Orange County Emergency Services Director Reacts to False Information about Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
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North Carolina communities already struggling with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene are facing waves of disinformation. Orange County Emergency Services Director, Kirby Saunders, appeared on WRAL after spending a week leading a disaster response team in Black Mountain, NC.
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Saunders explained there is a difference between misinformation, which could be unintentional, and disinformation, which is deliberating spreading fake information.
Both forms, however, hurt Helene survivors who need help.
Saunders said he has responded to many hurricanes, including Katrina, Florence and now Helene. Most recently, he spent a week in Black Mountain leading an incident management team.
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When Saunders arrived in Black Mountain on Sept. 29, he said there was no water supply, communication or power.
"This was the fastest I have ever seen FEMA disaster survivor assistance teams in an area," Saunders said. "In the first 72 hours, I was working with teams from Massachusetts, Illinois, Los Angeles, Florida, they were all there."
WRAL News asked how he felt when he returned to the Triangle and saw disinformation on social media.
"I'll be honest, it was hurtful," Saunders said. "It was hurtful to me, to our team, the great work that had been done in Black Mountain."
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Photos taken by Orange County Emergency Services Director, Kirby Saunders, in Black Mountain, NC.
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Voter Registration Deadline to Vote on Election Day is October 11
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The voter registration deadline to vote on election day is Friday, October 11 at 5 pm. Voters missing the October 11 registration deadline may register and vote during early voting at an early voting site. Proof of residency is required.
Early voting begins on Thursday, October 17.
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Orange County Sustainability Asks You to Pledge to Leave Your Leaves
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While it may involve a small shift in your landscaping habits, the simple practice of leaving leaves in your yard has many benefits for our community and the planet. Orange County, in collaboration with the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, encourages the community to leave the leaves in your yard from now through the spring instead of blowing them to the curb or collecting them for yard waste collection/drop-off. Leaving fall leaves will supply your yard with valuable nutrients and biodiversity.
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Orange County Conservation Initiatives 25th Anniversary Celebration on October 19 |
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Volunteers Needed for November 16 Repair Cafe
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Free Photo IDs for Voting Purposes at Chapel Hill Library
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Landlord Round Table on October 16 |
Halloween Spooktacular October 19 |
Cooperative Extension to Host Fall Lunch and Learns
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300 W. Tryon St. | Hillsborough, NC 27278 US
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This email was sent to kprelipp@orangecountync.gov.
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