(A) For the purposes of this chapter, the Coordinator shall:
(1) Be responsible to the Board of Commissioners in regard to all phases of emergency management activity.
(2) Be responsible for the planning, coordination and operation of the emergency management activities in Lincoln County.
(3) Maintain liaison with the state and federal authorities and the authorities of other political subdivisions to ensure the most effective operation of the emergency management plans.
(B) The Coordinator's duties shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Coordinating the recruitment of volunteer personnel and agencies to augment the personnel and facilities of Lincoln County for emergency management purposes. Such services from persons outside of government may be accepted by Lincoln County on a volunteer basis.
(2) Developing and coordinating plans for the immediate use of all facilities, equipment, manpower and other resources of Lincoln County for the purpose of minimizing or preventing damage to persons and property; and protecting and restoring to usefulness governmental services and public utilities necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare.
(3) Enter into agreements with owners or persons in control of buildings or other property for the use of such buildings or other property for the emergency management purposes and designating suitable buildings as public shelters.
(4) Through public informational programs, educating the populace as to actions necessary and required for the protection of their persons and property in an emergency, either impending or present.
(5) Conducting drills and exercises to ensure the efficient operation of the emergency management forces and to familiarize residents with emergency management regulations, procedures and operations.
(6) Coordinating the activity of all other public and private agencies engaged in any emergency management activities.
(7) When personnel, equipment, or supplies for an emergency function are not available within the local government, the coordinator is authorized to seek assistance from other governments or from persons outside of government.
(8) The assignment of duties, when of a supervisory nature, shall also include the granting of authority for the persons to carry out duties prior to, during, and after the occurrence of an emergency.
(9) The invoicing of persons liable for hazardous materials release, and, in the event of non-payment, the discretion to proceed with legal action to recover costs.
(10) To coordinate the voluntary registration of functionally and medically fragile persons in need of assistance during an emergency either through a registry established by Lincoln County, the City of Lincolnton or by the State of North Carolina. All records, data, information, correspondence, and communications relating to the registration of persons with special needs or of functionally and medically fragile persons obtained pursuant to this subdivision are confidential and are not a public record pursuant to G.S. § 132-1 or any other applicable statute, except that this information shall be available to emergency response agencies, as determined by Lincoln County Director of Emergency Services. This information shall be used only for the purposes set forth in this subdivision.
(Ord. passed 3-21-2022)