Columbus County declares Level 2 EOC activation, will support warming centers instead of opening mass shelter

Columbus County staff said during an emergency meeting that they will activate the county Emergency Operations Center at Level 2 beginning tomorrow, provide support to multiple warming centers, and recommend residents limit travel during peak storm conditions.

Miss Stevens, who introduced the county update, said the county has been holding twice-daily conference calls with the National Weather Service and coordinating with municipalities, North Carolina Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation, the Highway Patrol, the Sheriff's Office and local fire and EMS agencies. "Our office has been monitoring that with the National Weather Service," she said.

Finance section chief Heather Woody told the board she previously brought a potential "storm budget ordinance" to the board on Oct. 6 that would fund full staff activation for roughly three to four days; Woody said purchase orders remain available and that staff are compiling logs to support FEMA reimbursement if the event is declared reimbursable.

Operations section chief Shannon Blackman said the county decided not to open a single central shelter because only the Whiteville facility had a generator that could ensure heat; instead, the county will support a distributed set of warming centers that include Facts of Life Church, the Bolton Senior Center, town facilities, the Taber City Courthouse and the Sheriff's Office east-end facility. "We are going to be working in conjunction and supporting these warming centers, instead of opening up one big shelter in the county in Whiteville," Blackman said.

Health and social services officials said dialysis centers have contingency plans and social-services staff are prepared to staff shelters if necessary; a social-services speaker noted limited but available energy-assistance funds and said residents can apply in person or online.

A Sheriff's Office representative said deputies will staff warming stations and that the department has about 80–86 four-wheel-drive vehicles available to transport residents to hospitals or dialysis clinics if needed. Logistics lead Stuart Carroll said teams are staging cots, water and ready-to-eat meals for warming centers.

Howard Wallace, the county public information officer, said he has issued press releases and will continue to push safety messaging, including a reminder about carbon monoxide risks from indoor heating devices. County officials urged residents to check on seniors and those with medical needs, prepare vehicles and homes for winter conditions, and rely on official channels for updates.

During the meeting the board also approved routine procedural items and a resolution to cancel the Feb. 2, 2026 regular meeting. Commissioners then closed the emergency call meeting by voice vote.

Officials said they will provide regular updates through county channels and local media as forecasts and conditions evolve.