation
program.
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Mitigation capabilities which may be present in many different segments of a community include:
• Development regulations
• Building Codes
• Land Use Plans
• Government Institutions
• Emergency Management Programs
• Hazard Preparedness or Recovery Programs
• Communications Systems
Steps 1, 2, and 3 are collectively referred to as background studies, and form the basis for designing the
community’s hazard mitigation strategy. The conclusion of these three background studies led to
the formation of Community Goals (Step 4) which may already exist as part of a comprehensive
plan, capital improvement plan, development regulations, or other forms of community “visioning”.
Through a review of these plans and policies, existing goals can be identified that are relevant to
mitigation efforts.
Examples of mitigation goals that may exist in current plans include:
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Regulations for location and type of development
Provisions for open space and other natural areas
Protection of critical institutions and infrastructure
Provisions for accommodating future growth
The Mitigation Advisory Committee (MAC) took these goals and restated them with an emphasis on
hazard mitigation to make our hazard mitigation goals consistent with current community goals.
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To regulate the location and type of development to mitigate the effects of natural hazards
and promote public safety.
To provide for open space and other natural areas vulnerable to hazards.
To provide for protection of critical institutions and infrastructure from the effects of
natural and technological hazards.
To accommodate future growth in disaster resistant areas.
These community hazard mitigation goals combined with an understanding of the identified hazard
risks, vulnerability and community capabilities provides the basis for developing, adopting and
implementing a meaningful Hazard Mitigation Strategy (Step 5) for Camden County. These two
steps help make the Plan strategic and functional for implementation purposes, and ultimately are
the “action” components of the plan. Preparation of the Hazard Mitigation Strategy includes
measures to ensure the Plan’s ultimate implementation, and adopted evaluation and enhancement
procedures to ensure the Plan is routinely updated. This includes assigning responsibility for
successful implementation, as well as developing a detailed timeline for implementation and
completion of designated programs and policies.
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Plan Participation
The Camden County Hazard Mitigation Plan is developed as the result of a collaborative effort
between Camden County, public agencies, non-profit organizations, the private sector, as well as,
regional, state and federal agencies. Camden County is the only jurisdiction covered by this plan.
Camden County is a continuing participant in this plan. Prior to beginning work on the plan, a
publicly announced “kick-off” meeting was held to describe the project approach, goals and
objectives of the project, technical services available to the county, specific projects and expectations
of results. This meeting was held on June 3, 2010 at the Pasquotank County Public Safety Building.
The intent of this initial meeting was to enable all participating county departments the opportunity
to comment on the scope of the plan and to determine the process and schedule for preparing the
plan. Input was sought from state and federal mitigation planners as necessary or appropriate.
Additionally, through public hearings, workshops, and draft plan display, ample opportunity was
provided for participation by neighboring communities, agencies, businesses, academia, nonprofits,
and other interested parties such as Pasquotank County, the Red Cross, and the Chamber of
Commerce. Any comments, questions, and discussions resulting from these activities were given
strong consideration in the development of this plan.
Participation from these individuals was sought at MAC meetings as well as through email, on the
county website and the Camden-Pasquotank Emergency Management Facebook Page. It should be
noted that Camden County, Pasquotank County and Elizabeth City share a single Emergency
Management Coordinator based in Elizabeth City. Thus, there exists a routine and continuing
cooperative relationship among these three (3) jurisdictions, especially for emergency services. The
Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Emergency Management Coordinator served as the facilitator
for the planning process. A Mitigation Advisory Committee (MAC) worked in the development of
the plan. The MAC was comprised of the:
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Randell Woodruff, Camden County Manager
Dan Porter, Camden Planning Director
Laura Konowski, GIS Coordinator
Mary Rhodes, Camden Tax Assessor
David Credle, Water Treatment Plant Operator (Chief)
Christy Saunders, Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Emergency Management
Dave Parks, Building Inspector
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Plan Monitoring and Evaluation
The Camden County Manager or their designee will monitor the progress of the mitigation strategy
on a continual basis to ensure plan implementation. The Mitigation Advisory Committee will work
together in providing plan review.
Annual Review Process
The Mitigation Advisory Committee will meet on an annual basis and following any disaster events
or other instances warranting a re-examination of the mitigation actions being implemented or
proposed for future implementation. The public will be invited to the annual meeting, as will
personnel from the NC Division of Emergency Management. This will ensure that the Plan is
continuously updated to reflect changing conditions and needs for Camden County. If determined
appropriate or as requested, an annual report on the status of the Mitigation Plan will be developed
and presented to the County Manager. The purpose of this report will be to provide a progress
update on the actions identified in the Plan and to provide information on any new funding
opportunities or changes to relevant legislative planning requirements. As appropriate, information
contained in other relevant progress reporting documents will be incorporated into the mitigation
plan status report. The lead mitigation planner will be responsible for reconvening the Committee
and conducting the annual plan review. Criteria to be considered at the time the plan is reviewed
will include the following:
Do the goals and objectives address current and expected conditions?
Has the nature or magnitude of risks changed?
Are the current resources appropriate for implementing the plan?
Are there implementation problems, such as technical, political, legal, or coordination issues
with other entities?
Are the goals of Camden County being met?
Did other entities that were expected to be part of the plan provide the level of cooperation
expected?
A public hearing and report will be made annually by the Mitigation Advisory Committee to the
County Board of Commissioners, updating the actions that have been taken and the performance of
the responsible parties named. Any obstacles that have been encountered will be detailed, along
with recommendations to move forward. Public comments will be solicited and considered with the
report.
Annual Review 2006 - 2010
The Mitigation Advisory Committee did not meet annually to review the HMP as identified in the
previously approved plan. While the MAC did not hold annual meetings over the last five years, the
mitigation strategy was addressed in other forums as evident by the success and completion of
several mitigation measures identified in the plan.
Following approval and adoption of the 2011 Plan Update, the Mitigation Advisory Committee will
meet annually to re-examine the mitigation measures as they are implemented and to update/revise
the plan as necessary. The public will be invited to the annual meetings.
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While the public did not have the opportunity to participate in public meetings over the last five
years, the public was involved in the Plan’s maintenance through public education and notice about
mitigation opportunities. Information educating the public on retrofitting, relocation, acquisition,
etc. was also provided following major events, at civic meetings and during public events.
Review and Update
Based on the results of the annual report, the plan will be amended and updated as necessary by the
Mitigation Advisory Committee. At a minimum, the plan will be fully updated within five (5) years
or a presidential declared disaster, if necessary, and submitted for approval to the North Carolina
Emergency Management and FEMA for review. Periodic revisions and updates of the Mitigation
Plan are required to ensure that the goals of the Plan are kept current, taking into account potential
changes in hazard vulnerability and mitigation priorities. In addition, revisions may be necessary to
ensure that the Plan is in full compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. Periodic
evaluation of the Plan will also ensure that specific mitigation actions are being reviewed and carried
out according to the implementation assignments in the Mitigation Action Implementation section.
State and Federal Agency Review
The amended/updated Plan shall be completed and forwarded within 5 years to NCDEM and
FEMA for review and approval prior to further action by the County.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be thoroughly reviewed by the Mitigation Advisory Committee
every five years to determine whether there have been any significant changes in Camden County
that may, in turn, necessitate changes in the types of mitigation actions proposed. New development
in identified hazard areas, an increased exposure to hazards, the increase or decrease in capability to
address hazards, and changes to federal or state legislation are examples of factors that may
necessitate an update and/or revision of the plan. The next five-year plan review and update is due
[date].
The plan review and update process will begin with sufficient lead time prior to the expiration date
of the current mitigation plan to allow ample opportunity for local officials to evaluate those actions
that have been successful and to address mitigation actions that may not have been successfully
implemented as assigned. The review will also allow for documenting potential losses avoided due to
the implementation of specific mitigation measures. The lead mitigation planner will be responsible
for reconvening the Committee and conducting the five-year plan review.
During the five-year plan review process, the following questions will be used to assess the
effectiveness and appropriateness of the local hazard mitigation plan:
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Do the goals and objectives address current and expected conditions?
Has the nature or magnitude of risk changed?
Are current resources sufficient for implementing the plan?
Are there implementation issues, such as technical, political, legal or coordination issues with
other agencies?
Have the outcomes occurred as expected?
Did the agencies and other partners participate in the planning process as proposed?
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Upon completion of the five-year plan review and update process, the lead mitigation planner will
make any revisions deemed necessary and submit the Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Camden County
Boards of Commissioners for adoption according to the processes established by state and local law,
including public notice and hearing requirements. The updated plan will be submitted to the State
Hazard Mitigation Officer at the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management for final
review and approval in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Camden County Board of Commissioners Plan Approval and Adoption
Upon receiving the recommendation of the County Manager for approval of the NCDEM and
FEMA approved draft Plan Amendment, the Camden County Board of Commissioners shall each
hold a public hearing.
The Board shall review the report and recommendation from the County Manager, any additional
comments from the participating municipality, and any written or oral comments received at the
public hearing. Following the review, the Board of Commissioners shall take one of the following
actions:
a) Adopt proposed amendment as presented or within modifications
b) Deny the proposed amendment
c) Refer the amendment request back to the County Manager for further work
d) Defer the amendment request for further consideration and/or hearing
Post-Disaster Plan Review and Update
Following a disaster event, the Hazard Mitigation Plan will be revised as necessary to reflect lessons
learned, or to address specific issues and circumstances arising from the event, as well as potential
mitigation funding that may become available if a federal or state disaster is declared for the
jurisdiction. It will be the responsibility of the lead mitigation planner to reconvene the Mitigation
Advisory Committee and to ensure the appropriate stakeholders are invited to participate in the plan
revision and update process following any emergency or disaster events.
Incorporation of Hazard Mitigation Plan Recommendations in Other Plans
Camden County addresses statewide planning goals and legislative requirements through many
existing plans (i.e. Land Use Plan, Unified Development Plan, Zoning Ordinances, Building and
Safety Codes) and has created a process by which the requirements of this Hazard Mitigation Plan
will be incorporated into these other local plans. The Hazard Mitigation Plan provides a series of
recommendations – many of which are closely related to the goals and objectives of these existing
planning programs and the opportunity will be available during the planning process for new and
updated planning documents to recommend mitigation action items. The Mitigation Advisory
Committee/Planner will provide a copy of the Hazard Mitigation Plan to each respective advisory
committee member and will work with the departments and committees to ensure that all goals and
strategies of new and updated local planning documents are consistent with the Hazard Mitigation
Plan and will not contribute to increased hazards in the jurisdiction.
Over the past 5 years significant work to include the HMP in other planning mechanisms was not
achieved. Still, there were several instances where the HMP was reviewed and thereby incorporated
into the other planning mechanisms such as the Land Use Plan update and the Zoning Ordinance.
These planning mechanisms utilized maps and other documents found in the HMP to help
determine how future growth should take place in Camden County.
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Continued Public Involvement
Public participation is an integral component to the mitigation planning process and will continue to
be essential as the Camden County Hazard Mitigation Plan evolves over time. As described above,
significant changes or amendments to the Plan shall require the involvement of the general
community as deemed appropriate prior to any formal adoption procedures.
Efforts to involve the general community in the plan maintenance, evaluation and revision process
will be made as necessary. These efforts may include:
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Advertising meetings of the Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee with invitations for public
participation;
Designating knowledgeable and willing members of the community to serve as official
representatives on the Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee;
Utilizing local media to update the community of any maintenance and/or periodic review
activities taking place;
Utilizing the Camden County local government website and Camden-Pasquotank Emergency
Management Facebook Page to advertise any maintenance and/or periodic review activities
taking place; and
Keeping copies of the Plan in the local library.
Camden County has established strategies herein which will provide opportunity for continued
public involvement. These strategies include a copy of the adopted plan to be placed at the Camden
County Manager’s Office and the Pasquotank-Camden Emergency Management Office for public
review. In addition, a copy of the plan and any proposed revisions will be displayed on the County
sponsored websites with a response icon and a phone number for the public to direct questions or
comments regarding the plan to the Director of Planning or the Emergency Management
Coordinator.
2011 Plan Update Review
HMP Advisory Committee Meetings
The Hazard Mitigation Planning (HMP) Advisory Committee met as a group, by department, or
through various means of correspondence during the planning process.
Plan Meeting Schedules
Meeting Date
June 3, 2011
June 16, 2011
October 13, 2011
October 25, 2011
January 30, 2012
February 27, 2012
May 17 2012
Topic
HMP Advisory Meeting
Email Correspondence
Email Correspondence
Email Correspondence
Email Correspondence
Email Correspondence
Public Meeting
Public Hearing/Plan Adoption
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Plan Review
The Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee, with input from local government agencies, concerned
citizens, and state and local officials, used the following process to give a comprehensive review and
evaluation of each section of the previously approved Camden County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The
process included a careful review of the 2007 NC State Hazard Mitigation Plan to evaluate the
consistency of the local plan with the State Plan.
The Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee followed the process specified in the Plan Maintenance
Section of the previously approved plan for monitoring, evaluating and updating the plan. As
specified in that section, the Committee addressed the following questions to assess the previously
approved plan:
Do the goals and objectives address current and expected conditions?
Has the nature or magnitude of risks changed?
Are the current resources appropriate for implementing the plan?
Are there implementation problems, such as technical, political, legal, or coordination
issues with other entities?
Are the goals of Camden County being met?
Did other entities that were expected to be part of the plan provide the level of
cooperation expected?
The Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee met on June 3, 2010 and reviewed the goal statements
contained in the Camden County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Committee determined that the goal
statements contained in the previous mitigation plan continue to be applicable to the current hazard
conditions in Camden County and adequately guide the community in its efforts to reduce or avoid
long-term vulnerabilities. The goal statements appear in the Mitigation Strategy Section of this
document.
The MAC reviewed the risk assessment of the previously approved plan and made adjustments as
indicated in the plan update document and as referenced in the Mitigation Plan Update Checklist.
The following new plans, studies, reports, and technical information that have become available
since the previously approved plan was adopted were reviewed and incorporated into the Plan
Update: Information from these studies and plans were used to identify areas and infrastructure that
were most vulnerable to hazards.
o New/amended/revised planning documents such as zoning ordinance, subdivision
ordinance, etc.
o Comprehensive Study
o Comprehensive Transportation Study
o Updated community profile information
The Committee also reviewed the Mitigation Strategy section of the previously approved plan, and
identified the actions that had been completed. These actions, along with the date of completion,
responsible party, funding source used, and outcome for mitigation appear in Appendix A to the
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Plan Update. Actions that have been deleted or deferred, along with the reason for their deletion or
deferment also appear in Appendix A to the Plan Update.
Actions determined to be still viable options for the community have been carried over into the Plan
Update and are included in Section II: Mitigation Strategy.
Public Input
Public Meeting
On May 17, 2012 Camden County gave the public an opportunity to review and comment
on the draft plan update at a public meeting at the Courthouse in Camden County. The
meeting was advertised in the local newspaper, the Camden County government access
television channel, and the Camden County website and the Camden-Pasquotank
Emergency Management Facebook Page.
At the meeting, a presentation was made describing the purpose of the hazard mitigation
planning process. The sections of the Plan describing the hazard identification and risk
assessment process were also presented.
In addition to the meeting, public announcements of the meeting provided a phone number
and an email address for persons who were unable to attend the meeting but who wanted to
receive more information about the planning process. During the planning process, drafts
of the plan were also available for public review at the Camden County Manager’s Office
and the Pasquotank-Camden Emergency Management Office.
At the public meeting, there were no public comments on the plan.
Public Hearing
On,
Camden County held a public hearing at the Board of Commissioners meeting
to receive public comment on the final draft plan update.
public comments
received at the hearing.
The public hearing was advertised in the local newspaper, the Camden County local
government access television channels, the Camden County website and the CamdenPasquotank Emergency Management Facebook Page
Plan Approval Process
The Public Hearing for the final draft of the updated Camden County Hazard Mitigation Plan was
held on May 17, 2012. Copies of the plan were made available before, during, and after the Public
Hearing for comment, and any comments received were considered as part of the development of
the plan. The final draft of the updated Camden County Hazard Mitigation Plan was then submitted
to the Board of Commissioners for approval. Formal adoption of the plan took place after the
public hearing on May 17, 2012. The approved updated mitigation plan was then copied in both
digital and paper formats and distributed to users, including the appropriate state and federal
agencies. Neighboring communities, State and Federal Agencies, business, academia, nonprofits,
and other interested parties were invited to participate in the development of the plan. Participation
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from these individuals was sought by advertising a public announcement in the local newspaper as
well as through email and on the county website.
In additional to the meeting, public announcement of the meetings provided a phone number and
email address for persons who were unable to attend the meeting but who wanted to receive more
information about the planning process.
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Community Profile
History
Camden was settled around 1650 with the first residents drifting down from Virginia and
establishing themselves on both sides of the Pasquotank River. The first major settlements
developed around four creeks – Raymond’s, Sawyer’s, Areneuse, and Joy’s. Dense undergrowth and
swampy bottomlands made passable roads impossible; therefore, travel was mainly accomplished
through the waterways. Camden County was still part of Pasquotank County during this time and a
ferry was used to cross the Pasquotank River. During the Revolutionary Period, a charter was
granted to Lemuel Sawyer, Jr., to operate a ferry from a point near Camden Courthouse, where the
river was only about 200 yards wide. This ferry continued to operate until around 1911, when a
bridge was constructed across the river. On May 9, 1777, Camden County became a separate county
from Pasquotank County and was named in honor of the Earl of Camden, Sir Charles Pratt, a
member of the British Parliament, as a token of gratitude because of his vigorous defense of the
colonists in their fight for freedom during the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War delayed
the building of a courthouse until 1782 as Camden County was actively involved in the war
furnishing more officers and men (416) than any other northeastern county in North Carolina. The
Dismal Swamp Canal was built in the northern end of the county between the years 1793 and 1805.
Dirt removed for the Canal was thrown up to form a bed for a toll road (US 17 along the Canal
bank) which quickly became the route for a stagecoach line between Norfolk and Elizabeth City.
Building of the Canal brought economic benefits to Camden and South Mills, where mills were
erected at one of the locks. Camden County was the site of the Battle of South Mills on April 19th,
1862, during which outnumbered Confederate soldiers prevented Union troops from capturing or
destroying the locks in South Mills. Camden County is mainly a rural community. Many of the
citizens of the county still farm for a living, many work in neighboring Elizabeth City and within
recent years the “overflow” from Virginia is steadily contributing to the population growth in
Camden County. In 2005 The North Carolina legislature adopted General Statute § 153A-471
Article 24, Unified government; permitting Counties with no municipalities to adopt, through
referendum, a Unified form of government that grants to counties the authorities of both a city and
county. In May of 2005 Camden County approved such a referendum and became North Carolina’s
first Unified Government.
Geography
Camden County is located in northeastern North Carolina and is bordered by the state of Virginia to
the north, Currituck County to the east, the Albemarle Sound to the south, and Pasquotank and
Gates Counties to the west. Camden County consists of 150,557 acres, or roughly 242 square miles
and a population density of 35.1 square miles. Elevation in the county ranges from near sea level to
24 feet above sea level at the western edge of the Great Dismal Swamp.
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Camden County Demographics
General Economic Conditions
Camden County ranks in the lower percentile of North Carolina counties in nearly all economic
categories mainly due to the size (97th out of 100 NC counties) and rural nature of the county;
Camden is and always has been predominantly agricultural. Rich, fertile soils and a temperate climate
make the county well suited for farming. amden County’s location is a key asset for its future
economic development. The county is located immediately south of the Chesapeake, Virginia
metropolitan area. Downtown Norfolk is only 33 miles from South Mills and 45 miles from
Camden.
Growth in the Chesapeake-Portsmouth-Norfolk area, coupled with highway
improvements linking Virginia and North Carolina, is having a tremendous “spill-over” effect on all
of Camden County.
Population Growth
Camden County’s estimated population for 2010 was 9,980, an increase of 45% from the 2000
Census and a growth of 64.8% since 1990, making Camden County the fourth fastest growing
county in North Carolina.
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Climate
The general weather pattern for Camden County is hot and humid in the summer with an average
temperature of 79 degrees. The highest recorded temperature, which occurred on July 23, 1952, is
105 degrees. The winter months are moderately cold with an average temperature of 41 degrees. The
lowest temperature on record, which occurred on January 13, 1962, is 4 degrees. The average annual
rainfall is approximately 48 inches.
Geology
Camden County is located on the North Carolina/Virginia state line in the northeastern portion of
North Carolina and is bordered to the west by Pasquotank County and to the east by Currituck
County. Camden County is located in the Albemarle region of the Lower Coastal Plain and the
Pasquotank River basin which is part is part of the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine system, the second
largest estuarine system in the United States. The county slopes from north to south and receives
drainage from the Northwest River, a number of canals leading out of the Great Dismal Swamp and
the Pasquotank River.
Soils
Soil Surveys conducted in Camden County in 1995 identified 24 soil series. Twenty-one of the 24
soil series have severe limitations for septic tank usage and the remaining three have moderate
limitations for septic tank usage but can accommodate conventional septic tank systems. These
three soil series occupy only 1.79% of the county’s total area and are scattered in the South Mills,
Camden, and Shiloh areas and along NC 343 from South Mills to Camden, and north of US
Highway 158 east of Camden. Fourteen of the soil series are classified as hydric soils; soils that
formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season
to support the growth and reproduction of hydrophytic vegetation. Hydrophytic vegetation along
with hydric soils and wetland hydrology are considered the three essential characteristics of wetlands.
Consequently, the presence of hydric soils is one indicator of probable wetlands locations. The
precise location of wetlands must, however, be determined through field investigation.
Water Resources
Two separate water supply systems operate within Camden County, the South Mills Water
Association Water System and the South Camden Water and Sewer District. Approximately two
thirds of all residents of the county are on county water; however there are still a few residents that
have 75 to 100 foot wells for drinking water. While water is by far the most abundant natural
resource in Camden County a large majority are salty and therefore not usable for consumption.
Three stratified aquifers underlie much of the region and contain massive quantities of water. The
brackish water found in the bodies of water surrounding the county frequently seep onto these
aquifers leaving portions of these drinking water sources unusable.
The South Camden Water and Sewer District is county owned, has 1,800+ connections in the South
Camden area, operates a Reverse Osmosis Plant and maintains two elevated water tanks; one (1)
250,000 gallon and one (1)300,000 gallon.
16
The South Mills Water Association is an independent entity and supplies water to the South Mills
Township and the Morgans Corner area of Pasquotank County. The South Mills Water Association
has 1,990+ connections, with one half of these being located in Camden County. The South Mills
Water Association operates a water treatment plant and has three (3) elevated tanks; one (1) 100,000
gallon servicing the South Mills Township, one servicing Pasquotank County, and the third
providing redundancy and pressure improvements in the South Mills area to the northern portion of
the County. Water used by this system is ground water that comes from nineteen (19) wells. There
is an emergency hook-up to Pasquotank County and to South Camden Water & Sewer District for
more ground water, if ever needed.
Additionally, there is a portion of Camden County along the Camden Causeway (US Highway 158)
that has been annexed by Elizabeth City and receives water service from Elizabeth City Public
Utilities.
