Emergency Evacuations in North Carolina Prisons Prompted by Hurricane Helene

Following Hurricane Helene, over 2,000 individuals have been evacuated from North Carolina prisons. The NCDAC reported logistical relocations due to anticipated long delays in restoring services. The state has mobilized national guard and military assets for disaster response efforts. Families of relocated inmates are encouraged to utilize the Offender Locator service and refrain from general inquiries during ongoing emergencies.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) has successfully evacuated over 2,000 individuals from various correctional facilities throughout the state. Announced on October 2, this mass evacuation involved relocating more than 800 offenders from two prisons in western North Carolina, contributing to a total of 2,000 persons evacuated from five different facilities due to the storm’s impact. The specific figures indicate that 405 women were moved on Monday, followed by 841 men on Tuesday and another 805 men on Wednesday, as reported by the NCDAC. The NCDAC justified these evacuations, asserting they were necessary given the anticipated prolonged delays in the restoration of vital services such as water and power. At the time of the report, Western North Carolina was still in the process of recovery from Hurricane Helene, which holds the distinction of being the 14th most powerful storm to have struck the United States. In response to the disaster, President Biden mobilized 1,000 active-duty soldiers across affected states, including North Carolina, to facilitate operations such as transporting individuals through damaged areas and ensuring distribution of crucial resources like fuel and water. Additionally, North Carolina has deployed 700 National Guard members who are actively engaged in debris removal and search and rescue missions. Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the collaborative efforts among local, state, and federal agencies in a press release dated October 1. He stated, “As emergency responders continue search and rescue operations in Western North Carolina, local, state, federal, private and non-profit partners continue to work in concert to provide food, water, shelter and other basic necessities for people in need.” The state has advised the families of relocated inmates not to contact correctional facilities seeking information due to phone line congestion, which prioritizes emergency communications. Instead, families may utilize the NCDAC’s Offender Locator service to determine the whereabouts of their loved ones. Despite ongoing evacuations, the NCDAC has assured that all offenders will be returned to their original locations as conditions permit, although a specific timeline remains undetermined. According to the North Carolina state website, search and rescue activities are still active, and individuals in need of assistance or those wishing to report missing persons have been directed to call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162, as well as the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

This article addresses the significant responses and operations undertaken by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm has prompted widespread evacuations for the safety of inmates in correctional facilities, highlighting the coordination required among state and federal entities during natural disasters. The emphasis on maintaining communication lines for emergencies and the mobilization of military resources showcases the preparedness of agencies involved in disaster relief efforts.

The evacuation of over 2,000 offenders from North Carolina prisons following Hurricane Helene underscores the urgency and necessity of such measures in ensuring the safety of those impacted by the disaster. With ongoing recovery efforts involving multiple agencies, the state remains committed to restoring essential services and providing support to those affected. Families seeking information on relocated inmates are encouraged to use designated resources while the state continues its search and rescue operations.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com