Southport updates emergency management code to modern incident-response framework

Fire Chief Charles Drew presented a comprehensive update to Chapter 6 of the Southport Code, saying the emergency-management provisions had not had "a comprehensive update since the 19 seventies." The revisions define what constitutes a state of emergency, set four response levels, clarify roles for the mayor and incident commander, outline evacuation authority and mutual aid, and add enforcement provisions. Chief Drew said the chapter aligns with the city's updated emergency operations plan and the National Incident Management System.

The proposed language also includes a 30-day price-gouging prohibition after a declared emergency and establishes a $0.50 monthly 9-1-1 charge per exchange access facility under the North Carolina Public Safety Telephone Act. Board members pressed for clearer notification to the aldermen before proclamations; the city attorney and manager suggested adding a sentence directing the manager to "make every effort possible to notify all members of the board in advance of a declaration of emergency, evacuation order, and press release." The board agreed to add clarifying language and return the drafted ordinance for a future vote.