Natural Resources
A portion of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (104,172 acres) and the Great
Dismal Swamp Natural Area (14,327 acres) are located in Camden County and are designated
Protected Lands and Natural Heritage Areas. Other areas of Protected Lands located in the county
include North River Gameland and Parks Dismal Swamp Natural Area; in all totaling 125,275 acres
(82.2%) of Protected Lands. Other areas of Natural Heritage Areas include Shipyard Landing
Natural Area, Whitehall Shores Hardwood Forest, Broad Creek Marshes and North River Cypress
Forest; totaling 39,579 acres (26.29%) of Natural Heritage Areas. Mammals that live in the Dismal
Swamp include gray squirrel otters, bats, raccoon, and mink, gray and red foxes. White-tailed deer,
bobcat, and black bear also inhabit the area. Three species of poisonous snakes are found in the
Dismal Swamp; the copperhead, cottonmouth, and canebrake rattler, as well as 18 species of nonpoisonous snakes. There are also 56 species of turtles, salamanders, lizards, frogs, and toads. A
large and diverse species of birds have been identified in the Great Dismal Swamp as well. These
include the barred owl, wooded duck, pileated woodpecker, and the prothonotary warbler.
There are also a great deal of northern and southern plants that grow in the area. Some of these
plants include magnolia, myrtle, jasmine, cherry trees, and switch cane. Additionally, the entire
underlying geology of the Dismal Swamp is peat.
Endangered animals listed for Camden County include the Red Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides
borealis) and the Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum). The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) and the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) are listed as threatened. The
only plant species listed as endangered by the state in Camden County is the Virginia Least Trillium
(Trillium pusillum var virginianum) and the Carolina Grasswort (Lilaeopsis carolinensis) is listed as
threatened.
17
Recreation
Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Welcome Center and Intracoastal Waterway Locks
The Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Welcome Center and Intracoastal Waterway Locks are located on
US 17 just three (3) miles from the North Carolina/Virginia state line in South Mills. The Dismal
Swamp Welcome Center is operated by Camden County, although the land and facility are state
owned, and prides itself on being the only visitor center in the country whose clients come by both
boat and car. The center provides brochures and maps, a museum explaining the history of the
canal and arranges for canoe trips and maintains a picnic area. There is a 150-foot dock at the center
Dismal Swamp Biking and Hiking Trail
A 10-foot wide asphalt bike and hiking trail runs 6 miles south from the Welcome Center to South
Mills. The remaining three (3) miles north of the Welcome Center to the Virginia line is planned to
be completed as funds become available. The Camden trail could connect with a similar trail
planned in Chesapeake as future plans are to turn the two-lane road (old U.S. 17) along the canal in
Chesapeake into a bike trail.
WalkingTrails
A Senior Walking Trail is located behind the Camden County offices on North 343. This walking
trail is 1,000 feet in length and leads to a gazebo overlooking Sawyer’s Creek.
A ¼ Mile Nature Trail is located north of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. This trail parallels
the Dismal Swamp Canal and loops back to the Welcome Center.
Youth Baseball/Softball
A spring and summer Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball League ran by the Camden Babe Ruth
Association actively involves a wide range of ages. Families and friends gathered at the Camden
Community Park located on North 343 is a common sight during the ball season.
Girls Volleyball
Girls’ ages 7-15 compete in a Volleyball League ran by Camden Parks and Recreation during the fall
of the year. This program is runs in the gymnasium located at the Grandy Primary School/Camden
Intermediate School.
Youth Football/Cheerleading
Boys and Girls ages 5-15 play football and cheer for 2 organizations during the fall of the year
located in Camden County. The Camden Bears practice and play at the Camden Community Park
while the Shiloh Sharks practice and play at Trafton Field located on N Hwy 343.
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Youth Basketball
A winter basketball league comprised of boys and girls ages 5-16 is run by the Camden County Parks
and Recreation. This program utilizes both the Grandy Primary/Camden Intermedite School
gymnasium and the Camden Middle School gymnasium.
Boys Wrestling
A late winter early spring wrestling program in run by the Camden County Parks and Recreation
Department for boy in 1st through 6th grades. This program also utilizes the Grandy
Primary/Camden Intermediate School gymnasium.
Water Recreation
The abundant source of rivers and creeks, along with the Albemarle Sound make boating a major
recreation in Camden County. These areas of water are ideal for skiing, sailing, kayaking and
canoeing. Fishing activities are popular as the waters range from small, inviting creeks and lovely
rivers where large mouth bass and perch are found, to the broad Albemarle Sound... a popular area
for sports fishermen for its yield of herring, mullet, shad, white perch, croakers and striped bass.
There several public owned boat ramps that offer recreational water access to residents and tourists
including those on North 343, Milltown Road, Sandy Hook Road and Indian Town Road.
Hunting
Hunting is also a popular recreational activity in Camden County by hunters who come for bear,
deer, birds, small game and waterfowl.
Camden County Jail Museum
The Camden County Jail Museum is located adjacent to the Camden County government offices on
North 343. The jail was built in 1910 and in 1986 the second story cells were restored. While the
first floor is now used for the Camden County Board of Elections Office the second floor is
restored to display the iron cellblock or "bullpen," surrounded by a narrow catwalk and is open to
the public Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
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Hazard Identification and Analysis
Potential Natural Hazards
Communities face many different types of hazards. A community must consider all the hazards that
threaten them and focus on those that pose the greatest risk. After reviewing the Camden County
hazard history it was determined that this plan would focus on the following natural hazards:
These include:
• Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
• Tornadoes
• Floods
• Winter Storms
• Severe Thunderstorms
• Wildfires
Many natural hazards have the potential to affect Camden County. Some of these hazards are
interrelated (i.e., hurricanes and severe thunderstorms can cause flooding and tornadoes), and some consist of
hazardous elements that are not listed separately (i.e., severe thunderstorms can cause lightning). It is
necessary to conduct a risk assessment that includes a description of the type of all hazards that can
affect the jurisdiction. A risk assessment provides a factual basis for activities proposed by the
County in their mitigation strategy. Hazards that may affect Camden County have been identified
and defined in terms of location and geographic extent, magnitude of impact, previous events, and
likelihood of future occurrence. This process of hazard identification is to recognize each of the
hazards that can occur in Camden County. The hazard identification process was based on historical
data that was gathered from a variety of sources (County archives, Internet sites, National Weather
Service, etc.). Camden County has conducted a Hazard Vulnerability Analysis. A vulnerability
analysis identifies the impact of natural or human-caused hazard events on people, buildings,
infrastructure, and the community. This analysis allowed Camden County to focus mitigation
efforts on areas most likely to be damaged or most likely to require early response to a hazard event.
This HVA and other documents were utilized to show what hazards are or are not a threat to
Camden County and it municipalities. Camden County has prioritized the hazards that affect their
county and has developed mitigation opportunities/strategies to deal with these hazards.
Hazard Analysis - Evaluation Method
Each natural hazard is evaluated for three characteristics:
1. Probability of Occurrence, i.e., expected frequency;
2. Extent and Location, i.e., predictable size and location of impact; and
3. Range of Magnitude, i.e., estimated strength and damage potential.
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Probability of Occurrence
The probability, likelihood, or frequency of occurrence of a particular hazard within Camden County
will be classified in one of four categories. These four categories are explained in the table below.
Probability of Occurrence
Likelihood
Frequency of Occurrence
Unlikely
Less than 1% probability in the next year, or less than one chance in the next
100 years.
Possible
Between 1% and 10% probability in the next year, or at least one chance in the
next 100 years.
Likely
Between 10% and 100% probability in the next year or at least one chance
within the next ten years
Highly Likely Near 100% probability in the next year.
Location and Extent (of Impact)
The likely location and extent of impact or predictable size/range of a particular hazard within
Camden County will be classified in one of three categories. These three categories are described in
the Table below.
Location and Extent
Size of Area
Description
Small
10 % or less of the total jurisdictional area.
Medium
10 % to 40 % of the total jurisdictional area
Large
40 % to 100 % of the total jurisdictional area
21
Range of Magnitude
The probable Range of Magnitude or level of impact/estimated strength and damage potential, of a
particular hazard within Camden County is classified in one of four categories as described in the
table below.
Range of Magnitude
Impact Level
Minor:
Limited:
Critical:
Description
Minor injuries. Minimal quality-of-life impact. Shutdown of
critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less. Less than 10
percent of property is severely damaged.
Some injuries. Complete shutdown of critical facilities for more
than one week. More than 10 percent of property is severely
damaged.
Multiple severe injuries. Complete shutdown of critical facilities
for at least 2 weeks. More than 25 percent of property is severely
damaged.
Multiple deaths, complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or
Catastrophic: more. More than 50 percent of property is severely damaged.
22
Hazards
Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
Hurricanes and tropical storms, both classified as tropical cyclones, are low-pressure storm systems that
originate over warm ocean waters but are capable of causing immense destruction when crossing the
coastline onto land. The primary damaging forces associated with these storms are high-level
sustained winds, heavy precipitation and tornadoes. Coastal areas are also vulnerable to the
additional forces of storm surge, wind-driven waves and tidal flooding.
The key energy source for a tropical cyclone is the release of latent heat from the condensation of
warm water. Their formation requires a low-pressure disturbance, sufficiently warm sea surface
temperature, rotational force from the spinning of the earth and the absence of wind shear in the
lowest 50,000 feet of the atmosphere. Hurricanes and tropical storms can form in the Atlantic
Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico from the months of June to November, but the peak of
the Atlantic hurricane season is early to mid-September. An average of six storms reaches hurricane
intensity per year in the Atlantic basin.
As an incipient hurricane develops, barometric pressure at its center falls and winds increase. If the
atmospheric and oceanic conditions are favorable, it can intensify into a tropical depression. When
maximum sustained winds reach or exceed 39 miles per hour, the system is designated a tropical
storm, given a name and closely monitored by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida.
When sustained winds reach or exceed 74 miles per hour, the storm is deemed a hurricane.
Hurricane intensity is further classified by the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which rates hurricane intensity
on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most intense. Camden County could experience any of the 5
categories on the scale. The Saffir-Simpson scale is shown in Table IV-3.
Table IV-3: Saffir-Simpson Scale
Category
Maximum Sustained
Wind Speed (mph)
1
74-95
2
96-110
3
111-130
4
131-155
5
155+
Source: National Hurricane Center
23
The Saffir-Simpson scale categorizes hurricane intensity linearly based upon maximum sustained
winds. Categories 3, 4, and 5 are classified as “major” hurricanes, and while hurricanes within this
range comprise only 20% of total tropical cyclone landfalls, they account for over 70% of the
damage in the United States. Table IV-4 describes the damage that could be expected for each category hurricane.
Table IV-4: Examples of Hurricane Damage by Saffir-Simpson Category
HURRICANE CATEGORY DAMAGE EXAMPLES
Category
1
Level
Minimal
2
Moderate
3
Extensive
4
Extreme
5
Catastrophic
Description
Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees, foliage, and unanchored homes. No real
damage to other structures. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Lowlying coastal roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed
anchorage torn from moorings.
Considerable damage to shrubbery and tree foliage; some trees blown down.
Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Extensive damage to poorly
constructed signs. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window
and door damage. No major damage to buildings. Coast roads and low-lying
escape routes inland cut by rising water two to four hours before arrival of
hurricane center. Considerable damage to piers. Marinas flooded. Small craft in
unprotected anchorages torn from moorings. Evacuation of some shoreline
residences and low-lying areas required.
Foliage torn from trees; large trees blown down. Almost all poorly constructed
signs blown down. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some wind
and door damage. Some structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes
destroyed. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast
destroyed; larger structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating
debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water three to five hours
before hurricane center arrives. Flat terrain five feet or less above sea level
flooded inland eight miles or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences within
several blocks of shoreline possibly required.
Shrubs and trees blown down; all signs down. Extensive damage to roofing
materials, windows and doors. Complete failures of roofs on many small
residences. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Flat terrain 10 feet or less
above sea level flooded inland as far as six miles. Major damage to lower floors
of structures near shore, due to flooding and battering by waves and floating
debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water three to five hours
before hurricane center arrives. Major erosion of beaches. Massive evacuation of
all residences within 500 yards of shore possibly required, as well as the
evacuation of single-story residences within two miles of shore.
Shrubs and trees blown down; considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all
signs down. Very severe and extensive damage to windows and doors. Complete
failure of roofs on many residences and industrial buildings. Extensive shattering
of glass in windows and doors. Some complete building failures. Small buildings
overturned or blown away. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Major
damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level and
within 500 yards of shore. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water
three to five hours before hurricane center arrives. Massive evacuation of
residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of shore possibly required.
Source: NC State Hazard Mitigation Plan, NCDEM, 2007, p. 2-23
24
Example
Hurricane
Jerry
(1989)
Hurricane
Bob
(1991)
Hurricane
Gloria (1985)
Hurricane
Andrew
(1992)
Hurricane
Camille
(1969)
Hurricane – Storm Surge
Storm surge is defined as the difference between the maximum height of the water actually observed
during the storm and the height that would be expected (or predicted) due to normal tidal
fluctuations. These values represent the increase in the height of the water due to the storm alone.
The effect of the tide has been subtracted out. The storm surge arrives ahead of the storm’s actual
landfall and the more intense the hurricane is, the sooner the surge arrives. Water rise can be very
rapid, posing a serious threat to those who have waited to evacuate flood prone areas. The surge is
always highest in the right-front quadrant of the direction the hurricane is moving in. As the storm
approaches shore the greatest storm surge will be to the north of the hurricane eye. Storm surge is
often 50 to 100 miles wide and can rise anywhere from 4 to 5 feet in a Category 1 hurricane and up
to 20+ feet in a Category 5 storm. Storm surge from Hurricane Floyd resulted in water marks of 30
inches in businesses along the Pasquotank River.
Historical Occurrences:
North Carolina has a long and notorious history of destruction by hurricanes. Ever since the first
expeditions to Roanoke Island in 1586, hurricanes are recorded to have caused tremendous damage
to the state. The state's protruding coastline makes it a favorable target for tropical cyclones that
curve northward in the western Atlantic Ocean.
Reliable classification of the intensity of tropical cyclones began in 1886. Since that time, there have
been 951 tropical cyclones that have been recorded in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Approximately 166 or 17.5% of those tropical cyclones passed within 300 miles of North Carolina.
According to the State Climate Office of North Carolina, 48 tropical cyclones have made direct
landfall in North Carolina between 1851 and 2009. Of these, two (2) were tropical storms, 28 were
minor hurricanes and 16 were major hurricanes. Another 105 tropical cyclones have impacted
North Carolina since 1851 by either entering from another state or by passing in proximity to the
coast but remaining offshore. Of these, 34 were tropical storms, 40 were minor hurricanes and 30
were major hurricanes. According to the State Climate Office, the coast of North Carolina can
expect to receive a land falling tropical cyclone once every four years and be affected by one every
1.59 years.
Figure IV-2 shows for any particular location what the chance is that a tropical storm or hurricane will affect the area
sometime during the whole June to November hurricane season. The figure was created by Todd Kimberlain of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hurricane Research Division. In creating the graphic, he
utilized the years 1944 to 1999 in the analysis and counted hits when a storm or hurricane was within about 100
miles (165 km) of each location.
The figure shows that Camden County faces a 42% annual chance that a tropical storm or hurricane will
affect the area.
25
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Figure by Todd Kimberlain
Table IV-5 lists all hurricanes and tropical storms that have made direct landfall in North Carolina since 1933.
Approximate location of landfall, estimated wind speed, and storm surge at landfall are also listed.
Table IV-5: Direct Landfalling Hurricanes and Tropical Storms in North Carolina Since
1920
Direct Landfalling Hurricanes and Tropical Storms in North Carolina Since 1933
Note: This list does not count storms that made landfall in another state, then moved into North Carolina.
Approximate
Storm Name
Date of Landfall
8/26/2010
9/29/2010
9/14/2005
8/14/2004
8/3/2004
9/18/2003
9/16/1999
8/26/1998
9/6/1996
7/13/1996
8/31/1993
8/18/1986
Irene
Nicole
Ophelia
Charley
Alex
Isabel
Floyd
Bonnie
Fran
Bertha
Emily
Charley
SaffirSimpson
Intensity
at Landfall
Estimated
Approximate
Wind Speed
Location of Landfall
(kt)
1
Tropical Storm
1
Tropical Storm
2
2
2
3
3
2
3
1
Cape Lookout
Eastern NC
Carteret
NC/SC border
Hatteras
Drum Inlet
Topsail Island
Cape Fear
Cape Fear
Topsail Beach
Hatteras
Morehead
26
45
35
85
60
80
90
95
100
100
90
70
Storm
Surge
(ft.)
3-5
6-8
2-3
3-5
6-10
6-8
8-12
5
9/26/1985
9/9/1984
9/30/1971
9/11/1960
9/19/1955
8/17/1955
8/12/1955
10/15/1954
8/30/1954
8/13/1953
1949
1944
8/1/1944
9/18/1936
9/16/1933
8/23/1933
Gloria
Diana
Ginger
Donna
Ione
Diane
Connie
Hazel
Carol
Barbara
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
4
2
2
Tropical Storm
4
1
3
3
3
Hatteras
Long Beach
Atlantic Beach
East of Wilmington
Salter Path
Carolina Beach
Cape Lookout
NC/SC border
Hatteras
Cape Lookout
Southport
Hatteras
Ocracoke
Hatteras
90
80
65
95
90
75
70
125
85
90
95
120
80
105
105
105
6-8
5-6
4
6-8
3-10
5-9
7
10-20
Source: State Climate Office of North Carolina,
Hurricanes in Camden County
August 1933: A Category 2 hurricane passed over the Outer Banks just east of Oracoke and
curved back toward the Atlantic by way of Norfolk, VA bringing it across Camden County.
Damage in the Northeastern counties of North Carolina (mostly crop damage) was estimated at
$250,000.00
September 1933: Less than one month after the August storm North Carolina was threatened
with another (Category 3) hurricane. It entered the mainland in the New Bern area with winds
of 100 to 120 mph. Flooding along the river basins of the Neuse and the Pamlico was
astronomical and claimed 21 lives. The hurricane then turned more to the north and northeast
slicing across the extreme eastern portion of the Albemarle Sound, passing directly over Camden
County before exiting into the Atlantic near Corolla and the Virginia-North Carolina border.
The 90 mph winds on the western side of the hurricane resulted in “blow-out” tides along the
north shore of the Albemarle Sound from Elizabeth City westward resulting in the lowest tides
ever recorded for the northern banks of the Albemarle Sound.
August 1935: The remnants of the Category 5 “Labor Day Storm” moved inland across the
Florida Keys. The hurricane turned up the west coast of Florida and made a second landfall in
the Tampa Bay area, it then crossed Georgia and the Carolinas before exiting the coast near the
North Carolina-Virginia border. The effects of the storm, though confined to tropical storm
force winds of 40 to 50 mph spawned several tornados in northeastern North Carolina. In all,
the “Labor Day Storm” was responsible for the death of 400 lives.
September 1944: A Category 4 hurricane hit Camden County. There was heavy damage reported
in Camden County; some from flooding but most from high winds. There was no documented
statistical data available to list estimates.
August 1953: Hurricane Barbara (Category 1) (First year US Weather Bureau officially named
storms) Barbara made landfall between Morehead City and Oracoke, turned northeast and
exited into the Atlantic near the North Carolina-Virginia border. Damage estimates in North
Carolina exceeded $1 million (mostly crop damage).
27
October 1954: Hurricane Hazel (Category 4) caused agricultural and structural damage with a 17
foot storm surge to coastal communities in North Carolina. Although Camden County was
spared the brunt of the storm there were reports of flooding in the area. While there are no
specific statistics for Camden County, it was the most destructive hurricane (to date) in North
Carolina’s history; nineteen people were killed and over two hundred injured; fifteen thousand
homes and structures were destroyed; thirty-nine thousand structures received damage and there
were an estimated $136 million in property losses.
August 1955: Hurricanes Connie (Category 1) and Diane (Category 1) hit just two days apart
making it difficult to assess the damages from each separately. Hurricane Connie did not result
in extensive damage, but heavy rains saturated the ground and set the stage for the heavy rainfall
and flooding from Hurricane Diane. Damages in North Carolina from the two storms exceeded
$80 million.
September 1955: Hurricane Ione (Category 2) struck just one month after hurricanes Connie
and Diane bringing unprecedented rainfall to already saturated ground. Ione entered North
Carolina a few miles west of Atlantic Beach and moved northward through the PamlicoAlbemarle region and curved to the northeast passing near Camden County on its way back to
the Atlantic. Damage in Camden County was harsh, especially to crops. Damages in North
Carolina from Hurricane Ione exceeded $90 million.
September 1960: Hurricane Donna (Category 2) Hurricane Donna came inland in North
Carolina near Topsail Beach, and then moved through Carteret, Pamlico, Hyde, and Tyrrell
Counties, across the Albemarle Sound before slamming into Camden County. Wind damage
was severe from fallen trees and toppled power lines, as well as water damage.
September 1985: Hurricane Gloria (Category 2) passed over Hatteras Island, swerved
northward and reentered the Atlantic near Nags Head on a northeasterly track. Rainfall
amounts of over 4 inches were recorded in Camden County, but no major damage was reported.
July 1996: Hurricane Bertha (Category 2) hit Camden County causing wind and water
damages. Most of the flooding was along the Albemarle Sound and Pasquotank River near the
Camden Point Shores, Taylor’s Beach, Elizabeth City Beach, Texaco Beach and White Hall
Shores housing developments, as well as the Camden Causeway. Portions of the county were
without power for three days. There was $200,000 in property damages and $30,000 in
agricultural damage.
September 1996: Hurricane Fran (Category 3) passed through Camden County causing wind
and tree damage to property. There was $1 million in property damage.
October 1996: Tropical Storm Josephine caused $100,000 in property damage.
August 1998: Hurricane Bonnie (Category 2) brought excessive rain and caused several million
dollars in property damage; mostly from wind and downed trees. The damage to county facilities
was under $5,000. The majority of the damage from this hurricane occurred as it exited the area
and most thought the storm had passed, but its spiral bans rejuvenated and got in a “last minute
punch” to Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck Counties.
September 1999: Hurricane Dennis (Category 1) was the first of almost three consecutive
storms to affect Camden County in 1999. While the storm only brought sustained winds of 39
mph and gust of 52 mph it dumped over 7 inches of rain saturating the ground and setting the
stage for the next two storms. There were isolated power outages and areas of flash flooding in
the northern and southern portions of the county. Hurricane Dennis resulted in an estimated
$35,000 in property damage in Camden County.
