Effective Sept. 18, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Edds has ended the State of Emergency Declaration for Hurricane Florence.

A state of emergency declaration is an essential part of the response and recovery efforts for disaster events of this magnitude. The chairman’s decision to declare the state of emergency activated the county’s  response system. This enabled the Rowan County Emergency Services Department to coordinate every service related to public protection.

Additionally, a state of emergency declaration is an eligibility requirement for receiving federal recovery funds. “Should the governor recommend Rowan County for recovery funds, the county has met the initial requirement thanks to the preparation and forethought from the Board of Commissioners,” said Emergency Services Chief Chris Soliz.

Rowan County Emergency Services is now assisting towns and municipalities with damage assessment and recovery planning. This is typically a long process and the goal is to gain a thorough understanding of the storm’s impact.  Questions regarding damage or recovery should be directed to local town or municipal government bodies.