As the North Carolina Disaster Response and Resilience Network (NCDRRN) reflects on the devastating impacts of recent disasters across North Carolina—from Hurricane Helene’s destruction in Western NC to Tropical Storm Chantal, and all unprecedented flooding events—one thing has become clear: our communities need stronger, faster, and more equitable emergency communication systems. That’s why the NCDRRN is stepping into a new role.
We’re excited to announce that NCDRRN is developing a comprehensive Severe Weather Communications and Alert Plan, scheduled for implementation in 2026. This initiative represents a significant evolution in our mission to serve BIPOC and frontline communities across the state.
The climate crisis is intensifying, and historically marginalized communities continue to bear the brunt of disasters, often receiving critical information too late—or not at all. NCDRRN is committed to changing this reality by developing a rapid response system (alongside other efforts by other groups in the state) that ensures every North Carolina community receives timely, accessible, and credible weather alerts and disaster preparedness information.
Our new plan establishes NCDRRN as a trusted communications hub, working year-round in three key phases: pre-season preparation, pre-event activation, and post-event response. We’ll coordinate with partners like the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR), NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and local community leaders to deliver critical alerts through multiple channels: social media, email, text chains, and our website.
This is not only about sending alerts. It’s about building a statewide culture of preparedness rooted in community leadership. We’re prioritizing Spanish-language communications, plain-language messaging, and direct partnerships with environmental justice organizations and grassroots leaders who know their communities best.
As we develop this plan over the coming months, we’ll need input from communities across North Carolina. We’ll be hosting virtual preparedness briefings and launching public awareness campaigns to build the infrastructure that makes NCDRRN the resource North Carolinians seek out before, during, and after disasters.
Together, we can strengthen community resilience and ensure that when the next storm comes, everyone has the information they need to stay safe. Reach out to us at anita@ncsurvivalschool.org or lcroth26@gmail.com if you’d like to stay informed and/or get involved.
Please visit our website – www.ncsurvivalschool.org.