September 1999: Hurricane Floyd (Category 2) was mainly a water event from torrential rains
which touched off 500-year floods across much of eastern North Carolina and caused $12
28
million dollars in property damage, and 63.4 million dollars in agriculture damage. In North
Carolina there were a reported 51 deaths; 7000 homes destroyed; 17,000 homes uninhabitable;
56,000 homes damaged; most roads east of I-95 flooded; over 1500 people were rescued from
flooded areas; over 500,000 customers were without electricity at some point; and 10,000 people
were housed in temporary shelters. Areas north of Camden County received 26 inches of rain,
much of which drained into the county causing flooding in areas of South Mills not normally
prone to flooding hazards. Several roads in the Bunker Hill Road area were impassable for over
a week. Fifteen homes were reported destroyed and 25+ sustained major damage. Areas of the
county were without power for several days and county offices were closed for 3 – 4 days.
October 1999: Hurricane Irene (Category 1) following closely on the heels of Hurricane Floyd
brought 13 inches of rain to the area and caused $31,000 in property damage. Isolated power
outages occurred for one (1) day. Damage from Floyd and Irene were combined due to the
close proximity of the storms. Record flooding from Hurricanes Floyd and Irene occurred in
numerous areas and resulted in 66 counties being declared as federal disaster areas. The state
immediately pursued an aggressive outreach effort to identify all the victims and homes that
were damaged or destroyed. As a result, on September 15, 2000, the one-year anniversary date
of Hurricane Floyd, over 54 HMGP (Hazard Mitigation Grant Program) containing over 4,000
homes had been approved for buyout. This was for an amount of $254 million dollars. Camden
County participated in the HMGP and a total of seven homes were acquired at a total cost of
$459,101.
September 2003: Hurricane Isabel (Category 2) was primarily a wind storm (although there
were some reported areas of minor flooding) and resulted in 47 North Carolina counties
receiving Presidential Declarations for over $155.2 million in federal/state disaster aid. Sustained
winds of 75 mph with winds gusts up to 97 mph were reported and a storm surge of five feet
was recorded on the Pasquotank River. The first inland shelter for northeastern North Carolina,
located in Pasquotank County, was opened for 12 days at the K.E. White Continuing Education
Center on Weeksville Road, housing at one point up to 475 evacuees. Dominion NC Power
reported 97% of their customers were without power and Albemarle Electric Membership
Corporation – 100% %; many for over a week. Five hundred and forty five Camden County
residents registered with FEMA for Individual Family Assistance. Forty six received $88.426.72
in Housing Assistance and 95 received $72,605.00 in Other Needs assistance.
September 2005: Hurricane Ophelia (Category 1) brushed the coast of North Carolina
throughout September 14 and 15. Fortunately, the storms strongest winds remained offshore.
As Hurricane Ophelia lingered it dropped more than 10 inches of rain on many coastal areas.
The Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was fully
activated on September 13 and remained open for two days. Camden County declared a State of
Emergency on September 14. A public Red Cross shelter was opened at the K.E. White Center
on Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City on September 13 for Camden and Pasquotank County
residents. The shelter had 28 registered evacuees and officially closed on the afternoon of
September 15. President Bush declared a state of emergency in 37 counties in North Carolina as
a result of Ophelia. There were no reports of damage in Camden County from Hurricane
Ophelia. The majority of the storm damage reported occurred in the southern coastal counties
of North Carolina with approximately $70 million in damages.
September 2006: Tropical Storm Ernesto made landfall near Wilmington, NC on Thursday,
August 31st. Northeastern North Carolina had already received several inches of rain prior to
Ernesto. The storm dumped between 4 to 8 inches of rain bringing a three day rainfall total of
nearly 12 inches. Numerous roads were closed county wide due to heavy flooding, however,
there were very few reports of homes receiving damages from T.S. Ernesto.
29
September 2008: Tropical Storm Hanna made landfall at the NC/SC border in the early
hours of September 6. Hanna brought rain and gusty winds to the area. The PasquotankCamden-Elizabeth City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated at noon on
September 5, and remained open until mid-afternoon on September 6. Camden County
declared a State of Emergency on September 5. A public Red Cross shelter was opened for one
night on the evening of September 5 at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center on Ward Street in
Elizabeth City. Hanna’s winds downed multiple trees and caused brief power outages
throughout the county. The storm also caused minor flooding throughout the County.
September, 2010: Tropical Storm Nicole brought heavy rain and flooding to Camden County.
Especially hard hit was the South Mills community which received 10.28 inches of rain. The
National Guard was called in to assist with transporting citizens out of isolated areas.
August, 2011: Hurricane Irene (Category 1) made landfall at Cape Lookout about 7:30 a.m.
Saturday morning, August 27th and moved up the Atlantic coast. Camden County was spared
the brunt of the storm as the eye passed over the county. Sustained winds reached 48 mph
and winds gusts of 71 mph were recorded. Eight inches of rain fell over much of the county;
which higher amounts in localized areas. There was a storm surge of 3-4 ft. along the
Pasquotank River. Several homes reported minor damage from tree limbs but the major
result from the storm was vegetative debris.
Probability of Occurrence
Based on this historical information, local officials determine that the Probability of Occurrence for
the Hurricane Hazard at “Highly Likely”.
Location & Extent
Hurricanes/Tropical Storms will affect the entire county (100%), while hazards associated with the
storm (i.e. tornadoes, isolated flooding) may only affect small geographic areas of the county.
Damage during tropical systems may result from downed trees and inland flooding associated with
heavy rainfall that usually accompanies these storms. Tropical Storm Nicole, for example, produced
8-10 inches of rain throughout the local area. However, its main affect was flooding to an isolated
portion of the South Mills community. In addition, the storm surge and flooding typically associated
with tropical systems affect the coastal and low-lying areas of the county.
Range of Magnitude
The impact to Camden County from Tropical Systems is dependent on multiple factors. Many areas
within the county border the Albemarle Sound, area rivers, creeks and swamps and are at risk for
flooding. In additional many residential homes are built surrounded by massive trees creating a
substantial risk for structural damage from hurricane force winds. Therefore the impact from a
hurricane, in terms of injuries, damages, and death, can vary in degrees from minor to
catastrophic.
• Minor:
• Limited:
• Critical:
Very few injuries, if any. Only minor property damage & minimal disruption
on quality of life. Temporary shutdown of critical facilities.
Minor injuries only. More than 10% of property in affected area damaged or
destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical facilities for more than one day.
Multiple deaths/injuries possible. More than 50% of property in affected area
damaged or destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical facilities for 30 days or
more.
30
• Catastrophic:
High number of deaths/injuries possible. More than 50% of property in
affected area damaged or destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical facilities
for 30 days or more.
31
Flooding
Flooding is the most frequent and costly natural hazard in the United States. Floods are generally
the result of excessive precipitation, and can be classified under two categories: flash floods, the
product of heavy localized precipitation in a short time period over a given location; and general
floods, caused by precipitation over a longer time period and over a given river basin. The severity
of a flooding event is determined by a combination of stream and river basin topography and
physiography, precipitation and weather patterns, recent soil moisture conditions and the degree of
vegetative clearing.
Flash flooding events usually occur with little or no warning reaching full potential within only a few
minutes and are the result of intense storms producing large amounts of rain over a brief period of
time or another sudden release of water such as the overflow of dikes onto surrounding areas. Most
flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms in a local area or by heavy rains associated
with hurricanes and tropical storms. Although flash flooding occurs often along mountain streams,
it is also common in urbanized areas where much of the ground is covered by impervious surfaces.
General floods are usually longer-term events and may last for several days. The primary types of
general flooding include riverine flooding, coastal flooding and urban flooding. Riverine flooding is
a function of excessive precipitation levels and water runoff volumes within the watershed of a
stream or river. Coastal flooding is typically a result of storm surge, wind-driven waves, and heavy
rainfall produced by hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters and other large coastal storms.
Urban flooding occurs where man-made development has obstructed the natural flow of water
and/or decreased the ability of natural groundcover to absorb and retain surface water runoff.
Periodic flooding of lands adjacent to rivers, streams and shorelines is a natural and inevitable
occurrence that can be expected to take place based upon established recurrence intervals. The
recurrence interval of a flood is defined as the average time interval, in years, expected between a
flood event of a particular magnitude and an equal or larger flood. Flood magnitude increases with
increasing recurrence interval.
A "floodplain" is the lowland area adjacent to a river, lake or ocean. Floodplains are
designated by the frequency of the flood that is large enough to cover them. For example,
the 10-year floodplain will be covered by the 10-year flood and the 100-year floodplain by the
100-year flood.
Flood frequencies, such as the "100-year flood," are determined by plotting a graph of the size of all
known floods for an area and determining how often floods of a particular size occur. Another way
of expressing the flood frequency is the chance of occurrence in a given year, which is the
percentage of the probability of flooding each year. For example, the 100-year flood has a 1%
chance of occurring in any given year. See Camden Flood Zone Map. Computed water surface
elevations are combined with topographic mapping data to develop Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM). This is an important planning tool to determine where development would reside within
flood prone areas. Insurance companies use the FIRMs to determine flood insurance rates.
Camden County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, making citizens eligible
for flood insurance.
32
Due to the severe consequences from flooding, local governments should pay close attention to
flood warnings and forecasts. These mitigation measures decrease property damage by an estimated
$1 billion annually. The National Weather Service is responsible legally for weather forecasting and
warning.
Floods in Camden County
January 1993: There was heavy rainfall in eastern North Carolina resulting in floods and causing
$500,000 in property damage and $50,000 in agricultural damage throughout these counties,
including Camden County.
July 1996: Areas in Camden County, along the Pasquotank River, experienced flooding from a 4
foot storm surge resulting from Hurricane Fran.
September 1996: Areas in Camden County, along the Pasquotank River, experienced flooding
from a 6 foot storm surge resulting from Hurricane Fran.
August 1998: Areas in Camden County, along the Pasquotank River, experienced flooding from
a 6 foot storm surge resulting from Hurricane Bonnie.
September 1999: There was major flooding in several areas of the county due to Hurricane Floyd.
Large amounts of rain dropped by the hurricane filled ditches and swamp creeks and areas in
Camden County, along the Pasquotank River, experienced flooding from a 5-6 foot storm surge
resulting from Hurricane Floyd. Extensive flooding in the northern portion of the county
occurred from The Intracoastal Waterway and the Dismal Swamp Canal. Most of the severe
flooding began in the first 24 hours and lasted 3 – 4 days. Camden County received its first
Presidential Disaster Declaration as a result of Hurricane Floyd.
October 1999: Hurricane Irene brought 13 inches of rain resulting in a countywide flash flood.
The flash flood can be attributed to accumulation of water caused by the already heavily
saturated ground from Hurricanes Dennis and Floyd.
September 2003: There was flooding in Camden County in areas along the Pasquotank River
associated with Hurricane Isabel.
September 2006: There was flooding associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto. Numerous roads
were closed county wide due to heavy flooding, however, there were very few reports of homes
receiving damages from T.S. Ernesto.
July 2008: Heavy rains from thunderstorms produced flash flooding across portions of Camden
County. Seven inches of rain was reported in three hours. Several roads were closed due to
high water.
November 2009: A nor’easter dropped up to nine inches of rain in the South Mills community of
Camden County. Several homes were flooded. Many that had received flooding during
Hurricane Floyd.
September 2010: Tropical Storm Nicole brought heavy rain and flooding to Camden County.
Especially hard hit was the South Mills community which had flooded the previous year during a
nor’easter. This area received 10.28 inches of rain. The National Guard was called in to assist
with transporting citizens out of isolated areas.
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Probability of Occurrence of Floods in Camden County
Whether flooding associated with a Tropical System or localized flooding related to a severe
thunderstorm; flooding occurs frequently in Camden County. The likelihood of flooding in the
County is classified as “likely.”
Location & Extent
The entire land area of Camden County (100%) is susceptible to flooding; however, there are several
areas that are more vulnerable than others. The southern portions of the county, which are lowlying and characterized by swamp land, are at a higher risk for flooding. Also, in the northern
portion of the county, in the South Mills Community, many structures along the Joyce Creek and its
tributaries have experienced repetitive flooding. If a storm system causes moderate to severe
flooding in the county, it can be expected that there will be damage to property and infrastructure.
While numerous areas within Camden County have experienced repetitive flooding from hurricanes,
nor’easters and severe thunderstorms (see map of Areas of Repetitive Flood and List of Areas of
Repetitive Flooding) we do not anticipate a flood depth of greater than ten feet within Camden
County.
Range of Magnitude
The impact to Camden County from flooding is dependent on multiple factors. Many areas within
the county border the Albemarle Sound, area rivers, creeks and swamps. Areas of poor drainage
increase the potential for damages resulting from flash flooding. The impacts due to flooding, in
terms of injuries, damages, and death, can vary in degrees from minor to critical. Many of the
homes in the areas that have received repetitive flooding are substandard housing and are occupied
by elderly residents on fixed incomes an unable to afford flood insurance. The impact to these
areas/residents is limited to critical.
• Minor:
• Limited:
• Critical:
• Catastrophic:
.
Very few injuries, if any. Only minor property damage & minimal disruption
on quality of life. Temporary shutdown of critical facilities.
Minor injuries only. More than 10% of property in affected area damaged or
destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical facilities for more than one day.
Multiple deaths/injuries possible. More than 50% of property in affected area
damaged or destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical facilities for 30 days or
more.
High number of deaths/injuries possible. More than 50% of property in
affected area damaged or destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical facilities
for 30 days or more.
34
Tornadoes
A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud extending to the
ground. It is most often generated by a thunderstorm (but sometimes result from hurricanes or
nor’easters) and produced when cool, dry air intersects and overrides a layer of warm, moist air
forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. The damage from a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity
and wind-blown debris, although they are commonly accompanied by large hail as well. The most
violent tornadoes have rotating winds of 250 miles per hour or more and are capable of causing
extreme destruction, including uprooting trees and well-made structures, and turning normally
harmless objects into deadly missiles.
Most tornadoes are just a few dozen yards wide and touch down only briefly, but highly destructive
tornadoes may carve out a path over a mile wide and several miles long. The destruction caused by
tornadoes may range from light to inconceivable depending on the intensity, size and duration of the
storm. Typically, tornadoes cause the greatest damages to structures of light construction, such as
residential homes, and are quite localized in impact.
Each year an average of 800-1000 tornadoes are reported nationwide and they are more likely to
occur during the spring and early summer months of March through June. Tornadoes can occur at
any time of day but are mostly likely to form in late afternoons and early evenings.
The Fujita-Pearson Scale for Tornadoes was developed to measure tornado strength, and is shown
in Table 6. It is possible that Camden County could experience any of these intensities.
F-Scale Intensity
F0
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
Wind
Speed
Type of Damage Done
Some damage to chimneys; breaks branches off trees; pushes
over shallow-rooted trees; damages sign boards
The lower limit is the beginning of hurricane wind speed; peels
Moderate
surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or
73-112 mph
Tornado
overturned; moving autos pushed off roads; attached garages
may be destroyed.
Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile
Significant
113-157
homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large trees snapped or
Tornado
mph
uprooted; light object missiles generated
Severe
158-206
Roof and some walls torn off well constructed houses; trains
Tornado
mph
overturned; most trees in forests uprooted
Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak
Devastating 207-260
foundations blown off some distance; cars thrown and large
Tornado
mph
missiles generated
Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried
Incredible
261-318
considerable distances to disintegrate; automobile sized missiles
Tornado
mph
fly through the air in excess of 100 meters; trees debarked; steel
reinforced concrete structures badly damaged
These winds are very unlikely. The small area of damage they
might produce would probably not be recognizable along with the
Inconceivable 319-379
mess produced by F4 and F5 wind that would surround the F6
Tornado
mph
winds. Missiles, such as cars and refrigerators would do serious
secondary damage that could not be directly identified as F6
damage.
Gale Tornado 40-72 mph
35
Tornadoes in Camden County
March 1991: A tornado (F0) was reported in Camden County. The path of this tornado was
reported 30 yards in width. There was no reported damage.
November 1995: A tornado (F0) was reported in the South Mills community of Camden County
near the NC/VA line. The tornado was spotted skimming over trees and downed branches and
debris blocked all four lanes of US 17 for over a hour.
1997: There was a tornado reported in Camden County at Seymore and Chantilly Road. There
was no statistical data for this incident.
1998: There was a tornado reported in Camden County near the Dismal Swamp and Culpepper
Road in the South Mills area. There was no statistical data available for this incident.
March 2004: Law enforcement reported seeing a tornado (F0) on the ground in the South Mills
area of Camden County. There was no reported damage.
July 2005: There was a small funnel cloud reported in the South Mills area of Camden County.
Minor damage to tree tops was reported.
January 2006: There was a small funnel cloud reported along the Camden Causeway, at the
intersection of NC 343 and US 158 and in the vicinity of North River Road. Minor damage was
reported to tree tops, signs, jon boats and windows.
May 2008: Scattered severe thunderstorms produced damaging winds, large hail and a tornado
in the Belcross community of Camden County. No property damage or injuries were reported.
A summary of the climatology of tornadoes in North Carolina shows:
Tornado occurrences, tornado days, tornado deaths, and tornado injuries are increasing.
Most tornado occurrences are of F0 and F1 intensity; however, most tornado injuries and
deaths are results of more significant tornadoes.
The majority of tornado fatalities are the result of a single storm.
Figure A-2 shows how the frequency and strength of extreme windstorms vary across the
United States. This map was produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is
based on 40 years of tornado history and over 100 years of hurricane history. Zone IV, the
darkest area on the map, has experienced both the greatest number of tornadoes and the
strongest tornadoes. As shown by the map key, wind speeds in Zone IV can be as high as 250
mph.
Camden County is located within Zone III. The tornado hazard in Zone III, while not as great as in
Zone IV, is still significant with winds potentially reaching 200 miles per hour.
FIGURE A-2
Source:
36
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Likelihood of Occurrence of Tornadoes in Camden County
Tornadoes occur on a sporadic basis and have only occurred once in the last five years. Straight-line
winds, however, are common during severe weather events, having the potential to cause major
damage in the area. As a result, the local determination for likelihood of tornado occurrence is
“Possible.”
Location and Extent
Tornado events are not limited to any particular geographic or physiographic area of the County,
and neither the duration of the storm nor the extent of area affected by such an occurrence can be
predicted. Tornadoes and windstorms (straightline winds/downbursts) pose a potential threat to
Camden County as detailed in the tornado history listed above. Tornados, typically, are localized
events that occur over small geographic areas and are associated with severe thunderstorms;
however, they may also occur during hurricane events. The destruction from these storms can be
extensive destroying buildings, uprooting trees and injuring people.
Range of Magnitude
Damages and deaths can be especially significant when tornadoes move through populated,
developed areas. Areas of high concern which would cause the greater impact, in regards to
population, would include the Courthouse Complex, schools and larger subdivisions The
destruction caused by tornadoes ranges from minor to catastrophic depending on the intensity, size
and duration of the storm.
37
Winter Storms
Although North Carolina is located in the eastern part of the United States it is susceptible to wintry
conditions. Heavy snow and extreme cold can result in downed trees, structural damage, power
outages, agricultural loss, and hazardous roadway conditions. Presidential disasters for winter
storms were declared in North Carolina in December 2002, February 2003, and February 2010. In
most instances, these impacts are more likely to be felt in the mountains and Piedmont region of the
state, however Camden County is vulnerable to winter storms and receives an average of 4.6 inches
of snow per year.
Winter Storms in Camden County
February 1971: A winter storm brought 57 mph winds to Camden County, but caused no
apparent damage.
March 1980: A winter coastal storm with near blizzard conditions dumped 18+ inches of snow
in Camden County.
December 1989: Ice storm
March 1993: Ice storm
January 1994: There was a heavy snow reported in Camden County and frigid temperatures.
The storm caused no apparent damage to the area.
February 1994: There was an ice storm reported in Camden County. The storm caused no
apparent damage to the area.
February 1995: Three to four inches of snow fell in Camden County during a winter storm.
Numerous, mostly minor, traffic accidents occurred, although there was one fatal accident on
Route 158.
February 1996: There were two winter storms of significance this winter season, the first being
predominately an ice storm followed by a snow storm which brought five inches of snow to the
area.
December 1996: There was a winter storm reported that caused $3,000 in property damage.
January 1997: There was a winter storm reported that brought 63 mph winds to the area, but
caused no reported damage.
January 1998: There was a winter storm reported that brought heavy rains, but caused no
apparent damage.
February 1998: There was a winter storm reported that brought heavy rains, but caused no
apparent damage.
January 2000: There were two winter storms during January affecting Camden County. Both
brought approximately three inches of snow. The second winter storm brought a mixture of
snow, freezing rain, sleet and ice along with 40 mph winds.
December 2000: There was a winter storm reported with five inches of snow that caused $25,000
in property damage.
January 2002: There was a winter storm reported with snowfall amounts of 6.5 inches recorded
in the area. This storm resulted in school closings of two days.
January 2003: There was a winter storm reported with snowfall amounts of 4.5 inches recorded
in the area.
January 2004: This winter month brought two snowstorms with the first on January 9th and a
recorded snowfall amount of three inches and the second on January 25th with a recorded
snowfall amount of two inches.
38
February 2004: There was a winter storm reported with snowfall amounts of 4 - 6 inches in the
area. The snow produced very slippery roadways, which resulted in several accidents and school
closings for a few days.
December 2004: A record low temperature of 15 degrees, a sharp north wind, icy roads and two
inches of snow was reported in the Shiloh community of Camden County during the first winter
storm in December. Icy roads contributed to numerous minor accidents. The second winter
storm of the month occurred the day after Christmas and brought another two inches of snow
to Camden County.
January 2005: One half inch to one and one half inches of snow fell across Camden County
producing slippery roadways, which resulted in several accidents.
March 2005: There was a winter storm reported with thunder, lightning, rain, hail, snow and
high winds resulting in thousands of power outages and snapped tree limbs in Camden County.
February 2006: Most of northeastern North Carolina received a light mixture of wintry
precipitation including sleet, snow, and freezing rain. The storm caused icy bridges and roads
throughout the region.
January 2007: An upper air disturbance produced one to two inches of snow across portions of
northeast North Carolina.
November 2008: Weak low pressure off the North Carolina Coast produced one half to one and a
half inches of snow was reported across portions of the county.
January 2010: A storm system produced 4 to 6 inches of snow and sleet over Camden County.
Higher snow totals were reported at the northern end of the county. A public Red Cross shelter
was opened on Friday, January 29 at 8:00 p.m. The shelter was closed at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday,
January 30. Very few power outages were reported.
December 2010: A Christmas storm produced 10+ inches of snow in the area. Very few power
outages were reported and there were minimal accidents due to closed businesses for the holiday
resulting in low volume of highway traffic.
February 2011: A low pressure moving off the southeast coast produced between 2 to 4 inches
of snow across portions of northeast North Carolina.
Probability of Occurrence of Severe Winter Weather in Camden County
Historical data shows that Camden County has a “likely” hazard probability for occurrence of severe
winter weather.
Location & Extent
Every county in North Carolina, including Camden County, is subject to winter storms. Severe
winter weather systems can cause snow ice, freezing rain, and extreme cold. Historically, the
western, mountainous counties are more likely to experience these storms than the northeastern,
coastal part of the state. Typically, winter storms in Camden County produce snow of five inches
and below, but on occasion the entire county area receives upwards to one foot as was experienced
in December, 2010.
Range of Magnitude
A winter storm can adversely affect roadways, utilities, business activities and can cause loss of life,
frostbite, or freezing. Winter storms may contain one or more of the following hazardous weather
events:
39
• Heavy Snowstorm: Accumulations of four inches or more in a six-hour period, or six inches
or more in a twelve-hour period.
• Sleet Storm:
Significant accumulations of solid pellets which form from the freezing
of raindrops or partially melted snowflakes causing slippery surfaces
posing hazards to pedestrians and motorists.
• Ice Storm:
Significant accumulations of rain or drizzle freezing on objects trees,
power lines, roadways, etc.) as it strikes them, causing slippery surfaces
and damage from the sheer weight of ice accumulation.
Camden County is susceptible to the entire range of severe winter weather. Winter Storms typically
result in icy roads (causing minor to major traffic accidents). While in some locales winter storms of
just a few inches would result in a minor impact, because Camden County is only moderately
equipped for this type hazard it could result in a Limited to Critical Impact. Loss of utilities and
downed trees could result in closing of schools and businesses for an indefinite period of time.
40
Severe Thunderstorm and Windstorm Hazards
Severe thunderstorms are defined by the National Weather Service as storms that produce hail at
least three quarters of an inch in diameter and has wind speeds of 58 mph or higher. The usual
thunderstorm lasts 20 to 30 minutes and can cause damage in the form of wind, lightning, flash
floods, or hail. In order to form, thunderstorms simply require moisture to form clouds and rain,
coupled with an unstable mass of warm air that can rise rapidly.
Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms, as
the average storm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Nearly 1,800
thunderstorms are occurring at any moment around the world; 100,000 are estimated to occur each
year in the United States and only about 10 percent are classified as severe. Thunderstorms are most
likely to happen in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours, but
can occur year-round and at all hours.
Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous and capable of threatening life and
property in localized areas. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which results from the buildup
and discharge of electrical energy between positively and negatively charged areas. Each year,
lightning is responsible for an average of 67 deaths (more than tornadoes), 300 injuries, and several
hundred million dollars in damage to property and forests.
Thunderstorms can also produce large, damaging hail, which causes nearly $1 billion in damage to
property and crops annually. Straight-line winds, which in extreme cases have the potential to
exceed 100 miles per hour, are responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage. One type of
straight-line wind, the downburst, can cause damage equivalent to a strong tornado. Thunderstorms
are also capable of producing tornadoes and heavy rain that can lead to flash flooding.
Thunderstorms can be categorized according to certain characteristics they exhibit by various
conceptual model, radar, or visual features. For the purposes of this plan the classifications of
thunderstorms will follow the descriptions listed in this section. When the radar features or
signatures of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are discussed in later sections, references will be
made to the conceptual models discussed in this section. Although these thunderstorm types are
presented as distinctly different, in reality these features will usually blend into each other, or evolve
from one type to another. Camden County could potentially experience any of these types of
thunderstorm event.
a. Ordinary thunderstorm
The first thunderstorm type is the ordinary (single cell) thunderstorm. This thunderstorm is
characterized by the formation of a single thunderstorm updraft (as seen in Fig. 1), which is
followed by a downdraft and dissipation of the thunderstorm within 1 hr (Doswell 1985). The
ordinary thunderstorm can produce severe weather such as high winds or hail, but tornadoes are
rare (although non-supercell tornadoes can occur). This thunderstorm type will be discussed later in
the context of a severe thunderstorm, when the ordinary thunderstorm microburst radar signatures
are presented (see Section 5.a.3). Forecasters can anticipate an ordinary thunderstorm microburst in
a favorable environment (see Section 3.a).
41
b. Multicell thunderstorm
The multicell thunderstorm conceptual model is shown in Fig. 2. This thunderstorm type is
characterized by multiple updrafts forming new cells as each downdraft (and precipitation) dissipates
the previous cell (Ray 1986 [see Weisman and Klemp, Chapt. 15]). Cold air outflow from each
dissipating cell triggers new cells along the leading edge of the outflow, generally in the direction of
the storm motion. This thunderstorm type is more long-lived than an ordinary thunderstorm. The
multicell thunderstorm is characterized by a strong radar reflectivity gradient on the leading edge of
the thunderstorm, and possibly by a radar weak echo region (WER) just above the low level
reflectivity gradient area. Squall lines usually contain several multicell thunderstorms, but can also
contain embedded supercell storms (see below).
Multicell thunderstorms produce a variety of severe weather including large hail and damaging wind.
Short lived tornadoes have been known to occur on the leading edge of the outflow. Generally the
tornadoes that occur with multicell (or ordinary cell) thunderstorms are not as severe as the
tornadoes that occur with the supercell thunderstorm.
c. Supercell thunderstorm
The supercell is generally defined as a thunderstorm with a persistent rotating updraft
(mesocyclone). The supercell thunderstorm is a long-lived (over several hours time) thunderstorm
with distinctive radar and visual features (Ray 1986 [see Weisman and Klemp, Chapt. 15]). The
conceptual model of a supercell thunderstorm is presented in Fig. 3 and Fig.4. In Fig. 3, the radar
signatures and wind fields of a supercell thunderstorm are shown. The familiar radar reflectivity
signature commonly referred to as the "hook echo" is shown to be at the confluence of the
thunderstorm updraft with the rear flank downdraft, and is the preferred region for strong tornado
occurrence. The hook echo is also the region where the mesocyclone will be located at the surface,
or aloft, in a supercell thunderstorm.
Figure 4c shows a mature supercell and depicts supercell thunderstorm radar features such as the
bounded weak echo region (BWER), the hook echo, the strong leading edge reflectivity gradient,
and the thunderstorm top overhanging the low level reflectivity gradient area. The BWER and the
overhanging thunderstorm top are caused by the strong, nearly vertical, updraft of a supercell
thunderstorm suspending precipitation particles aloft. The hook echo and mesocyclone are caused
by the tilting of horizontal environmental vorticity into the vertical causing rotation of the updraft.
This is also a factor in formation of a BWER.
The supercell thunderstorm typically moves to the right of the environmental storm motion vector,
thus it will appear on the radar as moving to the right of other thunderstorms that may be present.
Although anticyclonic supercells can occur (moving left of the storm motion vector), they have not
been associated with tornadoes as the cyclonic right moving supercell thunderstorm. Supercell
thunderstorms are capable of producing strong destructive tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind.
Three sub-categories of the classic supercell have been identified. These are the low-precipitation
(LP) supercell (Bluestein and Parks 1983), the high-precipitation (HP) supercell (Moller et al. 1990),
42
and the mini supercell (Burgess et al. 1995). The LP supercell thunderstorm (Fig. 5) is found in the
surface dryline environment just east of the Rocky Mountains over the western Great Plains (Moller
et al. 1994). LP supercell environments are characterized low to moderate moisture values. Severe
weather with LP supercells is limited to large hail and an occasional weak to moderate tornado.
The HP supercell (Fig. 6) occurs over the central and eastern United States and may be the
dominant form of supercell nationwide. This type of thunderstorm has substantial precipitation in
the mesocyclone (Moller et al. 1994). The HP supercell can produce tornadoes and/or high winds.
Large hail is also possible with this type of supercell, but may not be as common as with the classic
or LP types of supercells.
In addition, mini supercells as described by Burgess et al. (1995) can produce severe weather. Mini
supercells are smaller than traditional supercells in both horizontal and vertical extent but still
possess the same radar attributes, including hook echo, well defined weak echo region, bounded
weak echo region, and mesocyclone. These are also referred to as low topped supercells because the
tops of these storms are lower than 30,000 ft.
d. Bow echo thunderstorm
Another type of thunderstorm is the "bow echo" thunderstorm. The name "bow echo" is derived
from a rather steady state radar signature in the shape of a bow as seen in Fig. 7 (Fujita 1978).
The persistence of the echo is caused by new updrafts forming on the leading edge of the bow echo.
The bow echo is also characterized by bookend vortices. One bookend vortex occurs on the north
side of the bow echo and contains cyclonic vorticity, while the other bookend vortex is located on
the south side of the bow echo and has anticyclonic vorticity. Isolated tornadoes can occur in the
cyclonic vortex of the bow echo.
The high winds that can occur with the bow echo usually are located in the rear of the center of the
bow and are caused by horizontal buoyancy gradients along the rear edge of the buoyant plume aloft
and cold pool near the surface generating horizontal vorticity, and accelerating the flow from rear to
front at middle levels (Fig. 8, Weisman 1993).
The bow echo thunderstorm has been described as a type of HP supercell (Moller et al. 1990);
however, in this paper I prefer to categorize the bow echo thunderstorm as an entity of its own.
e. Non-supercell tornadoes
A special case of severe event is the non-supercell tornado. These tornadoes occur in
nonmesocyclone convection in an environment of weak shear over a boundary that is a source of
vertical vorticity (Brady and Szoke 1989; Wakimoto and Wilson 1989). The tornado occurs in the
development phase of the thunderstorm with the updraft of the thunderstorm stretching the
environmental vertical vorticity.
43
A conceptual model of the non-supercell tornado is shown in Fig. 9. The figure depicts the source
of vertical vorticity being stretched in the vertical by the convective updraft. The tornadoes caused
by this mechanism are thought to be mostly F0 and F1 in intensity, but Wakimoto and Wilson
(1989) have suggested that F3 damage is possible. The non-supercell tornado is generally short lived,
only 5 to 10 min, but a few may last as long as 20 min.
Source: NOAA
Thunderstorms are underrated in the damage, injury, and death they can bring. A typical
thunderstorm last anywhere from ½ to 1 hour. Lightning precedes thunder because lightning causes
thunder. As lightning moves through the atmosphere, it can generate temperatures up to 54,000
degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heating generates shockwaves which turn into sound waves, thus
generating thunder. As a thunderstorm grows, electrical charges build up within the clouds.
Oppositely charged particles exist at the ground level. These forces become so strong that the air’s
resistance to electrical flow is overcome. The particles from both top and bottom then race towards
each other to complete a circuit. Charge from the ground then surges upward at nearly one third the
speed of light to produce lightning.
Figure Source: USA TODAY
Most lightning strikes occur in the afternoon; 70% occur between noon and 6:00pm. This is
because as air temperatures warm, evaporation increases. Men are hit by lightning four times more
often then women and men account for 84% of lightning fatalities and 82% of injuries. Only 20%
of lightning strikes cause immediate death. 70% of lightning strike victims that survive experience
residual affects, most commonly affecting the brain (neuropsychiatric, visual, and auditory). These
effects can develop slowly. Lightning strike victims have typically been walking in an open field or
swimming before they are struck. Other lightning victims have been holding metal objects such as
golf clubs, fishing poles, hay forks, or umbrellas. Damage to property from direct or indirect
lightning can take the form of an explosion, a burn, or destruction. Damage to property has
increased over the last 35 years. This is probably due to increased population. The National
Lightning Safety Institute estimates damages at $4 to $5 billion. This information is compiled from
insurance reports and other sources that keep track of weather damages.
North Carolina is vulnerable to thunderstorms. In 2005 the National Weather Service recorded
more than 400 incidents of severe thunderstorms with winds of 60 mph or greater and/or hail and
one fatal lightning strike in NC.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration records from:
1959 – 2010 North Carolina ranked 3rd in the United States with lightning deaths (192). Florida was
ranked number one and Texas second.
44
1959 -2003 North Carolina ranked 4th in the United States with lightning injuries, behind Florida,
Michigan and Pennsylvania; respectively.
Lightning Deaths by State, 1959 -2010
The lightning fatality data were collected by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). They come
from monthly and annual summaries compiled by the National Weather Service and published in monthly issues of
Storm Data.
Severe Thunderstorms in Camden County
July 1985: There were 70 mph thunderstorm winds with no reported damage.
June 1990: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County with no reported damage.
March 1991: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County that brought 1.5 inch hail
to the area, with no reported damage.
April 1994: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County that brought 3/4 inch hail to
the area, with no reported damage.
October 1995: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County that brought high winds
and caused $200,000 in property damage.
January 1996: A winter thunderstorm was reported in northern Camden County, there were no
reported damages.
May 1997: A thunderstorm was reported in Camden County with one inch hail and no reported
damages.
July 1997: A thunderstorm with 58 mph winds caused a reported $33,000 in property damage in
Camden County.
May 1998: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County that brought 3/4 inch hail to
the area, with no reported damage.
45
June 1998: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County that brought .88 inch hail to
the area, with no reported damage.
May 1999: There were thunderstorm winds reported in Camden County resulting in downed
trees and power lines. There was a reported $3000 in property damage including one tree on a
house.
June 2001: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County that brought 1.5 inch hail to
the Shiloh area, with no reported damage.
April 2002: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County that brought 3/4 inch hail to
the South Mills area, with no reported damage.
May 2002: There was a severe thunderstorm reported in the South Mills area of Camden County
with high winds and one inch hail resulting in downed trees and a reported $2,000 in property
damage.
May 2002: There was a thunderstorm reported in Camden County at 9pm with high winds
resulting in downed trees and a reported $200,000 in property damage.
June 2002: There was a thunderstorm reported in the Old Trap area of Camden County with
high winds resulting in numerous tree limbs in roads and a reported $1,000 in property damage.
July 2002: There was a thunderstorm reported that brought 3/4 inch hail to Camden County but
no reported damage.
August 2002: A severe thunderstorm brought extremely high winds in Camden County. A
trampoline was lifted into the air, trees were snapped at their tops and a car was moved several
hundred feet. Property damages were estimated at $5,000
November 2002: A thunderstorm brought high winds in Camden County resulting in downed
trees and $2,000 in property damage.
April 2003: A spring nor'easter produced wind gusts between 46 and 54 mph across much of
coastal northeast North Carolina, including Camden County. These strong winds downed some
trees and utility poles, resulting in power outages. The winds also produced minor structural
damage.
June 2004: A thunderstorm brought high winds to Camden County resulting in trees and power
lines down along Palmer Road and a reported $2,000 in property damage.
March 2005: A thunderstorm with high winds was reported resulting in trees down and roof
shingles blown off along Route 343 in Camden County and a reported $3,000 in damages.
July 2005: Lightning, which occurred during a severe thunderstorm, struck the steeple on the
Trinity Methodist Church in the South Mills community of Camden County resulting in an
undetermined amount of damage.
January 2006: A thunderstorm spawned a funnel cloud beginning in the Riverside area of
Pasquotank County and continuing across the Pasquotank River into Camden County.
July 2007: A severe thunderstorm produced wind damage in the South Mills community of
Camden County. There were multiple reports of trees down along US Highway 17 North.
August 2007: Scattered severe thunderstorms produced wind damage in the northern portion of
Camden County. Wind gusts estimated up to 58 mph resulted in trees down in multiple areas.
February 2008: A shed was destroyed and multiple trees were reported down when scattered
severe thunderstorms produced wind damage in the Shiloh area of Camden County.
February 2008: Lightning is believed to have stared a 2100 acre wildfire across from the Great
Dismal Swamp close to the NC/VA border (McPherson Road and US Hwy 17 North).
46
May 2008: Scattered severe thunderstorms associated with a low pressure and a cold front
produced damaging winds and penny to nickel size hail in the South Mills area of Camden
County.
October 2008: Isolated severe thunderstorms produced nickel size hail near the Old Trap
community in Camden County.
June 2009: Scattered severe thunderstorms in advance of a cold front produced damaging winds
in the South Mills area of Camden County. A camper shell and fence received damage and a
large playset was moved 50 ft and torn apart.
July 2010: Severe thunderstorms associated with a weak trough produced damaging winds and
downed power lines in multiple areas of Camden County. Trees fell on structures on Amy
Drive, McKimmey Road and Shipyard Road.
September 2010: Several pine trees were downed in the Great Dismal Swamp and National
Wildlife Refuge as a result of damaging winds associated with thunderstorms in advance of a low
pressure and a cold front.
Location and Extent
Thunderstorms are not limited to any particular geographic or physiographic area of the County.
They may affect just a localized area or occur over a broad portion of the county. Neither the
duration of the storm nor the extent of area affected by such an occurrence can be predicted.
Severe thunderstorms typically occur in the spring and summer months but can occur in any month
of the year.
Range of Magnitude
Thunderstorms typically have minor impacts, but can cause limited damage as a result of high winds,
hail, and/or lightning. Severe thunderstorms and accompanying lightning strikes can cause
significant damage to both structures and forest lands in Camden County. The Great Dismal
Swamp is especially vulnerable to lightning strikes and catastrophic damage has been done to
hundreds of acres of forest land as a result of fires started from lightning strikes.
Likelihood of Occurrence of Severe Thunderstorms in Camden County
There is an extensive history of severe thunderstorms in Camden County. Thus, the likelihood of
occurrence can be is rated as “likely”.
47
Wildfires
Wildfires, also known as forest fires, whether they originate from natural causes or are man-made,
can result in serious losses to life, property and to natural resources. While they do occur naturally,
usually by lightning, more often the cause is man made; a camp fire, a smoldering cigarette or sparks
from someone burning brush or trash. In North Carolina, careless debris burning is the No. 1 cause
of wildfires.
Fire damage from lighting has impacted both homeowners and the agriculture industry in Camden
County. These fires have affected the economy of the county through depletion of valuable
resources. Unfortunately, the county’s history of dry weather conditions makes it a likely candidate
for fires. The county does permits burning in accordance with the NC Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, Division of Air Quality ruling which prohibits most outdoor burning and
sets conditions for allowable fires. Under the rule, it is always illegal to burn trash and other nonvegetative materials. Leaves, branches and other plant growth can be burned under certain
conditions. Violators can be fined up to $10,000 or more. Open burning can be a nuisance, and
local officials may establish rules to reduce that nuisance so it is best to check with local officials
before beginning to burn. The National Weather Service provides Real Time Fire Weather
Information which provides forecast information to the counties to help them in making decisions
concerning allowable outdoor burning.
The NC Division of Forest Resources (NCDFR) has the responsibility for protecting state and
privately owned forest land from forest fires. The program is managed on a cooperative basis with
the counties. All one hundred counties in North Carolina participate in the Forest Fire Protection
program. Camden County located in Region 1 of NCDFR and is home of the District 7 Office
which provides Camden County with an array of resources within our local area. The fire program
includes fire prevention efforts, pre-suppression activities (including extensive training of Division
and non-Division personnel) and aggressive suppression efforts on all wildfires.
Wildfires in Camden County
May 2004: Lightning is believed to have started a 286-acre wildfire the Great Dismal Swamp
which began in about 5 acres on the Great Dismal Swamp State Natural Area in Camden
County, North Carolina and burned into Virginia and onto the Great Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge. Soil rich with organic matter that ignites and burns underground when
conditions are dry required firefighters to raise the water table to stop the fire from burning
underground. This required over 2 weeks of tractors to plow lines, air suppression aircraft, a
network of pipes, pumps and irrigation hoses and the use of infrared cameras to contain the fire.
February 2008: Lightning is believed to have started a 2100 acre wildfire across from the Great
Dismal Swamp close to the NC/VA border (McPherson Road and US Hwy 17 North).
Firefighters battled 500 acres of a peat fire burning underground by pumping water from the
Dismal Swamp Canal and feeding it through a pipe placed through a drainage pipe under US
Hwy 17 North. From there the water was pumped into existing ditches to flood the fire.
Visibility at times was near zero at times due to the fire’s proximity to the highway. Camden
County Board of Commissioners declared a State of Emergency at 2am on February 11, 2008
and this continued until terminated on February 28, 2008 at 5pm. A five vehicle accident
occurred in the early morning of February 12th and at 10am both the north and south bound
lanes were closed from the NC/VA line to the intersection of NC 343. This closure remained
until 6pm on February 14th to allow for safe tree removal operations and on the 14th the
48
southbound lanes one northbound lane were reopened in the area of staging/pumping
operations and the speed limit was restricted to 45 mph.
August 2011: Fire, resulting from lightning, and burning for three days is believed to be
responsible for a 6,377 acres wildfire in the Great Dismal Swamp. While the majority of this fire
was located in the Virginia, 750 acres burned through the refuge in Camden County.
Volunteer firefighters in Camden County respond to a number of brush fires yearly. The majority
of these fires are from uncontrolled burns (i.e. debris, wheat field fires, etc.)
The current scale of wildfire risk conditions is measured with the Keetch-Byram Drought Index
(KBDI). The KBDI estimates the potential risk for wildfire conditions based on daily temperatures,
daily precipitation, and annual precipitation levels on an index of 0 (no drought) to 800 (extreme
drought). The daily KBDI for the state of North Carolina can be found on the North Carolina
Division of Forest Resources website (http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/fire_control/kbdi_map.htm)
Wildfires by Cause – Camden County
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF FIRES BY CAUSE
Cause/
Year
Lightning
2006
1
2007
Camp
fire
Smoking
Debris
Incend
Mach
Use
Railroad
Children
Misc
Total
Acres
Burned
Avg.
0
1
7
0
4
0
1
1
15
5
0.3
1
0
2
11
0
2
0
1
1
18
39
2.2
2008
1
0
2
13
0
4
0
2
2
24
2170
90.4
2009
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
1
0
5
39
7.8
2010
0
0
1
9
1
4
0
3
0
18
20
1.1
Total
3
0
8
42
1
14
0
8
4
80
2273
28.4
Location and Extent
The majorities of wildfires affecting Camden County are located in the rural areas of the county and
are mostly associated with agricultural burns that have spread into wooded areas. Camden County
has 56,300 acres of forest land, 4000 of which is State/National Park land in the Great Dismal
Swamp. Wildfires, especially during a drought, can occur in fields, grass, and brush as well as in the
forest itself at any time of the year. Any small fire in a wooded area, if not quickly detected and
suppressed, can get out of control as the wildfire in 2008 which burned 2273 acres of Park land.
Many wildfires are caused by human carelessness, negligence, and ignorance. Some are precipitated
by lightning strikes and if located in a remote location may spread quickly and be difficult to contain.
Typical wildfires affect a minimal portion of the county but depending on the wildfire location the
area affected could substantially increase.
49
Range of Magnitude
Camden County has 56,300 acres of forest land and while wildfires typically impact a relatively small
area of this land they have the ability to spread rapidly and cause widespread damage. To date, with
the exception of the Dismal Swamp, wildfires occurring in Camden County have been quickly
extinguished by local firefighters and forestry with minimal acreage damage. Agricultural fires are
generally confined to 30 acres or less but exact statistical data is not kept by the fire departments on
total number of acreage. NC Forestry data reports 2273 acres have burned in Camden County over
the last five years. Even though 2170 of this was Park Service land, as residential development
increases along wooded areas, the County recognizes wildfires in these areas will have more
devastating effects to property and possibility life. While wildfires, to date, have resulted in limited
agricultural or structure damage it will take many years for the forest land to recover from its
catastrophic damages. With all this in mind, the greatest expected number of acres burned in a single
wildfire event would be around 3000 acres.
Likelihood of Occurrence of Wildfires in Camden County
Over the last five years, there has been an average of 80 recorded wildfire events for Camden
County (as recorded by NC Forestry) with debris fires accounting for the majority of the recorded
wildfire events. Volunteer firefighters in Camden County respond to a number of brush fires yearly.
The majority of these fires are from uncontrolled burns (i.e. debris, wheat field fires, etc.) Thus,
wildfires are considered “likely.”
Camden County
Threat/Hazard
Probability of
Occurrence
Range of
Magnitude
Location &
Extent
Hurricanes
Highly Likely
Minor to
Catastrophic
Large
Floods
Likely
Minor to Critical
Medium
Tornados
Possible
Winter Storms
Likely
Severe
Thunderstorm
Likely
Wildfires
Likely
Minor to
Catastrophic
Limited to
Critical
Minor to
Catastrophic
Minor to
Catastrophic
50
Medium
Large
Medium
Small to Medium
Vulnerability Assessment
Vulnerability Assessment
Vulnerability is defined as the level of exposure combined with the lack of resources, which would
result in a high impact/loss on the population or area as a result of the hazard event. A vulnerability
assessment describes the potential extent of damage to people and property from a natural disaster.
Hazard risk areas are identified based on past hazard incident history, geology, or identification by
U.S. or N.C. government agencies as those areas most likely to be affected by a particular hazard.
Persons or structures located within the hazard risk area are considered to be at risk from hazards
but not necessarily vulnerable to hazard impacts. The vulnerability of the people and resources
within the hazard risk area is related to individual exposure to hazard events impacts and availability
of resources to recover from a hazard event. Vulnerability is calculated by comparing the probability
of potential hazards to the amount and value of development in the area. This calculation includes
an inventory of the current and projected population, number and value of critical facilities in the
area. This Hazard and Community Vulnerability Assessment was based on existing documents,
history, Land Use Plans, demographics, ordinances, state and federal law and accepted codes and
practices. Since all of the properties in Camden County are potentially susceptible to each of the
natural hazards identified in this plan, all of the buildings (listed below) are the vulnerable structures
for all hazards in Camden County.
Jurisdiction
Residential
Commercial
Camden County
4,104
707
Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
Hurricanes - Due to the history and location of Camden County, which is located in a highly
vulnerable coastal region, it is highly likely that a hurricane will affect the county annually. Due to
these facts and the size of location affected by a hurricane, Camden County is highly vulnerable to
hurricanes. Thus, mitigation measures adopted by Camden County should address hurricanes, and
hurricane related hazards.
Figure 1 represents the relative location of Hurricane hazard vulnerability across North Carolina. The vulnerability score for
each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard and is an indication of future
probability, based on its relative score to other counties within the state.
51
Figure 2 represents the relative location of Hurricane–High Wind hazard vulnerability across North Carolina. The
vulnerability score for each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard and is an
indication of future probability based on its relative score to other counties within the state.
Floods - In the past five (5) years, there have been four (4) floods reported in Camden County; two
causing significant damage in the South Mills community. Based on Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRMS) , approximately sixty three (67%) of Camden County is located within a flood hazard area
and is especially vulnerable to flooding. About a third of the land is devoted to agriculture and too
much water or heavy flooding can and does cause severe damage to the farm areas. Approximately
nine percent (9%) of the county’s populated land would be inundated during a Category One and
Category Two hurricane, thirty-two percent (32%) would be inundated during a Category Three
hurricane and seventy-four (74%) would be inundated during a Category Four and Category Five
hurricane. The Federal definition of a repetitive loss property is “any insured structure with at least
two flood insurance losses, each of at least $1,000, in any rolling 10-year period” Below is the
repetitive loss data for Camden County according to FEMA records compiled in the Spring of 2010.
Community Name
CAMDEN COUNTY *
Community
ID
370042
Building
Payments
Contents
Payments
$823,218.72
$95,075.98
Losses
Properties
46
20
In total, Camden County has 35 residential repetitive loss properties and 10 commercial repetitive
loss properties. According to the 2010 NC State Hazard Mitigation Plan Flood hazard scores were
determined for North Carolina counties, based on a combination of contributing factors:
The scope of the flooding hazard. (Sources: FIRMs, Digital Q3 Flood Data (a FEMA
product); hydric soils; National Wetlands Inventory).
52
The frequency of flooding in the county, evidenced by the number of Federally declared
disasters so designated because of (or including) substantial flooding that has occurred
during the period for which NCDEM has accumulated records.
Intensity of flooding is represented in part by the number of flood insurance (NFIP) policies
in effect within a county (including municipalities as participating communities).
Destructive potential is demonstrated through the number of NFIP flood insurance claims
filed since the beginning of the program in each county.
The value ranges for each factor were broken into five classes using either round figures or a quantile scale in ESRI ® ArcMap™
(as appropriate), and those ranges were assigned a score of one (1) to five (5). The sum of these scores is used as the total
vulnerability score for each county, and these ratings are shown in Figure 3
Figure 3 represents the relative location of Hurricane–Storm Surge hazard vulnerability across the state of North Carolina. The
vulnerability score for each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard and is an
indication of future probability based on its relative score to other counties in the state.
Based on historical data Camden County has received flooding from Tropical Systems, Nor’easters,
and heavy rain events. Much of the population affected by this flooding has been low income
residents and homeowners with substandard housing. Based on these factors and the amount of
area that could potentially be impacted by a flood event, Camden County’s vulnerability assessment
is rated high.
Tornados – Camden County has reported only a small amount of tornado activity over the past
years; with no damages to critical facilities. However the potential for tornado activity in Camden
County is likely and multiple tornados (F0- F3) (or straight line winds) have caused extensive
damage in surrounding counties. Due to this, the county was rated their vulnerability to tornadoes
as moderate.
53
Figure 4 represents the relative location of Hurricane–Tornado hazard vulnerability across the state of North Carolina. The
vulnerability score for each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard and is an
indication of future probability based on its relative score to other counties in the state.
Winter Storms – Although Camden County is located in the eastern part of the United States it is
susceptible to wintry conditions and there have been fifteen (15) incidences of winter storms
affecting the area in the last 10 years. The main effects of winter storms in Camden County are
immobility and loss of utilities. These storms have caused moderate property damage and an
average shut down of critical facilities for 18 hours. Due to the large amount of areas affected, the
shutdown of these facilities and the remoteness of the area, the county winter hazard vulnerability
was rated as moderate.
Figure 5 represents the relative location of Severe Winter Weather hazard vulnerability across the state of North Carolina. The
vulnerability score for each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard and is an
indication of future probability based on its relative score to other counties in the state.
54
Figure 6 represents the relative location of Severe Winter Weather–Freezing Rain hazard vulnerability across the state of North
Carolina. The vulnerability score for each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard
and is an indication of future probability based on its relative score to other counties in the state.
Figure 7 represents the relative location of Severe Winter Weather–Snowstorms hazard vulnerability across the state of North
Carolina. The vulnerability score for each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard
and is an indication of future probability based on its relative score to other counties in the state.
55
56
Severe Thunderstorms - are a regular occurrence in Camden County and have caused sufficient
damage in the past. Due to the size of area affected by a thunderstorm, the amount of damage
sustained, and the likelihood of occurrence, the county was issued a hazard vulnerability rating of
moderate.
Figure 8 represents the relative location of overall Severe Thunderstorm hazard vulnerability across the state of North Carolina.
The vulnerability score for each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard and is an
indication of future probability based on its relative score to other counties in the state.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), approximately 7,280 severe thunderstorm
wind events were reported between 1950 and 2006. Table 1 shows the number of recorded wind
events recorded for Camden County.
CAMDEN COUNTY SEVERE THUNDERSTORM—WIND EVENTS
County
Number of recorded events (1950-2010)
Camden
15
57
Wildfire Hazards
NC Forestry and Camden County Volunteer firefighters respond to a number of brush fires yearly.
In addition, the Great Dismal Swamp has been involved in two major wildfires in the last ten years.
The destructive potential for the Great Dismal Swamp is high however for residential areas it is
much lower. Considering all the unique land areas within the county vulnerable to wildfires and
taking into consideration the scope, frequency and potential for major destruction, the vulnerability
assessment to wildfires is rated as moderate and mitigation measures should address wildfires.
Figure 8 represents the relative location of Wildfire hazard vulnerability across the state of North Carolina. The
vulnerability score for each county represents the scope, frequency, intensity, and destructive potential of this hazard and
is an indication of future probability based on its relative score to other counties in the state.
CAMDEN COUNTY TOTAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
Camden County
Threat/Hazard
Hurricanes
Floods
Tornados
Winter Storms
Severe Thunderstorms
Wildfires
Hazard Rating
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
58
Probability of Occurrence
Likelihood
Frequency of Occurrence
Unlikely
Less than 1% probability in the next year, or less than one chance in the next
100 years.
Possible
Between 1% and 10% probability in the next year, or at least one chance in the
next 100 years.
Likely
Between 10% and 100% probability in the next year or at least one chance
within the next ten years
Highly Likely Near 100% probability in the next year.
Location and Extent
Size of Area
Description
Small
10 % or less of the total jurisdictional area.
Medium
10 % to 40 % of the total jurisdictional area
Large
40 % to 100 % of the total jurisdictional area
Range of Magnitude
Impact Level
Minor:
Description
Minor injuries. Minimal quality-of-life impact. Shutdown of critical
facilities and services for 24 hours or less. Less than 10 percent of
property is severely damaged.
Limited:
Some injuries. Complete shutdown of critical facilities for more than
one week. More than 10 percent of property is severely damaged.
Critical:
Multiple severe injuries. Complete shutdown of critical facilities for
at least 2 weeks. More than 25 percent of property is severely
damaged.
Multiple deaths, complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more.
Catastrophic: More than 50 percent of property is severely damaged.
59
Camden County
Threat/Hazard
Probability of
Occurrence
Hurricanes
Highly Likely
Floods
Likely
Tornados
Possible
Winter Storms
Likely
Severe
Thunderstorm
Likely
Wildfires
Likely
Range of
Magnitude
Minor to
Catastrophic
Minor to
Critical
Minor to
Catastrophic
Limited to
Critical
Minor to
Catastrophic
Minor to
Catastrophic
60
Location &
Extent
Vulnerability
Rating
Large
High
Medium
High
Medium
Moderate
Large
Moderate
Medium
Moderate
Small to
Medium
Moderate
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Community Vulnerability Assessment
The Mitigation Advisory Committee (MAC) identified the four most likely hazards to affect Camden
County to be Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms and Floods. Each of these hazards presents
their own unique set of characteristics that can cause damage to a community and pose a danger to its
citizens. These characteristics and past damages are described in detail in the Potential Hazards portion
of this plan. Because of the variable nature of these natural hazards it is difficult to predict how a
hazardous event will impact a community. However, a community’s past history, geography, and the
location of the built environment does allow for the identification of the geographic areas within the
community vulnerable to particular hazards.
Critical Facilities
As part of the planning process Critical Facilities were identified within Camden County essential to the
health, safety and viability of the community. These are buildings, services and utilities without which
residents and businesses cannot survive for long. Each facility has a brief summary, contact, description
of its crucial role and estimated replacement value. Critical Facilities located in areas that are particularly
vulnerable to flooding and damages from hurricanes have been identified from past history and
geographic location.
Future development of Critical Facilities includes:
 A new fire station is being built in the Shiloh Community of Camden County.
 Bridge replacement and road improvements along the Camden Causeway are underway and
scheduled to be ongoing through 2015. This area is considered a critical facility in that they provide
the only route across the Pasquotank River without a major detour through South Mills.
See Maps of Critical Facilities.
Repetitive Flooded Areas
Several areas within the county are known to be areas of repetitive flooding following a hurricane; some
with repetitive damaged structures. The majority of these areas are located within the floodplain. Other
areas, experience localized flooding after periods of heavy rains. These areas of concern, while not within
the currently mapped floodplain, are known to local officials and residents. Camden County
Floodplain Maps X:\Hazard Mitigation Plan - May Draft\Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft\SPECIAL
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
Special Flood Zone Areas.doc were updated in 2004 and while they
identify the 100-year floodplain recognized by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP),
community history, land use and other changing variable should also be considered when assessing flood
areas. Approximately 63% of Camden County’s land area is within the 100-year floodplain. The areas
subject to storm surge inundation resulting from the most intense storm intensity and storm speed would
include the low-lying coastal areas in close proximity to the Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound, as
well as areas bordering other estuaries which may be affected by wind-driven waves and intense rainfall.
See Hurricane Storm Surge Maps. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists the following loss
statistics data for Camden County:
61
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Community
Name
Total Losses
(All losses submitted
regardless of the
status)
Camden
County
181
Closed Losses
Open Losses
( Losses that have
been paid)
CWOP Losses
Total
Payments
(Losses that have not
been paid in full)
(Losses that have
been closed without
payment)
(Total amount paid
on losses)
19
35
1,633,194.61
127
NC State Hazard Mitigation Plan’s Analysis of Potential Losses of Identified Repetitive Loss
Properties (17 residential, 2 commercial) Based on Estimates from the Risk Assessment
Community
Name
Camden
County
SRL
RL
19
Total
Losses
(Actual*)
Annualized
Losses
(Estimated**)
$830,803
$39,562
62
Probability of
Flood
Occurrence***
Probability of
Hurricane
Occurrence****
Likely
Likely
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
High Wind Areas
Vulnerability to high winds is countywide. This includes tornados, extra tropical cyclonic systems and
severe thunderstorms. Wind speeds will most likely be between 38 and 90 mph, however greater than 90
mph winds are possible with tornadoes. Highly susceptible to these high winds and/or tornados are
manufactured homes. There are several mobile home parks located throughout the county as well as
homes on individual lots. Multiple yearly occurrences of high wind events are likely.
Residential Development
According to the Camden County Dwelling Units - 2010 Census, Camden County contains a total 4104
dwelling units consisting primarily of single-family detached dwellings; an increase of 44% from the 2000
Census. According to recent land suitability analysis study a large portion of the land within Camden
County is comprised of wetlands and mainly unsuitable for development. There are 43,186 acres of land
(28.7% of the total county) with a land suitability rating of medium or high; 38,158 acres are residentially
zoned. While Phase III of the River Bridge Apartments along US 158 W is planned which will add an
additional 24 units to the existing apartment complex, the main area of residential development is
planned along the US 17 North Corridor. Several major housing developments are a part of the future
plans to provide the residential needs for the Eco-Industrial Park.
Commercial and Industrial Development
In an effort to promote and foster commercial and industrial growth, Camden County hired an
Economic Developer and formed The Camden Economic Development Commission (CEDC) in the
Fall of 2011. The mission of both the Developer and the CEDC is to develop, operate, and coordinate
programs and activities to enhance economic growth within the entire county including the promotion
and development of the US Hwy 17 Corridor, the US Hwy 158 Corridor, and the Camden Eco-Industrial
Park. Commercial development is a major focus in Camden County along these major transportation
routes including: Camden Business Park, Robey Commercial Property, Robinson Property, Twiford
Tract, Keeter Barn Road Commercial Site and Wharf’s Landing Development Commercial Area.
The Eco-Industrial Park indicates Camden County’s vision for both Commercial and residential
development. The county recently secured state legislation defining an Eco- Industrial Park. The
Camden County Eco-Industrial Park conforms to this definition, making special state incentives available
to businesses that locate there. Potential economic incentives for businesses in the Park include:
• Renewable Energy Investment Credits
• Research and Development Credit
• Sales and Use Tax Refund
Additional incentives include North Carolina’s Article 3J tax credits. Phase I includes development
opportunities in 70 acres of the Camden County Eco-Industrial Park with several major housing
development planned in the immediate area. The 20-year vision is for a large regional complex to include
300 acres of land for commercial, professional, research and development, residential and industrial
development efforts. There are also several major housing developments planned in the immediate area
that will provide the needed residential elements of the Eco-Complex vision.
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Additional information on future land use and development trends for Camden County can be found on
the Economic Development link of the Camden County website; including the Camden County US
Highway 17 Corridor Plan.
General Growth Trends
The US Census Bureau 2010 Decennial Census reports Camden County’s population for 2010 at 9980, a
population growth of 40.84% between 1990 and 2010 making Camden County the third fastest
growing county in North Carolina.. Camden County's growth is due in large part to in-migration.
Approximately 4,491 persons (45% of the 2010 population) relocated to Camden County (inmigration) between the years 1990 and 2010. Projections indicate an increase in the total county
population to 12,313 in 2020. Residential growth is expected to occur along the county’s major highway
corridors as well as within the Camden, Shiloh and South Mills communities. It is anticipated that in the
next five to ten years the South Mills Township will experience the largest growth in residential
development. The recent economic downturn has slowed growth, but it is anticipated to return as the
economy improves.
Population growth will result in increased demand for additional goods, services, and housing as well as
public services – utilities, roads, schools, law enforcement, fire and EMS protection, parks and
recreational facilities, etc.
POPULATION GROWTH 2010 TO 2020
Commercial/Industrial Development is expected to grow at a moderate pace. A large portion of
Camden County residents will continue to rely on retail centers and services in neighboring Elizabeth
City and the Tidewater Virginia areas. The development of the Camden Economic Development
Commission and hiring of an Economic Developer to focus on commercial and industrial development
within the county will serve to promote quality land development, job opportunities and to stimulate
continued growth and prosperity of the existing business and industrial community.
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Redevelopment
Camden County has participated in several rehabilitation programs. In 2002 the Scattered Site
Housing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was received from the North Carolina
Department of Commerce, Division of Community to rehabilitate deteriorated housing to low-income
households. This grant was received again in 2005 and 2008, as well as a 2007 dingle Family
Rehabilitation grant from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. Camden County has recently
applied for a $400,000 CDBG and a $200,000 from North Carolina Housing Finance Agency; both
involve rehabilitating housing. Camden County was also a participant in the state’s HMGP Buyout
Program after Hurricane Floyd where seven properties were acquired by the county and the residents
relocated out of flood prone areas. Camden County is a Tier III County and redevelopment efforts to
address existing substandard housing and infrastructure conditions are a major concern for the county.
Urban Development Impacts
Unplanned and indiscriminate development can threaten the basic fabric of a community. This type of
development undermines the ability of the natural environment to support man’s activities. Urban
sprawl indiscriminately consumes productive farm land and open space and results in a burden on public
services and facilities. Camden County must carefully plan and guide land development to the most
appropriate locations, provide efficient public services, avoid duplication of services, and promote
desirable land development that is in harmony with the character of the community.
Land Suitability and Natural Constraints on Development
Most property in Camden County has significant soil limitations for septic tank usage. Only 1.79% of
the county’s total land area contains soil types with moderate limitations for septic tank usage.
Camden County has a total of 150,557 acres with 81% of these acres (125,275) designated as Natural
Resource Fragile Areas and is Protected Lands Acreages and 39,579 acres designated as Natural Heritage
Areas.
Camden County Comprehensive Plan
In the summer of 2011 Camden County began the process to update the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
This plan gives guidance as to where and how a community will grow and change and will consist of
maps, goals, policy statements and strategies for addressing a number of issues relating to growth,
housing, economic development, transportation, parks, recreation, aesthetics, community character,
historic preservation and conservation, and other topics. The new Camden County Comprehensive Plan
will guide growth and development by addressing three main questions: (1) what is the status of Camden
County right now; (2) what is the vision for Camden County in the future; and (3) what needs to happen
to achieve that vision?
Waterfront and Estuarine Access
Private development directly adjacent to waterways is a popular development trend. Given that
waterfront property is a finite resource and that future populations will demand more water access, it is
imperative that the community plan for a balance of public and private water access. The development
of a comprehensive public water access plan can assist in evaluating access needs, opportunities, and
implementation strategies.
Fiscal/Capital Improvement Planning
Camden County is facing new and greater demands which warrant sound fiscal management and capital
improvement planning. Economic development will be severely hampered if the community is unable to
fund law enforcement, fire and emergency services, construct new schools and critical facilities, extend
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
water and sewer lines, and provide for solid waste disposal. Balancing growth and provision of public
services and facilities is an important objective for Camden County. In 2005 the county began preparing
an annual capital improvement plan, and in 2006 adopted policies related in maintaining minimum levels
of capital reserve funds and contributions of excess revenues into the capital reserve fund.
TRANSPORTATION
Highways
According to the NC Department of Transportation 2010 Highway and Road Mileage Report there are
206.82 miles of road in Camden County; 194.63 miles of paved road and 12.94 miles of unpaved road.
Approximately 22% of these 207 miles of paved roads are primary roads and 78% are secondary roads.
See Summary Of Paved And Unpaved Mileage, Comprising The State Highway System NC 106 TL,
January, 2011.
The major highways with the highest volume of traffic in Camden County are U.S. Highway 17, U.S.
Highway 158, and NC Highway 343. These are evacuation routes and also routes utilized for the
transport of freight; including hazardous materials. U.S. 17 is a major four lane highway entering Camden
County at the North Carolina/Virginia state line and continuing south through the northwest portion of
the county into Pasquotank County.
Construction to widen US 158/NC 34 East of the Pasquotank River from Elizabeth City to Country
Club Road, Camden County was completed in 2011. Long range transportation plans include continuing
this multi-lane construction to Belcross and then further into Currituck to US 158/168.
Camden County is began working with NCDOT in 2010 to develop a Comprehensive Transportation
Plan (CTP). The final CTP document will include maps that identify existing and planned future
components of the County’s transportation system, including interstates, highways, roads, transit, bike
paths, trails, and pedestrian ways. This is long-range plan of looking over development in the next 30
years.
Railroads
The Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad, with 73 miles of track, operates from Edenton through
Elizabeth City to Camden and Currituck to Norfolk, Virginia hauling 9,000 carloads per year –
800,000 tons and serving up to 22 businesses in the northeastern North Carolina counties of
Pasquotank, Camden, Currituck, Perquimans, and Chowan. The Chesapeake & Albemarle is a
member of the RailAmerica, Inc., a leading short line and regional rail service provider with 44
short line and regional railroads, operating approximately 8,800 miles in the United States and
Canada. Commodities carried by the railroad are aggregate stone, lumber, grain, coal, fertilizer,
and utility transformers.
Bridges
NC Department of Transportation Bridge Maintenance Unit is responsible for the inspection, analysis,
inventory, and administration of maintenance policies and procedures for all structures on the State
Highway System, including all bridges, all reinforced box culverts, and all pipe 54" and larger in diameter.
Listed below is a summary of the bridges and culverts in Camden County.
17 - Bridges
5 – Pipe Culverts
66
2 – C Culverts
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
In 2010 and 2011 the bridges on NC 343 across Sawyer Creek and Joyce Creek were replaced. NCDOT
are in the process of replacing and/or repairing culverts within the county. The Camden Causeway
Bridge, a drawbridge which spans the Pasquotank River between Camden and Pasquotank County, began
construction for replacement in 2011.
Multiple bridges in the county are in deteriorating condition and provide vital passage to emergency
vehicles into various communities. Replacement of these bridges will develop more reliable routes to
assist the citizens in these areas in the event of a disaster.
WATER RESOURCES
South Camden Water and Sewer District
Residents of Camden County are served by two water systems; the South Camden Water and Sewer
District (SCWSD) and the South Mills Water Association (SMWA). The SCWSD located at 103 Water
Plant Road is owned and operated by Camden County and is secured within a locked 6-foot gated chain
link fence. It operates a Reverse Osmosis Plant and maintains one 250,000 elevated water tank and one
300,000 elevated water tank. The SCWSD serves over 1,800 customers and its average daily water use is
over 0.233 Million Gallons Daily (MGD). SCWSD has 4 well sites located throughout the county; all
located within locked 6 ft. chain link fence areas. South Camden Water and Sewer District has a fixed
600 kW generator and 1400 gallons fuel located at the plant site on Water Plant Road. Also available are
three (3) portable 125 kW generators able to be moved to the county well sites as needed.
South Mills Water Association
The South Mills Water Association (SMWA) is an independent entity and provides water to the South
Mills Township of Camden County and the Morgans Corner region of Pasquotank County. SMWA has
over 1900 customers with one half of these being located in Camden County. The association has two
elevated storage tanks; one (1) 100,000 gallon located in the South Mills district. The SMWA operates a
water treatment plant located at 220 Canal Drive and has nineteen (19) well sites located throughout the
county. Its distribution system is made up of 8”, 6”, 4”, 3” and 2”; mostly 6” transmission lines with the
exception of dead-end and short roads. Average annual daily water use is over 0.215 Million Gallons Per
Day (MGD).
Water Resources - Future Growth
Future growth includes water service expansion along Highway 17 in the northern portion of Camden
County with the addition of 73,000 feet of 12-inch water main extending from Burnt Mills to the North
Carolina/Virginia state line and a 300,000 gallon elevated water storage tank in the South Mills district.
The County is currently expanding the South Camden Water and Sewer District Reverse Osmosis Plant.
Wastewater Resources
Camden County operates a 100,000 gallon per day mechanical wastewater treatment facility located on
Keeter Barn Road in the northern end of the county. The service area includes the section of highway
158 between and including Lambs Marina and the Medical Park, Gumberry Rd., Hwy 343 from
Gumberry Rd. to Scotland Rd. and Scotland Rd. The largest customers are the four schools, the
courthouse complex and River Bridge Apartments. The two main pump stations are the courthouse
complex and Burnt Mills; they move the waste to the waste water plant. Both main pump stations have
on site back-up generators and two mobile generators for the other pump stations. After the wastewater
is treated it is pumped three miles north to the 5.9 million gallon storage pond at the spray irrigation site.
There are currently four zones with spray nozzles and green ash trees planted. The treated wastewater is
sprayed on the zones as necessary to keep the level down in the storage pond. Most of the growth in the
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
county is anticipated in the northern part of the county. Possible future growth and the benefit of close
proximity to the best spray field sites are the main reasons for locating the Waste Water Treatment Plant
in the northern end of the county. The South Camden Water and Sewer District has drafted a Water
Shortage Response Plan which can be viewed on the Camden County government website.
WILDFIRES (WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE)
Wildland–Urban interface areas exist wherever residential, industrial, or other structures are located
within or adjacent to trees and other combustible vegetation. Wildfires that have the potential to involve
buildings and wildland vegetation simultaneously are known as interface fires. Camden County has
56,300 acres of forest land in the county and the intermingling of development with flammable forests
has increased the potential for wildland–urban interface incidents within the county. Areas of
vulnerability include, but are not limited to, Northe Point, Whitehall Shores, and Marantha Island
subdivisions. NC Forestry statistics cite debris burning as the number one cause of wildland fires. .
Local fire department records list debris burning and uncontrolled wheat field fires at the top of their
wildland fire causes. Volunteer Firefighters in the South Mills Fire Department and South Camden Fire
Department receive training in Wildland Fires to be better prepared to response to vegetation type fires.
As more homes are built in and near the woods, the existing firefighting resources are less able to provide
total protection to both homes and wildfires. Property owners can take steps to reduce the risk of
property loss and/or damage through education and preventative measures. NC Firewise is a national
program which addresses the risk of homes in the wildland/urban interface to wildland fires and
provides the guidance to make homes and communities safer.
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Capability Analysis
This section describes Camden County’s current capacity to mitigate the damage potential of
natural hazards, including legal authority, institutional organization, political willpower and
technological expertise.
Legal Capability
General Authority
Enabling legislation in North Carolina delegates legal authority to local governments to implement
regulatory measures. The basis for much of this authority is the law enforcement designed to protect
public health safety and welfare. This authority enables local officials to enact and enforce ordinances
and to define and abate nuisances. As hazard mitigation is a form of protecting public health, safety and
welfare, it falls under the general regulatory powers of local governments. Enabling legislation also
extends to building codes and inspections, land use, acquisition, taxation and floodway regulation.
Building Codes and Inspections
Building codes and inspections provide local governments with the means to maintain structures that are
resilient to natural hazards. The North Carolina State Building Code prescribes minimum standards for
building construction. Local governments are permitted to adopt additional codes as long as the
regulations are at least as stringent as the state standards. Also, state enabling legislation authorizes local
governments to carry out building inspections to ensure local structures adhere to the minimum state
building standards. The building code regulations for Camden County are enforced by local officials,
including provisions in the codes for flood-proofing and flood prevention measures.
Septic Tank Regulations
Camden County regulations establish minimum lot sizes and permissible soil conditions for the
installation of on-site sewage disposal systems of less than 3,000 gallons. The minimum lot size for septic
tank approval in Camden County is 15,000 square feet for lots served by public water and 20,000 square
feet for lots using on-site water supplies.
Land Use Planning
Through land use regulatory powers granted by the state, local governments can control the location,
density, type and timing of land use and development in the community. The North Carolina Coastal
Area Management Act, designed to protect the state’s coastal resources through a combination of local
land-use planning and state regulations, requires each of the state’s twenty coastal counties to prepare
land use plans in compliance with guidelines outlined in the law. The Act established the Coastal
Resources Commission, a body whose duties include oversight and approval of the land use plans.
CAMA guidelines require the following issues be incorporated into the land use plans: resource
protection, resource production and management, economic and community development, continuing
public participation, and storm hazard mitigation, post-disaster recovery and evacuation plans.
Provisions of the land use plans are implemented through regulatory tools that include zoning and
subdivision ordinances.
Camden County adopted an Advanced Core CAMA Land Use Plan in 2005. It was created to define and
refine community policies and issues, analyze existing and emerging conditions, plan for future uses of
land and desired growth patterns and identify tools for managing development. In the summer of 2011
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Camden County began the process to update the county’s Comprehensive Plan. This plan gives guidance
for community growth. The Land Use Plan will be updated during this planning process.
Zoning
Within its zoning authority, a local government is authorized to divide the planning area into districts.
For each type of district, as defined in a written ordinance and by zoning maps, the local government
may “regulate and restrict construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or use of buildings, structures of
land” (N.C.G.S. 160A-382). Camden County has twelve zoning districts: four residential zoning
districts, three business zoning districts, and two industrial zoning districts.
Areas of vulnerability within each zoning district have been identified within the Land Use Plan utilizing
the existing land use data to FEMA designated flood zone and Hurricane Storm Surge Inundation Model
(SLOSH) and Camden County has implemented provisions in its local zoning and subdivision ordinances
and flood damage prevention ordinances that are consistent with policies of minimizing flood damage by
controlling land use and restrictive development standards to high risk areas.
Floodway Regulation
According to state statute, the channel and part of the floodplain of each stream are to be designated as a
floodway in order to limit flood disaster as much as possible. Within the floodway, local governments,
through permitting, are to prevent obstructions that may increase the height of floods and the extent of
flood damage.
Approximately 67 percent of the county is within the 100-year flood plain and Camden County
adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance in 1991. The purpose of the ordinance is to promote
the public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood
conditions. In October 2004 the State of North Carolina and FEMA issued a new revised set of flood
plain maps for Camden County, and at that time the County adopted the new maps and a revised flood
plain ordinance that included a one foot “freeboard” requirement construction within the AE flood zone.
Stormwater Management
Camden County experiences flooding problems due to its flat, low-lying land slope which prevents
adequate runoff potential during storms. Wind tides and excessive rainfall compounds the flooding
problems. Stormwater Districts have been developed in areas of North River, Shiloh, South Mills and
Sawyer’s Creek. A Stormwater Advisory Committee has been formed to identifying problem areas
before deciding how best to fund improvements. Presently, the Joyce Creek area in South Mills is the
only drainage district in the county that carries a 2 cent additional tax. The tax covers clearing ditches
and waterways so the water will run off more freely.
Proper management of storm water runoff will minimize damage to public and private property, ensure a
functional drainage system, reduce the effects of development on land and stream channel erosion, assist
in the attainment and maintenance of water quality standards, enhance the local environment associated
with the drainage system, reduce local flooding, maintain as nearly as possible the pre-developed runoff
characteristics of the area, and facilitate economic development while mitigating associated flooding and
drainage impacts.
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
In March 2009 Camden County amended the storm water requirements for all new subdivision to
include local standard for storm water retention in excess of state DENR requirements. The new
ordinance reads:
Stormwater Drainage
Each residential/non-residential subdivision or commercial site plan shall provide adequate storm
drainage certified by a North Carolina registered engineer or a North Carolina Licensed Surveyor, (with
proven experience in stormwater drainage) for all areas in the subdivision. A combination of storage and
controlled release of stormwater run-off is required. The release rate of stormwater from all
developments shall not exceed the ten-year stormwater run-off from the area in its natural state (postdevelopment vs. pre-development). All free-flowing storm drainage systems shall be designed to
accommodate the run-off generated by a ten-year design storm or North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) standards if more restrictive. The following information must be provided:
(1)
Elevation survey of entire tract with topo lines at one-foot intervals;
(2)
All culvert inverts (including driveway culverts);
(3)
Direction of flows;
(4)
Downstream analysis (cross-sections) of drainage way to outlet (creek, stream,
river and the like);
(5)
Stormwater storage analysis (storing the differential between the outlet ditch
capacity at bank full and the 100-year storm event throughout the proposed
development area) and show minimum lot elevations;
(6)
Drainage calculations for drainway design within boundaries of proposed
subdivision and off-site, if appropriate;
(7)
Show total pre-development and post-development run-off in CFS (cubic feet per
second) volume leaving development area;
(8)
Along all existing drainage ways within proposed development areas, swales
(minimum 6:1 side slopes) are preferred over traditional ditches. Maintenance
easements the width of the swale shall be centered over the swale;
(9)
If swales are not utilized, then all ditches and canals will require minimum of 30
feet of open space from the top of bank on one side or the other (maintenance
area); and
(10) Developer will be responsible for upgrading drainage system to outlet subject to
obtaining permission from all property owners adjacent to the watercourse outlet.
Plans must address maintenance of the drainage system and who will be the responsible party to ensure
proper maintenance is performed on the drainage system. The plan will be reviewed and inspected by
County Technical Staff members.
At the same time the County engaged a third party storm water engineer to review all major subdivision
and commercial development storm water plans for compliance to the local and state regulations.
National Flood Insurance Program and National Community Rating System
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to individuals in communities
that are members of the program. Membership in the program is contingent on the community adopting
and enforcing floodplain management and development regulation. Camden County is a participant in
the National Flood Insurance Program. Part of the NFIP is the Community Rating System (CRS), a
program that adjusts flood insurance premiums in relation to a community’s investment in flood damage
mitigation. To be included in the system, a community’s floodplain management procedures must be
reported and evaluated. There are ten classes within the CRS system, with 1 providing the greatest
premium reduction and 10 providing no reduction. Presently, Camden County does not participate in
the Community Rating System.
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Institutional Capability
Camden County has the ability to acquire resources from surrounding counties. Camden and
Pasquotank counties along with Elizabeth City work together on issues affecting all jurisdictions during
emergencies. Mutual Aid Agreements have been established with various agencies in adjoining counties
and Camden County is signatory to the state wide mutual aid agreement.
In case of an emergency, the Pasquotank-Camden County Multi-Hazard Operations Plan takes effect. If
the disaster is multi-jurisdictional, a control group is formed to make decisions involving the management
of the emergency situation. The control group consists of the Camden County Commission
Chairperson, Elizabeth City Mayor, Pasquotank County Commission Chairperson, Camden County
Manager, Elizabeth City Manager, Pasquotank County Manager and the Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth
City Emergency Management Coordinator.
Important to the response portion of Emergency Management, the Multi-Hazard Operations Plan sets
guidelines for the dissemination of information and resources. The following are some of the duties and
responsibilities of officials in Camden County in case of a disaster.
Control Group

Act in accordance with appropriate provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes and local
ordinances that relate to emergencies

Declare State of Emergency; as warranted

Execute the emergency operations plan as necessary

Coordinate actions with other affected jurisdictions
Public Information Officer

Develop operating guidelines for public information that include a directory of media outlets

Coordinate all county media releases

Provide for rumor control for all phases of the emergency

Serve as the official spokesperson for the county
In addition to these individuals, the Control Group identifies and designates roles to other organizations
operating in the county including (but not limited to): Fire Departments, Emergency Medical
Services/Rescue Squad, Law Enforcement Agencies, Social Services Agencies, Utility Departments,
Inter-County Transportation Authority, United States Coast Guard, American Red Cross, Salvation
Army, Finance Officers, Amateur Radio Association, and Mental Health.
The Emergency Operations Center is located in the Pasquotank County Public Safety Building at 200 E.
Colonial Avenue, Elizabeth City. The Emergency Operations Center serves as the control point for
Pasquotank County’s/Camden County’s/and Elizabeth City’s emergency response activities. The
Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Receiving and Distribution Point for resources is located at the Food
Bank of the Albemarle, 109 Tidewater Way, Elizabeth City.
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Political Capability
The political structure of Camden County consists of five (5) Board of Commissioners and one (1)
County Manager. Opposition to mitigation measures is not evident within Camden County and the
implementation of mitigation measures should be feasible.
Technical Capability
Camden County is secured with the basic technology needed to mitigate and respond to natural disasters.
Also, the county has the ability to use GIS mapping techniques to mitigate hazards.
Incorporation of Hazard Mitigation Plan Recommendations into other Plans
Camden County addresses statewide planning goals and legislative requirements through many existing
plans (i.e. Land Use Plan, Unified Development Plan, Zoning Ordinances, Building and Safety Codes).
Members of the MAC include personnel involved in these local planning and zoning programs thereby
ensuring that all goals and strategies of new, amended, revised and updated planning documents are
consistent with the hazard mitigation plan and will not contribute to an increase in the local jurisdiction’s
vulnerability to the impacts of natural hazards.
Plans to which this provision may apply include, but are not limited to:
Comprehensive Plan
CAMA Land-Use Plan
Capital Improvement Plans
Emergency Management – All Hazard Plan
Transportation Plan
Other local planning documents, when appropriate.
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Mitigation Strategy for Camden County
Introduction
The wellbeing of the human, built environment is strongly dependent on a healthy natural environment.
From basic needs such as the conversion of carbon dioxide into breathable air, to protective services
such as the flooding buffers supplied by wetlands and absorbent soils, to quality of life services, including
outdoor recreation opportunities, the natural environment provides invaluable services that protect and
enhance the human environment. Natural hazards are also a natural process that affects the human
environment. Fully functioning natural systems are equipped to provide a significant degree of
protection for life and property when hazards intersect with the human environment. Mitigation
strategies serve to preserve and enhance the protective abilities of the natural environment. Also,
mitigation efforts build upon the natural environment’s protective services by providing additional
protection within the built environment. An effective mitigation strategy must be aware of the
interdependence of the human and natural environment and work accordingly to preserve healthy natural
systems within and around communities.
Camden County’s goals were identified from existing goal statements in county documents, and each
goal’s effectiveness for mitigation was evaluated. The mitigation strategy was developed based on those
goals, as well as needs identified in the vulnerability and capability analysis. The strategy is divided into
sections that address each of the county’s most pressing hazard concerns. These divisions are hurricanes,
flooding, tornadoes, winter storms, severe thunderstorms, wildfires. For each hazard, overall mitigation
goals are identified with objectives for achievement of the goals. Specific mitigation measures are
described for each objective, including monitoring and evaluation procedures, a target completion date
and identification of the responsible party for oversight and evaluation. While a large portion of the
strategy addresses actions the county can take to reduce impacts of natural hazards on the county as a
whole, individual home and property owners can implement many of the specific measures. The overall
success of this plan depends on both the actions of individual citizens and the guidance and support of
the county government.
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HURRICANE MITIGATION STRATEGY
A tropical cyclone (hurricane) may be viewed as two types of events, wind and water. Flooding, storm
surges and other hazards associated with hurricanes are all of concern to residents residing in Camden
County. Flooding and other hazards associated with hurricanes are discussed in the Flood Mitigation
Strategy section of this plan. This section addresses wind hazards associated with hurricanes. Wind
events have caused property damage in the county historically. Although a community can never be
completely windproof, several actions can significantly reduce damages to life and property endured by
wind events in the future.
Goal 1: Minimize the Impact of Hurricane Wind Events
Objective 1: Improve the wind resistance of structures in the county.
Mitigation Measures
1. Continue to enforce the North Carolina Building Code. The requirement that new structures
or structures undergoing significant renovation be resistant to wind loads of 110 m.p.h. is of
particular importance.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Building Inspector
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms
2. Educate contractors about safe housing development through written materials or during
county sponsored events.
Responsible Party/Organization: Building Inspector
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms
Objective 2: Educate home and property owners about wind resistant measures.
The following mitigation measures can be shared with the public in various forums.
Mitigation Measures
1. Provide hazard mitigation information for the county residents including information on
preparedness for all hazards significant to Camden County during various public events, in
public buildings, and through media outlets.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms
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2. Provide homeowners information on wind resistant measures.
Responsible Party/Organization: Building Inspector
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms
3. Educate mobile home contractors and owners about wind proofing measures, including
wood and light steel construction connectors and anchoring systems.
Responsible Party/Organization: Building Inspector
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: One year from date of plan adoption
This action was deleted as this is covered under enforcement of the 110 mph building code.
Objective 3: Maintain and publicize the Camden County hurricane evacuation route in order to
facilitate evacuation to inland areas.
Mitigation Measures
1. Post information about Camden County’s emergency evacuation routes.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Emergency Management Agency
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Hurricanes
Objective 4: Maintain and publicize the Pasquotank – Camden – Elizabeth City County MultiHazard Operations plan
All county departments should write and update standard operations guidelines for emergencies and
continuity of operations in concurrence with the Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Multi-Hazard
Operations Plan.
Mitigation Measures
1. Review the Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Multi-Hazard Operations Plan annually and
update the plan as necessary. Ensure all departments establish guidelines for response to
emergencies and to maintain departmental operations. Work with County departments to
ensure each department possesses a clear understanding of department responsibilities as
outlined in the Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Multi-Hazard Operations Plan.
Responsible Party/Organization: All County Departments
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Emergency Management Agency
Target Completion Date: Annually
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms
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Objective 5: Reduce the impact of wind on trees near county structures.
Mitigation Measures
1. Monitor trees and branches at risk of breaking or falling in windstorms. Prune or thin trees
or branches on county property when they would pose an immediate threat to property,
utility lines or other significant structures or critical facilities in the community.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Maintenance
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms
Objective 6: Reduce the vulnerability of local government agencies and facilities to hurricane
events.
Mitigation Measures
1. Continue efforts to develop continuity of operations plans (COOP) for county departments.
Continuity of operations planning has been completed by several departments and additional
planning efforts are currently underway.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Department Heads/County Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Emergency Management Agency
Target Completion Date: Two years from the date of plan adoption
Funding Source: Local
Hazards address: Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms
2. Install generator switches in new construction critical facilities. As projects go through
Technical Review Committee, applicants should pre-wire facilities for a generator, new
construction critical facilities that would benefit from pre-wiring include but are not limited to
public schools, local government facilities, adult care facilities, emergency departments, etc.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners, Planning Board
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Emergency Management Agency
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards address: All Hazards
Objective 7: Reduce the time required to return the affected community to pre-storm status.
Mitigation Measures
1. Continue efforts for post-storm planning. In addition to the debris removal contract and
NCDOT MOA already in place consider having pre-bid debris removal monitoring contracts
in place as well. Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan that will clearly outline the responsibilities
of each department/agencies following a major hurricane.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency/County Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Emergency Management Agency/County
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Manager
Target Completion Date: Two years from the date of plan adoption
Funding Source: Local
Hazards address: Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, winter storms
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FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGY
Hurricane Floyd produced record high flood levels in Camden County. Tropical Storm Nicole re-flooded
many of these same properties in the South Mills community in 2010 and the southern portions of the
county received flooding from Hurricane Irene in 2011. The county is working to prevent future losses
like those experienced during these disasters. Following Hurricane Floyd the county participated in the
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program’s property buyout program and in addition to the already established
Joy’s Creek Stormwater District developed an additional three Districts in the areas of North River,
Shiloh and Sawyer’s Creek to identify problem areas and work towards identifying ways for
improvement. The following goals were established to contribute to the county efforts.
Goal 1. Identify and Map Areas Flooded by Previous Floods
Objective 1: Record all structures within the floodplain as well as areas of repetitive losses due
to flooding.
Mitigation Measures
1. Record all tax parcel information and floodplain locations in a GIS system including
repetitive loss areas, areas of greatest risk, and vulnerable populations.
Responsible Party/Organization: GIS Coordinator
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Emergency Management Coordinator/Planning
Director
Target Completion Date: Completed to date, however the process should be updated after
each flooding event.
Funding Source: Local
Hazard Addressed: Floods
2. In conjunction with NCEM/GTM, produce an up-to-date flood map of Camden County that
can be utilized to reduce development in the floodplain.
Responsible Party/Organization: NCEM, Camden EM
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Emergency Management Coordinator/Planning
Director
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: State
Hazard Addressed: Floods
Goal 2: Avoid Hazards of the Floodplain
Objective 1: Guide development away from areas subject to flooding.
Recommended Mitigation Measures
1. Based on FEMA Base Flood Elevation institute a tax abatement that encourages
development outside of the floodplain but discourages within it.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Two years from the date of plan adoption
This action was deleted because it was politically infeasible.
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Goal 3: Minimize the Impacts of Flooding
Objective 1: Minimize economic and property losses due to flooding.
Mitigation Measures
1. Continued compliance with NFIP – participate in the Community Rating System (CRS).
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) allows
counties and municipalities to reduce flood insurance rate premiums for citizen property
owners. In order to capitalize on these reductions, counties and cities must take specific steps
to improve upon the minimum floodplain management requirements of the NFIP. The CRS
awards flood insurance premium discounts from 5-45% for eighteen different flood
management activities that fall into the following four categories: public information, mapping
and regulation, flood damage reduction, and flood preparedness. Participation in the CRS,
which is contingent upon county compliance with NFIP rules, provides Camden County the
opportunity to dramatically reduce flood insurance rate premiums for its residents. In order to
participate, the county must designate a CRS coordinator to handle the application and serve
as a liaison between the county and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Camden
County will continue to update and enforce floodplain management ordinances to minimize
future flood losses by new construction, will encourage homeowners in flood zones to
mitigate their properties and provide homeowners information on the NFIP. The county
should take steps towards participation in the CRS.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: Two years from the date of plan adoption.
Funding Source: Local
Hazard Addressed: Floods
2.
Camden County should consider adopting and enforcing a stormwater control ordinance
which should include regulations for water detention and/or retention facilities in new
developments and provide regulations to control the amount of impervious surface in a
development.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Board
Target Completion Date: Two years from the date of plan adoption
This action was removed from the plan because it was successfully completed.
3. Camden County’s 15-member stormwater advisory committee should continue its work in
identifying some of the major drainage issues in the four stormwater districts. Coordination
should continue with the state in regards to the state spraying program to kill alligator weed
which has already been identified as a problem throughout the county; notably in Joyce Creek
and Bell Ditch. Maintenance of ditches, woods and swamps is also necessary and the
committee should continue their work to identify what level of maintenance is needed in these
areas. The Joyce Creek Stormwater District has a 2 cents tax per $100 of land valuation to
maintain the two main tributaries that feed into the creek, the committee should continue to
seek means to identify a budget to help maintain the drainage system in the remaining three
districts.
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Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Storm Water Advisory Committee
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Commissioners
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local, State, Grants
Hazard Addressed: Floods
Objective 2: Provide information to citizens on flooding preparedness.
Mitigation Measures
1. As with other hazards of concern to Camden County, hazard mitigation information should
be distributed to residents, including information on preparedness for all hazards significant
to its jurisdiction. The information should educate on methods of elevation and flood
proofing property.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous.
Funding Source: Local
Hazard Addressed: Floods
2. Distribute information identifying flood prone areas within the county. Sixty –seven percent
of Camden County is within the flood zone. Evacuation and family preparedness
information should be distributed to all residents living within flood prone areas and
especially to the special needs population located within these areas.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous.
Funding Source: Local
Hazard Addressed: Floods
Objective 3: Protect groundwater resources.
Recommended Mitigation Measures
1. To accomplish protection of public health and service needs, Camden County should
prohibit the installation of underground storage tanks in the 100-year floodplain and prohibit
the development of any industry within the 100-year floodplain that may pose a risk to public
health and safety. Camden County should amend zoning ordinances should include
regulations for underground chemical and gasoline storage that minimize risks to
groundwater resources. This should include the establishment of a heavy industrial district
and only allow large chemical/fuel storage facilities in the heavy industrial district.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Two years from the date of plan adoption
This action was deleted as it was completed.
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Objective 3: Work with the National Weather Service to provide early warning to the community
and critical facilities.
Mitigation Measures
1. Pasquotank-Camden Emergency Management Agency has been officially recognized by the
National Weather Service as a NC StormReady Community. There is access to, and
considerable cooperation from, local broadcast media to warn the public to the potential for
flooding. Weather alert radios are also located in each school and many government agencies
to provide early warning. In addition, a notification plan is in place to alert critical facilities of
watches/warnings. Coordination with the NWS should continue and additional methods of
disseminating early warnings to the community/critical facilities should be continually
evaluated and explored.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous.
Funding Source: Local
Hazard Addressed: Floods
Goal 4: Ensure development and use of resources minimize environmental impacts and avoid risks to
public health, safety, and welfare.
Objective 1: Protect Natural resources
Mitigation Measures
1. Camden County should adopt and apply local development policies that balance
protection of natural resources and fragile areas with economic development.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Directors
Target Completion Date: Two years from the date of plan adoption
This action was deleted as it was too broad and encompassed an action that the county already
incorporates one of its guiding principles. However, it is of note that the county adopted a
requirement to maintain a 50 foot perimeter buffer between residential subdivisions and
active farm lands.
Objective 2: Control Adverse Effects of Storm Water Runoff.
Mitigation Measures
1. Erosion and sedimentation is recognized as a water quality concern. This may be due to
stormwater run off from construction activities and/or from extensive farming operations.
Camden County supports control of agricultural runoff through implementation of Natural
Resources Conservation Service “Agricultural Best Management Practices” and control of
forestry runoff through implementation of “Forestry Best Management Practices” as provided
by the NC Division of Forest Resources. Camden County should adopt and enforce a soil and
sediment control ordinance.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Board
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Target Completion Date: Two years from the date of plan adoption
Camden County is currently in the process of determining whether or not this would be politically
feasible. As such, the county determined to err on the side of removing the action from the plan, though
it may be added back in at some later point.
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TORNADO MITIGATION STRATEGY
Although it is difficult to predict where and when tornadoes will touch down, some mitigation measures
can be taken to improve community resilience to this hazard. The major concern about tornadoes is the
wind forces they generate. Wind events are addressed in the Tropical Cyclone section of this plan.
Goal 1: Minimize the Impacts of Tornadoes on life and property
As tropical cyclones and tornadoes produce similar wind hazards, much of the mitigation strategy for
tornadoes is similar to the tropical cyclone strategy.
Objective 1: Improve the wind resistance of structures in the county.
Mitigation Measures
1. Continue to enforce the North Carolina Building Code. The requirement that new structures
or structures undergoing significant renovation be resistant to wind loads of 110 m.p.h. is of
particular importance.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Building Inspector
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards Addressed: Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
2. Educate contractors about principles for quality redevelopment and safe housing development
through written materials and county sponsored events.
Responsible Party/Organization: Building Inspector
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards Addressed: Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
Objective 2: Educate home and property owners about wind proofing measures.
The following mitigation measures can be shared with the public in various forums.
Mitigation Measures
1. Provide hazard mitigation information for the county residents including information on
preparedness for all hazards significant to Camden County during various public events, in
public buildings, and through media outlets.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Tornados, Hurricanes, Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
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2. Provide new home and property buyers with information on wind proofing. This
information may be most efficiently dispersed by the tax assessor’s office because all home
transactions are recorded there.
Responsible Party/Organization: Tax Department
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Tornados, Hurricanes, Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
3. Educate mobile home contractors and owners about wind proofing measures, including
wood and light steel construction connectors and anchoring systems.
Responsible Party/Organization: Building Inspector
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Tornados, Hurricanes, Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
Objective 3: Reduce the impact of wind on trees near county structures.
Mitigation Measures
1. Monitor trees and branches at risk of breaking or falling in windstorms. Prune or thin trees
or branches on county property when they would pose an immediate threat to property,
utility lines or other significant structures or critical facilities in the community.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Maintenance
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Tornados, Hurricanes, Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
Objective 4: Maximize Citizen Preparedness for Tornadoes.
Mitigation Measures
1. Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances should require storm shelters in all mobile home areas
and subdivisions.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Building Inspector
Target Completion Date: As Funds become available
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Tornados, Hurricanes, Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
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THUNDERSTORM MITIGATION STRATEGY
A major element of thunderstorm hazards is the wind produced. The wind component of this hazard is
addressed in Tropical Cyclone Mitigation Strategy and the Tornado Mitigation Strategy wind event
sections, and is repeated in this section. Also, heavy rains from thunderstorms can cause damage and
flooding. This element of concern is addressed in the Flooding Mitigation Strategy section of this plan.
Lightning, a third element of concern associated with thunderstorms, is addressed in this section.
Goal 1: Minimize the Impacts of Severe Thunderstorms
Objective 1: Educate the public on the hazards of thunderstorms.
Mitigation Measures
1. As with other hazards of concern to Camden County, the county should provide hazard
mitigation materials to county residents for all hazards significant to Camden County. This
information may be made available during various public events, in public buildings, and
through media outlets.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
2. As with other hazards of concern to Camden County, the county can sponsor a hazard
mitigation symposium for its residents, including information on preparedness for all
hazards significant to Camden County.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
This action was deleted and replaced with Action 1 above as they symposium for residents
was deemed to be too costly and time consuming and public involvement could be procured
in other, more effective ways.
Objective 2: Minimize the impacts of lightning strikes.
Mitigation Measures
1. Zoning ordinances should require that lightning detection devices be installed in public
outdoor gathering areas such as school stadiums and ball parks.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: As funds become available
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms
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2. Continue to educate the public on severe thunderstorm safety and the safety measures to be
taken to protect from lightening injuries.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms
Objective 3: Improve the wind resistance of structures in the county.
Mitigation Measures
1. Continue to enforce the North Carolina Building Code. The requirement that new structures
or structures undergoing significant renovation be resistant to wind loads of 110 m.p.h. is of
particular importance.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Building Inspector
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, winter storms
2. Educate contractors about principles for quality redevelopment and safe housing
development through written materials or county sponsored events.
Responsible Party/Organization: Building Inspector
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, winter storms
Objective 4: Educate home and property owners about wind proofing measures.
The following mitigation measures can be shared with the public in various forums.
Mitigation Measures
1. Provide hazard mitigation information for the county residents including information on
preparedness for all hazards significant to Camden County during various public events, in
public buildings, and through media outlets.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms, Tornados, Hurricanes, winter storms
2. Provide new home and property buyers with information on wind proofing. This
information may be most efficiently dispersed by the tax assessor’s office because all home
transactions are recorded there.
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Responsible Party/Organization: Tax Department
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms, Tornados, Hurricanes, winter storms
3. Educate mobile home contractors and owners about wind proofing measures, including
wood and light steel construction connectors and anchoring systems.
Responsible Party/Organization: Building Inspector
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Planning Director
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms, Tornados, Hurricanes, winter storms
Objective 5: Reduce the impact of wind on trees near county structures.
Mitigation Measures
1. Monitor trees and branches at risk of breaking or falling in windstorms. Prune or thin trees
or branches on county/city property when they would pose an immediate threat to property,
utility lines or other significant structures or critical facilities in the county.
Responsible Party/Organization: Camden County Maintenance
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms, Tornados, Hurricanes, winter storms
Objective 6: Increase driving safety during thunderstorms
Mitigation Measures
1. Driving in storm conditions can create hazardous road conditions, including decreased ability
for drivers to see road boundaries. To improve road visibility, reflector tape or paint along
road edges and in the dividing line should be placed on all major roads throughout the
county.
Responsible Party/Organization: NC Department of Transportation
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Board of Commissioners
Target Completion Date: As funds become available
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Severe Thunderstorms, winter storms
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WILDFIRE MITIGATION STRATEGY
Camden County has 56,300 acres of forest land and while wildfires typically impact a relatively small area
of this land they have the ability to spread rapidly endangering life and property. NC Forestry data
reports 2273 acres have burned in Camden County over the last five years.
Goal 1: Minimize Risk of Wildfires
Objective 1: Maintain a current action plan for wildfire response.
Mitigation Measures
1. Conduct an annual review of the Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Multi-Hazard
Operations Plan. Maintain current emergency contact information.
Responsible Party/Organization: Emergency Management Agency
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Annually
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Wildfires
Objective 2: Ensure proper access and firefighting capacity in order to effectively respond to
wildfires and protect property.
Mitigation Measures
1. Continue inter-agency and multi-jurisdictional efforts to identify, contain and extinguish
wildfires.
Responsible Party/Organization: Fire Departments/NC Forest Services/NC Park Service
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Wildfires
Objective 3: Educate home and property owners about Wildland/Urban Interface fire safety.
Mitigation Measures
1. Educate homeowners within wildfire threat areas about Wildland/Urban
Interface fire safety. Implement Firewise Program within hazard communities.
Responsible Party/Organization: Fire Departments/NC Forestry
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local, State
Hazards addressed: Wildfires
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2. Minimize the number of new structures that are built along the Wildland/Urban Interface as
these structures would be particularly vulnerable to wildfire.
Responsible Party/Organization: Fire Departments/Planning
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibility: Camden County Manager
Target Completion Date: Continuous
Funding Source: Local
Hazards addressed: Wildfires
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Prioritization Scope
The prioritization of mitigation measures is critical to the implementation of a Hazard Mitigation Plan. A
community can only implement the measures adopted in a manner consistent with the resources
available. Therefore, the mitigation measures in the Hazard Mitigation Plan are developed in accordance
with the likelihood of implementation. This document develops a method for prioritizing each
mitigation measure in the allotted time frame. Furthermore, mitigation measures are organized
chronologically to ensure orderly transitions between mitigation cycles.
All the mitigation actions were prioritized according to:
1. Cost effective, i.e. (returns or savings produced by implementation of the action outweigh the
cost of implementation);
2. Environmentally sound, i.e. (actions were designed to protect environmentally fragile areas as
natural stormwater storage areas); and
3. Technical feasibility, i.e. (actions are to be undertaken by the county/city using current staff
and resources except where grant funds are available.)
4. Results of the Risk Assessment: Actions which address problems identified during the
updated risk assessment will receive higher priority.
5. Results of the Community Capability Assessment: Actions which are within the existing
capability of the jurisdiction, or which may become actionable with additional resources, will
receive higher priority.
6. Political Acceptability: Actions that have high political support for implementation will
receive higher priority.
7. Legality: Actions must comply with all relevant federal, state, and local statutes, regulations,
and ordinances.
8. Compatibility with local goals: Actions that are effective in meeting hazard mitigation goals
and other complementary community goals will receive higher priority.
Completed to date, however the process should be updated after each flooding event.
Record all tax parcel information and floodplain locations in a GIS System including repetitive
losses due to flooding.
Annually
Review the Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Multi-Hazard Operation Plan annually and
update the plan as necessary.
Update/Maintain a current action plan for wildfire response.
Continuous
Monitor trees and branches at risk of breaking or falling in windstorms. Prune or thin trees on
county property when they pose an immediate threat to property or critical facilities.
Maintain Evacuation Routes and disseminate information to the public
Educate contractors about principles for quality redevelopment and safe housing development.
Stormwater Advisory Committee should continue its work in identifying major drainage issues in
the four stormwater districts and work to identify what level of maintenance is needed in these
areas.
92
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Provide hazard mitigation information for county residents including information on
preparedness for all hazards significant to Camden County during public events, in public
buildings and through media outlets.
Continue to enforce the NC State Building Code.
Provide information to citizens on flooding preparedness.
Provide new home and property buyers with information on wind proofing measures.
Educate contractors about wind proofing measures.
Educate the public on severe thunderstorm safety
Installation of generator switches in new construction critical facilities
Continue inter-agency and multi-jurisdictional efforts to identify, contain and extinguish wildfires.
Educate home and property owners about Wildland/Urban Interface fire safety.
Coordination with the NWS should continue and additional methods of disseminating early
warnings to the community/critical facilities should be continually evaluated and explored.
Two Years from the Date of Plan Adoption
Continued Compliance in NFIP – takes steps towards participation in the National Flood
Insurance Community Rating System.
Continue efforts to develop Continuity of Operations Plans for county departments.
Continue efforts for post-storm planning (pre-bid monitoring contract/Disaster Recovery Plan).
As Funds Become Available
Increase driving safety awareness during thunderstorms. Improve road visibility by adding
reflector tape, paint, etc. on all major roads throughout the county.
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances should require storm shelters in all mobile home areas and
subdivisions.
Zoning Ordinances should require that lightning detection devices be installed in public outdoor
gathering areas such as school stadiums and ball parks.
93
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Cost/Benefit Analysis
A Cost/Benefit Analysis is used in hazard mitigation to show if the benefits to life and property
protected through mitigation efforts exceed the cost of the mitigation activity. Conducting
cost/benefit analysis for a mitigation activity can assist communities in determining whether a
project is worth undertaking now, in order to avoid disaster related damages later. Cost/Benefit
analysis is based on calculating the frequency and severity of a hazard, avoided future damages, and
risk. In Cost/Benefit analysis, all costs and benefits are evaluated in terms of dollars, and a net
cost/benefit ratio is computed to determine whether a project should be implemented. One of the
best ways to evaluate and prioritize mitigation projects is to conduct a cost/benefit analysis on each
project. Cost/Benefit analysis is a mathematical method for comparing the benefits to the
community of a mitigation action to its costs. If the benefits are greater than the costs, the project is
cost effective.
It is however, difficult to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of hazard mitigation actions as it is
difficult to evaluate and compare the loss potential before and after a mitigation action. Doing so
requires reliable estimates of hazard recurrence, including severity, and prediction of the
performance of the mitigation system. This information is usually not available. For example, loss
estimates from past events and projections of the future damage potential are the basis for taking
actions to reduce vulnerability. Unfortunately, there is no single source of information for a
comprehensive assessment of the impacts of past events.
FEMA tracks losses only when a major disaster has been declared and the loss figures
reported are only those recorded as federal disaster assistance. FEMA does not maintain
data on private sector costs that are not covered by Individual Assistance programs.
Camden County has experienced some of their worst flood damages over the years from
heavy rain storms for which there is no maintained data.
Insurance companies record private sector losses and claims, however there are no
standards for the way this data is recorded and it is very difficult for planners to obtain.
Losses to businesses, aside from those covered by property damage insurance are not
recorded. There is no data available to even begin to quantify losses to business in terms
of lost productivity lost profits or lost sales opportunity.
There are no programs in place to process or record indirect losses resulting from a
disaster. There is reason to believe that the cascading effects of a disaster, in terms of
lost productivity, lost wages, reduced consumer spending, and environmental damage are
significant, but there is no way to measure these effects.
Other factors affecting the decision on the cost effectiveness of hazard mitigation actions may
include:
While hazards may have enormous adverse impacts, these extreme events hazards occur
infrequently. In fact, most individuals have not personally experienced a disaster. In
many people’s minds, Camden County is generally safe from both natural and
technological hazards, that disasters always happen somewhere else, and are very unlikely
to occur here. It is difficult to motivate people to act on events that rarely occur.
Many people are lulled into a false sense of security by the umbrella of insurance and
government programs to assist after a disaster. People tend to believe that if, in the
94
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
unlikely event that losses do occur, insurance will cover them. And if not insurance, then
FEMA disaster payments will make up the difference.
The short-term cost is seen as prohibitive. There are many other interests competing for
limited government and private resources. These are often much more immediate to
people’s day-to-day lives. As a result, more tangible issues such as economic
development and provisions of basic services tend to dominate the local political agenda.
In addition, while a cost/benefit analysis is an attempt to provide an objective evaluation of a
possible solution, there are intangible factors that weigh into whether a proposed solution is
acceptable. Environmental quality and sustainability, for example are other measures for which a
dollar value cannot be assigned. But that doesn’t mean that they have no value and should not be
considered. Assessment and evaluation of potential solutions may simply be measured based on a
scale of right or wrong, better or worse, rather than on an objective analysis.
Due to a lack of firm cost estimates for strategy implementation and the intangible nature of
estimating preventable damages from future disaster occurrences, but taking into account that many
mitigation measures recommended will provide for environmental quality and sustainability to the
entire community, a cost/benefit analysis was performed using a ranking of Low, Medium and High
for both cost and benefits. Low Cost items have no or very low associated costs. An example of a
low cost item would be the monitoring of trees and branches at risk of breaking or falling in
windstorms. High Cost items include those with the greatest cost such as the installation of
lightning detection devices in public outdoor gathering areas such as school stadiums and ball fields.
Medium cost items would naturally fall somewhere between Low and High Cost items. Benefits are
ranked as Low, Medium and High and are completely subjective. Low benefit items would have the
least benefits. High benefits would provide (hopefully) the greatest benefits and medium benefit
would fall somewhere between low and high.
95
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annually
Two
Year
As Funds
Become
Available
Mitigation Measure
Prioritization
Completed
Continuous
Cost/Benefit
Analysis
Record tax parcel
information/floodplain locations in GIS
system including repetitive losses due
to flooding.
1
X
X
Review the Pasquotank-CamdenElizabeth City Multi-Hazard Operation
Plan
2
X
Enforce NC Building Code
3
X
Low/High
Provide hazard mitigation information
for county residents including
information on preparedness for all
hazards significant to Camden County
during public events, in public
buildings and through media outlets.
4
X
Low/Medium
Maintain Evacuation Routes and
disseminate information to the public
5
X
Low/Medium
Provide information to citizens on
flooding preparedness.
6
Low/Medium
X
Low/Medium
Low/Medium
X
96
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Mitigation Measure
Prioritization
Completed
Two
Year
Continuous
Annually
Coordination with NWS should
continue and additional methods of
disseminating early warnings to the
community/critical facilities should
be continually evaluated and
explored.
Educate the public on severe
thunderstorm safety.
Monitor trees and branches at risk of
breaking or falling in windstorms.
Prune or thin trees on county property
when they pose an immediate threat
to property or critical facilities.
Stormwater Advisory Committee
should continue its work in identifying
major drainage issues in the four
stormwater districts and work to
identify what level of maintenance is
needed in these areas.
7
8
9
As Funds
Become
Available
Cost/Benefit
Analysis
X
Low/Medium
X
Low/Medium
X
Medium/High
10
X
97
Medium/High
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Mitigation Measure
Update/Maintain a current action
plan for wildfire response.
Prioritization
Completed
Continuous
11
Annually
Two
Year
X
As Funds
Become
Available
Cost/Benefit
Analysis
Low/Medium
Continue inter-agency and multijurisdictional efforts to identify,
contain and extinguish wildfires.
12
Continue efforts for post-storm
planning (pre-bid monitoring
contract/Disaster Recovery Plan)
13
X
Medium/High
14
X
Medium/High
Participate in National Flood
Insurance Community Rating System
X
Low/Medium
(in addition to continued NFIP compliance)
Continue efforts to develop Continuity
of Operations Plans for county
departments.
Encourage installation of generator
switches in new construction critical
facilities
15
X
Medium/High
16
X
Medium/High
98
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Mitigation Measure
Provide new home and property
buyers with information on wind
proofing measures.
Educate contractors about wind
proofing measures.
Educate home and property
owners about Wildland/Urban
Interface fire safety.
Educate contractors about principles
for quality redevelopment and safe
housing development.
Increase driving safety awareness
during thunderstorms. Improve road
visibility by adding reflector tape,
paint, etc. on all major roads
throughout the county.
Amend Zoning Ordinances to require
lightning detection devices be
installed in public outdoor gathering
areas such as school stadiums and
ball parks.
Prioritization
Completed
Continuous
Annually
Two
Year
As Funds
Become
Available
Cost/Benefit
Analysis
17
X
Low/Medium
18
X
Low/Medium
19
X
Low/Medium
20
X
Low/Medium
21
X
High/High
22
X
High/High
99
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Mitigation Measure
Amend the zoning ordinance to
require storm shelters in all mobile
home areas and subdivisions.
Prioritization
Completed
23
100
Continuous
Annually
Two
Year
As Funds
Become
Available
Cost/Benefit
Analysis
X
High/High
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Critical Facility List
Critical Facilities are defined, for the purpose of this
document, as those facilities essential to the
preservation of life and property during a disaster
and/or those facilities critical to the continuity of
government as well as those necessary to ensure timely
recovery.
 Camden County Administrative Offices
 County Manager’ Office
 Finance Office
 Inspections Department
 Planning Department
 Tax Office
 GIS Office
 Personnel Department
 Board of Elections
 Sheriff’s Office
 Senior Center
 Camden County Courthouse
 Clerk of Court
 Register of Deeds
 Albemarle Regional Health Services
 Camden County Social Services
 Camden County Public Schools
 Grandy Primary School
 Camden Middle School
 Camden High School
 Camden Schools Administrative
Offices
 Camden County Fire Departments
 South Camden Fire Dept.-Station 11
 South Camden Fire Dept.-Station 12
 South Mills Fire Dept.-Station 14
 South Camden Water and Sewer District
 South Mills Water Association
 Camden County Cooperative Extension
Service
 Camden County Post Offices
 Camden
 South Mills
 NC Forestry – Camden Office
 Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
 Camden Causeway Bridge
 South Mills Locks
101
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Camden County has in the past, experienced repetitive losses to several critical facilities. Common
losses have been incurred in utility distribution systems, roads, schools, etc. Repetitive losses can
occur to fixed facilities that are critical to the continuity of our government and/or essential to the
health, safety and viability of our community. The Tables below list the critical facilities, location,
operational time and its emergency power capability. A vulnerability analysis for each critical facility
lists their replacement value. The methodology used to calculate replacement value was based on (1)
current tax records available at the time, (2) land values, (3) value of contents based upon records.
These figures were combined and elevated to year 2010 values, based on current local property
evaluation. These are “replacement values" estimates only and would have to be recalculated for actual
loss at the time such loss occurred.
The Camden County Administrative Offices are located at is located at 117 North 343, Camden
and houses the County Manager’s Office, Finance Office, Planning Department, Inspections
Department, Tax Office, GIS Department, and Personnel Department.
Agency
Address
County Manager
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
Finance Office
Inspection
Department
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
Operated
24/7?
Does the
facility have
a generator?
No
No
252-338-6363 x 102
No
No
252-338-6363 x108
No
No
252-338-1919 x 227
No
No
252-338-1919 x 235
No
No
252-338-1919 x 225
Phone Number
Tax Office
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
GIS Department
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
No
No
252-338-1919 x 261
Personnel Department
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
No
No
252-338-6363 x 106
Parks & Recreation
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
No
No
252-1919 x 239
Planning Department
Replacement
Value
155,662.00
The Camden County Board of Elections Office is located on the first floor of the Camden
County Jail Museum within the Camden County Government Complex on 117 North 343.
Agency
Camden County
Board of Elections
Address
P.O. Box 206
Camden, NC 27921
Operated
24/7?
No
Does the
facility have a
generator?
No
102
Phone Number
252-338-5530
Replacement
Value
89,543.00.
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Camden Sheriff’s Office is located at 117 North 343 in the Camden County Government
Complex. Also housed within this facility are Probations and Magistrates Office. A satellite
Sheriff’s Office is located in South Mills.
Camden County Senior Center is located at 117 North 343, Camden within the Camden County
Government Complex and is adjacent to the Sheriff’s Office. This Facility is utilized for Points of
Distribution for both Natural Disasters and Public Health Emergencies.
Agency
Operated
24/7?
Address
Does the
facility have a
generator?
Phone Number
Camden Sheriff’s
Office
P.O. Box 57,
Camden NC 27921
No
No
252-338-5046
Camden Senior
Center
P.O. Box 190,
Camden, NC 27921
No
No
252-335-2569
Camden Sheriff
Satellite Office
105 Halstead
Street, South
Mills, NC 27976
No
No
Replacement
Value
365,627.00
51,261.00
The Camden County Courthouse located at 117 North 343 was built in 1847 and recently
renovated. This facility houses the Clerk of Court office and Register of Deeds office and is used
for County Commissioner and other Public Meetings.
Agency
Clerk of Court
Address
P.O. Box 219
Camden, NC 27921
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
Operated
24/7?
Does the
facility have
a generator?
No
No
No
No
Register of Deeds
103
Phone
Number
252-331-4871
252-338-1919
X 245
Replacement
Value
619,093.00
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Crucial to the health care services within the community the Albemarle Regional Health Services
provides all of the mandated public health services including immunizations, General Clinics and
Women and Children’s Health Services. During times of emergencies this agency is responsible for
the coordination of health care in approved shelters and Emergency Care Stations and, following a
catastrophic disaster resulting in multiple fatalities necessitating extraordinary measures, the
establishing of a temporary morgue. The Camden facility is located at 160 US 158.
Additional services provided through the Albemarle Regional Health Services include:
 Environmental Health Services – responsible for Water and Sewage Inspections, Vector
Management Program: (monitoring and surveillance of rabies, rodents, and mosquito-borne
illnesses and habitats), Food and Lodging Inspections (inspection and evaluation of each
restaurant, child care center, hospital, school, jail, meat market, residential care, and nursing
home, hotel, and motel), and Communicable Disease Investigation (including food-borne
illnesses, illnesses from contaminated water supplies, malfunctioning septic systems, spoiled
or contaminated food supplies and/or lack of functional sanitary facilities).
 Albemarle Home Care – arranges health care services for patients at home. This division
works to pre-identify, and arrange for, areas of shelter for their special need patients; as
needed. Based on their client requirements, and for those remaining at home, during
emergencies, Albemarle Home Care workers play a vital role in response and recovery
operations following a disaster.
 Adult Day Care – Daybreak - provides care and programs for frail or disabled adults needing
assistance during the day. This facility is located at 1407 Parkview Drive (252-338-4066) and
provides breakfast, lunch and a daily snack.
 Inter-County Public Transportation Authority – provides public transportation Monday
through Friday from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. Transportation appointments can be scheduled if
requested by calling 252-338-4480 a minimum of 48 hours in advance. During a declared
“state of emergency” within the county, Inter-County Public Transportation Authority
suspends regular public transportation routes and provides transportation, upon request, to
shelters.
Agency
Albemarle
Regional Health
Services
Address
Operated
24/7?
P.O. Box 72,
Camden, NC 27921
(Camden Facility)
No
Does the
facility have
a generator?
No
104
Phone Number
252-338-4460
Replacement
Value
1,169,945.00
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Camden County Social Services located at 117 North 343 within the Camden County
Government Complex provides services vital to the stability of the community. The Department of
Social Services administers all federally mandated programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, Work
First Family Assistance, Crisis and LIEAP. Childcare, Adoptions and Foster Care services are also
provided. They assess child abuse and neglect, and offer help to support and preserve families. They
offer services such as Adult Protective Services, Adult Placement Services and Guardianship
Services.
Agency
Camden County
Social Services
Address
P.O. Box 190
Camden, NC 27921
Does the
facility have a
generator?
Operated
24/7?
No
No
Phone Number
252-331-4787
Replacement
Value
340,456.00.
The Camden County Public Schools are made up of five schools providing education to over
1900 students. In addition to schools being vital to the community’s capability to return to normalcy
following a disaster, Camden Schools may also (though a Mutual Aid Agreement with The Greater
Albemarle Chapter of the American Red Cross) be utilized as Public Shelters in the event of an
emergency. (Camden Schools are only approved for post-hurricane or other type emergency
shelters) Each school has a fully operational, cafeteria style kitchen. Each of these facilities are
critical as the school system is one of Camden County’s largest employers.
Camden Intermediate School is also designated as a Point of Distribution Site for Natural Disasters
and Public Health Emergencies.
Agency
Address
Operated
24/7?
Does the
facility have
a generator?
Phone Number
Grandy Primary
School
Camden
Intermediate
School
175 North 343
Camden, NC 27921
No
No
252-331-4838
123 Noblitt Drive
Camden, NC 27921
No
No
252-335-7808
Camden Middle
School
Camden High
School
CamTech High
School
Camden School
Administrative
Offices
285 Scotland Road
Camden, NC 27921
103 US 158
Camden, NC 27921
103 A US 158
Camden, NC 27921
No
No
252-338-3349
No
No
252-338-0114
No
No
252-335-7219
No
No
252-335-0831
174 North 343
Camden, NC 27921
105
Replacement
Value
3,497,050.00
2,790,089.00
2,710,089.00
257,490.00
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Camden County is served by three (3) volunteer Fire Departments. Each of these volunteer fire
departments are designated Emergency Care Stations.
Operated
24/7?
Agency
Address
South Camden
Fire Dept. Station
11
South Camden
Fire Dept. Station
12
114 Sawyer’s
Creek Rd
Camden, NC
27921
941 Highway 343
South Shiloh, NC
27974
South Mills Fire
Dept. Station 14
127 Keeter Barn
Rd. South Mills,
NC 27976
Does the
facility
have a
generator?
Phone
Number
Building
Replacement
Value
Number
of
Trucks
Truck
Replacement
Value
No
Yes
252-338-3722
512,840.00.
3
285,000.00
No
Yes
252-336-4616
63,301.00
3
235,000.00
No
Yes
252-771-5011
1,029,059.00
4
650,000.00
The South Camden Water and Sewer District’s office is located at 117 North 343 within the
Camden County Government Complex and the Water Plant is located on Water Plant Road.
The South Camden Water and Sewer District serves Camden County from Burnt Mills to Camden
Point and from Currituck County to Elizabeth City and provides water for over 18,000 customers.
They operate a Reverse Osmosis Plant and maintain one 250,000 gallon and one 300,000 gallon
elevated water tank.
Does the
facility have a
generator?
Phone Number
No
No
252-338-1919
103 Water Plant Road
Camden, NC 27921
Yes
Yes
Burnt Mills
N/A
299,970.00
Shiloh
N/A
196,560.00
Agency
South Camden
Water and Sewer
District
Elevated tank
(300,000 gallons)
Elevated tank
(250,000 gallons)
Address
P.O. Box 249
Camden, NC 27921
Operated
24/7?
Replacement
Value
N/A
181,403.00
(Water Plant)
The South Mills Water Association is an independent entity providing water to the South Mills
township of Camden County and the Morgans Corner area of Pasquotank County. The office is
located at 103 Halstead Street.. The South Mills Water Association operates a water treatment plant,
has two elevated tanks and provides water to over 1900 customers. A 100,000 gallon elevated tank
services the 800 customers in the South Mills community.
106
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Agency
Operated
24/7?
Address
South Mills Water
Association
103 Halstead Street
South Mills, NC 27976
220 A Canal Drive
South Mills, NC 27976
Does the
facility have a
generator?
No
No
No
No
Phone Number
252-771-5620
Replacement
Value
64,626.00
N/A
(Water Plant)
Water Tanks
120,000.00
The Camden County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is located
at 120 North 343 and provides unbiased, research-based information to people with interests and
questions related to agriculture, livestock, youth, families and communities.
Agency
Camden
County
Cooperative
Extension
Service
Operated
24/7?
Address
120 North 343
P.O. Box 129
Camden, NC 27921
No
Does the
facility have a
generator?
No
Phone Number
252-331-7630
Replacement Value
47,960.00
Camden County has no municipalities but it is divided into three zip codes and served by two Post
Offices; Camden, Shiloh and South Mills.
Agency
Address
Operated
24/7?
Does the
facility
have a
generator?
Phone
Number
Camden Post Office
27921
107 US Highway 158 E
Camden, NC 27921
No
No
252-338-8477
P.O. Box 9998
215 Main Street
South Mills, NC 27976
No
No
252-771-5200
South Mills Post Office
27976
Replacement
Value
125,561.00
23,265.00
The NC Department of Forestry – Camden County Office is located at 101 McKimmey Road,
Camden. Camden Forestry is in District 7 which also covers the counties of Pasquotank,
Perquimans, Gates, Currituck, Martin, Hertford, Chowan and Bertie. The Division of Forest
Resources is mandated by North Carolina General Statutes to protect, manage and develop the
forest resources of the state. This includes forest management assistance to private landowners,
reforestation services, and forest fire prevention and suppression, and insect and disease control
programs. 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,
107
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
training, and support to volunteer fire departments and forestry education. Resources available
through the local Forestry Office include crawl tractors, caterpillars, trailers and pumps. Camden
County allows burning only during specified hours, under specified conditions. Burning Permits are
issued through the local Forestry Offices and are available at the Camden Courthouse, Lamb’s
Grocery, Shiloh Shopping Center and the South Mills Supermarket. Burning permits may also be
obtained online at http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/burn_permit/burn_intro.htm. In times of high fire
danger a burning ban or burning permit cancellation may be issued.
Agency
Address
NC Department
of Forest
Resources –
Camden Office
101 McKimmey Road
Camden, NC 27921
Operated
24/7?
No
Does the facility
have a generator?
Yes
Phone
Number
Replacement
Value
252-331-4781
The Dismal Swamp Welcome Center located at 2356 Hwy 17 North in South Mills at Mile 28 on
the Intracoastal Waterway is the first Visitor Center built off an interstate in our state and the only
such facility in the country greeting visitors by both a major highway and historic waterway.
NC.Boaters on the 22-mile long Dismal Swamp Canal are welcome to tie up to the 150-foot face
dock located at the Welcome Center and spend the night. The Center is open from 9am – 5pm
seven days a week from Memorial Day to October 31, and Tuesday thru Saturday from November 1
to Memorial Day.
Agency
Dismal Swamp
Welcome Center
Operated
24/7?
Address
2356 Highway 17 North,
South Mills 27976
No
Does the
facility
have a
generator?
No
Phone Number
252-771-8333
Replacement
Value
N/A
The Camden Causeway Bridge is a vital transportation link between Pasquotank and Camden
Counties. With Pasquotank County having the first inland shelter during hurricanes this bridge is a
major evacuation route for Camden, Currituck and Dare County residents seeking shelter. Loss of
this bridge during a disaster could severely hinder emergency and recovery operations as this bridge
provides a vital link from Camden County to Pasquotank County where Albemarle Hospital, the
area’s major hospital is located. There are several other bridges located within Camden County that
are vital transportation links and would require rerouting of traffic and additional resources if
inoperable.
Agency
Camden
Causeway
Bridge
Address
US Highway 158
(intersects with Water
Street)
Operated
24/7?
Yes
Does the
facility have a
generator?
Yes
108
Phone Number
252-331-4772 (Bridge Phone)
252-331-4763 (Office Phone)
Replacement
Value
N/A
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Dismal Swamp Canal enters Camden County at the NC/VA state line. The northern portion of
the canal at Deep Creek, in Chesapeake, connects with the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River
and the southern end of the canal, in Camden, leads to Albemarle Sound. The Canal is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Civil Engineering
Landmark. The historic canal is now recognized as part of the National Underground Railroad and
along with the Great Dismal Swamp, is noted as a former sanctuary for runaway slaves seeking
freedom. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains the canal and the South Mills
Locks. The locks raise or lower cruising craft about 8 feet.. The locks currently operate four times a
day; 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM, unless closed for maintenance. A distance of 19.8
nautical miles separates the Deep Creek lock and the South Mills lock and below South Mills, the
Intracoastal Waterway follows the Pasquotank River for 14.5 nautical miles to Elizabeth City. The
locks have been used to control flood waters from the Virginia area along the Dismal Swamp Canal
into the South Mills community.
Agency
South Mills Locks
Address
Main Street/North 343
Operated
24/7?
No
Does the
facility have a
generator?
No
109
Phone Number
252-771-5906
Replacement
Value
200,000.00
Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Mitigation Funding Sources
LOCAL RESOURCES
Donations
Capital Improvements Projects
Community Empowerment Groups
Economic Development Funds
Insurance
Private Not-for-Profit
Public/Private Partnerships
School Bonds
Volunteer Organizations
STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this program provides four grant categories
to assist state, local, and tribal Fire Departments with funding necessary for training, equipment
purchase, vehicle acquisition, public awareness, code enforcement, arson prevention, and the like.
Contact: FEMA, 866-274-0960, 301-447-1608, or http://www.usfa.fema.gov/grants
Mitigation Grant Programs
North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) administers several programs to support the
vision of reducing the impacts of natural hazards on homes, businesses, and communities throughout the State.
These programs include the federally-funded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood
Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program, Repetitive Flood
Claims (RFC) program, and Severe Repetitive Loss (SLR) pilot program.
http://www.nccrimecontrol.org/Index2.cfm?a=000003,000010,001623,000177,000498
National Flood Insurance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Insurance Administration provides the
opportunity to purchase flood insurance under the Emergency Program of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
http://www.floodsmart.gov
North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), Division of Water
Quality provides in-kind services for the restoration of wetlands and for increased effectiveness of
wetland mitigation efforts.
http://www.nceep.net/abouteep/wetlands.html
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), Division of Water
Quality also provides financial assistance to local governments and the public for multiple
environmental programs including:
Wetlands Conservation/Restoration, Water Resource
Development, Clean Water Management, DOT Enhancement, etc.
http://www.ncstormwater.org/pages/financial.html
Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)
PARTF is the primary source of funding to build and renovate facilities in the state parks as well as
to buy land for new and existing parks. The PARTF program also provides dollar-for-dollar grants
to local governments. Recipients use the grants to acquire land and/or to develop parks and
recreational projects that serve the general public. A portion of PARTF is the primary funding
source for the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program. The program, administered by
the Division of Coastal Management (DCM), offers matching grants to local governments
throughout North Carolina's twenty coastal counties.
http://www.ncparks.gov/About/grants/partf_main.php
Clean Water Management Trust Fund
An agency of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR),
the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) provides grants for enhancement and
restoration of degraded waters. In addition, funding is provided for development of buffers and
greenways near rivers for environmental, educational and recreational needs.
http://www.cwmtf.net/
Community Facilities Loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides funding for
construction of community facilities for public use.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/index.html
Conservation Tax Credit Program
North Carolina recognizes the importance of land conservation to its economy, and offers a tax
credit program to promote conservation of ecosystem functions (fish and wildlife conservation
and conservation of natural areas), ecosystem services (farmland conservation) and other public
benefits (public access to public trails, waters, and beaches). The N.C. Conservation Tax Credit
Program, established as GS 113A-231, as well as GS 105-130.34 and 151.12 exists as an incentive
for private landowners to voluntarily conserve their land. When a landowner donates a
conservation easement or fee simple deed to a qualified recipient, they may receive a tax credit to
apply against their state income taxes.
http://www.onencnaturally.org/pages/CTC_Overview.html
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
Funding for the Emergency Conservation Program is provided by the Farm Service Agency, U.S.
Department of Agriculture to provide emergency funds for sharing with farmers the cost of
rehabilitating farmlands damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters; and
to carry out emergency water conservation of water enhancing measures during periods of severe
drought. Damage must be of such magnitude that it would be too costly for producer to rehabilitate
without federal assistance. Cost share up to 64% of cost of removing debris, restoring permanent
fences and grading, shaping and releveling land. Eligible Applicants: Any person, who, as owner,
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
landlord, tenant, or sharecropper on a farm or ranch, including associated groups, bears a part of the
cost of an approved conservation practice in a disaster area, is eligible to apply for cost-share
conservation assistance. No declared disaster required to be eligible.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=ecp
Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP)
Funding for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program is provided by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. The program assists in relieving imminent
hazards to life and property from floods and the products of erosion created by a natural disaster.
The Federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 1996 authorizes the purchase of flood plain
easements. The target areas are non-urban lowlands, which are predominantly cropland, grazing
land, hay land, or forest land adjoining the channel of a river, stream, watercourse, lake, or ocean
that have been subject to repeated flooding. EWP work can include: removing debris from stream
channels, road culverts and bridges; reshaping and protecting eroded banks; correcting damaged
drainage facilities; repairing levees and structures; re-seeding damaged areas; and purchasing
easements. Technical assistance and financial assistance is provided in the form of cost-share for
repairs. Natural Resources Conservation Service will acquire easements, but will have flexibility to
delegate management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities to an eligible sponsor. Eligible
Applicants are State and local governments or government subdivisions and private landowners
where Emergency Watershed Protection repairs will result in public benefit. All projects undertaken
must be sponsored by a municipality or county. Sponsor must write to the NRCS State
Conservationist requesting assistance within 60 days of flooding. Federal funds may bear up to 75%
of the construction cost of emergency measures. Sponsors may provide their share of costs in the
form of cash, in-kind services, or a combination of cash and in-kind services. Emergency Watershed
Protection may pay up to 100% of the easement value including appraisal, title searches, recording
fees, etc. Priority is give to local sponsors who contribute towards easement costs.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/EWP
Physical Disaster Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans to victims of declared physical disasters for
uninsured losses. The loan limit on these funds may be increased by twenty percent to provide for
mitigation measures.
http://www.sba.gov/
Property Improvement Loan Insurance
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) insures lenders against loss on
loans for alterations, repairs and improvements to existing structures and new construction of
nonresidential structures.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/title/title-i.cfm
Resource Conservation and Development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides
technical and limited financial assistance to communities for resource conservation projects
including land conservation, water management and environmental enhancement.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
River Basin Surveys and Investigations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical
assistance to local agencies for planning activities to solve problems related to the river basin,
including wetland preservation.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov
Soil and Water Conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service provides this in-kind
service in order to provide for the conservation, development and productive use of the nation’s
soil, water and related resources.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov
Snagging and Clearing for Flood Control
The Office of the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, Department of Defense provides
this service in order to reduce flood control.
http://www.usace.army.mil
Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program
This program of the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS) provides grants for
local governments for improvements in park system management and recreational opportunities.
http://www.cr.nps.gov/index.htm
Watershed Surveys and Planning
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical
and financial assistance for sharing costs of watershed protection measures, including flood
prevention, sedimentation control and recreation.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov
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Camden County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
References
Albemarle Economic Development Commission. http://www.albemarleedc.com/
Albemarle Electric Membership Corporation. http://www.albemarle-emc.com/
Albemarle Regional Health Services. http://www.arhs-nc.org/
Camden County Offices. http://camdencountync.besavvy2.egovlink.com
Camden County Ordinances. http://camdencountync.besavvy2.egovlink.com/Ordinance.cfm
Chesapeake and Albemarle Railroad. http://www.ncrailways.net/companies/CA.html
Coastal Resources Commission. N.C. Coastal Resources Commission
College of the Albemarle. http://www.albemarle.cc.nc.us/
Dismal Swamp http://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp/
Food Bank of the Albemarle. http://www.afoodbank.com/
Federal Emergency Management Agency. http://www.fema.gov
Hazard Mitigation Program. http://www.fema.gov/fima/mitgrant.shtm
K.E. White Continuing Education Center.
http://www.ecsu.edu/ECSU/AdminUnits/Business/Building_banners/facilities_k.e._white.htm
Lightning Safety Institute. http://www.lightningsafety.com/
National Flood Insurance Program. http://www.fema.gov/nfip/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. National Hurricane Center.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
National Weather Service. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
N.C. Coastal Area Management Act. http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us/Rules/cama.htm
N.C. Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. http://www.ncem.org/
N.C. Department of Transportation. http://www.ncdot.org/
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality.
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/
N.C. Dominion Power. http://www.dom.com/about/companies/ncpower/index.jsp
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
N.C. General Statutes. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/homePage.pl
N.C. National Guard. http://www.nc.ngb.army.mil/
N.C. Office of Emergency Medical Services. http://www.ncems.org/
North Carolina State Climatic Office. http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/
Nuclear Regulatory Commission. http://www.nrc.gov/
Real Time Fire Weather Information. http://www.nifc.gov/firemaps.html
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
http://www.fema.gov/library/stafact.shtm
Surry Nuclear Power Plant. http://www.dom.com/about/stations/nuclear/surry/index.jsp
The American Red Cross. http://www.redcross.org/prepare/makeaplan.html
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. http://www.usace.army.mil/
U.S. Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/
U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome
U.S. Department of Forestry. http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/
U.S. Postal Service. http://www.usps.com/
115