Figure 48 Incident Count by Day of Week 2018-2020
Figure 49 Incident Count by Hour of Day 2018-2020 51
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 50 Hot Spot Analysis of Emergency Calls 2018-2020
52 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
All-Hazard Risk Assessment of the Community
Risk Assessment Methodology
An all-hazard risk assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the hazards and associated risks in a com-
munity served. This process incorporates identifying the risks, assessing the risks, classifying the risk, and
categorizing the risk. The risk assessment is divided into two areas of study that include emergency risks
(fire, EMS, technical rescue, and hazmat) and disaster risks (natural, other, and technological). Emergency
risks are more geographically isolated and can typically be handled with available resources. Disaster risks
are events that occur suddenly that have a widespread impact, long duration, and high demand for re-
sources. Emergency risks were evaluated utilizing the Three-Axis Heron Model while the disaster risks were
evaluated utilizing the priority risk index method. Disaster risks utilized a different methodology because
they were evaluated by the stakeholders of the region in 2021 for the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
Three-Axis Heron Model
Risk scores were developed utilizing the Three-Axis Heron model, a score established by reviewing prob-
ability, consequence, and impact to the organization. The risk score is represented graphically using the
three-axis model (Figure 51) and calculated using Heron’s Formula (Equation 1).
Risk Score .
P = Probability
C = Consequence to the Community
I = Impact on the agency
Equation 1 Heron’s Formula
Figure 51 Graphical Representation of Heron’s Formula 53
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Probability
Probability is the likelihood of an incident occurring over time. To forecast probability, the incident data was
obtained for a three-year period and sorted to determine frequency of call types. Utilizing this frequency
data, the probability score was determined.
Score Probability
2 Quarterly/Yearly (0-4)
4 Monthly (5-31)
6 Weekly (32-364)
8 Daily (greater than 365)
Table 7 Probability Score Matrix
Consequence
Consequences of an incident can range from minor injuries to severe impacts to the community that can
affect employment, life, and the environment. The consequence score is derived from weighting the com-
ponents of life, property/environment, and financial. Each call type was evaluated for its associated con-
sequences in the areas of life, property/environment, and financial utilizing those scores in the formula
(Equation 2) to create the consequence score.
Consequence Score = (Life Score x 50%) + (Property/Environment Score x 25%) + (Financial Score x 25%)
Equation 2 Consequence Score Equatio
Consequence
Score Life Property/Environment Financial
2 None
4 Less than 6 No property damage, No environmental impact 0-49,999
6 6 or more loss of life Single real property/Single person, Short term effects 50,000-499,999
on environment
8 Large life loss
potential Multi real property/commercial/multi people, 500,000-999,999
Significant impact with medium to long-term effects
to environment
Community/Historic/Large Tax Base, Significant long- 1 million or greater
term impact on environment/permanent damage
Table 8 Consequence Score Matrix
Impact
Impact is the affect the incident has on the agency’s resources. The impact of an incident directly relates to
the ability of the agency to handle additional incidents that may occur.
Score Impact
2 3 personnel or less (1 company)
4 4-9 personnel (2-3 companies)
6 10-15 personnel (4-5 companies)
8 16 personnel or greater (6 companies or greater)
Table 9 Impact Score Matrix
54 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Priority Risk Index
To draw some meaningful planning conclusions on hazard risk for the Southeastern NC Region, the Priority
Risk Index (PRI) was used to generate hazard classifications and prioritization of all potential hazards uti-
lizing high, moderate, or low. This tool was used to assist the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation
Planning Committee (TRRHMPC) in gaining consensus on the determination of the hazards that pose the
most significant threat to the Southeastern NC counties based on a variety of factors. The PRI is not scien-
tifically based but is rather meant to be utilized as an objective planning tool for classifying and prioritizing
hazard risks based on standardized criteria. The application of the PRI results in numerical values that allow
identified hazards to be ranked against one another (the higher PRI value, the greater the hazard risk). PRI
values are obtained by assigning varying degrees of risk to five categories for each hazard (probability, im-
pact, spatial extent, warning time and duration). Each degree of risk has been assigned a value (1 to 4) and
an agreed upon weighting factor, as summarized in Table 10. To calculate the PRI value for a given hazard,
the assigned risk value for each category is multiplied by the weighting factor. The sum of all five categories
equals the final PRI value, as demonstrated in the example equation below:
PRI VALUE =
[(PROBABILITY x .30) + (IMPACT x .30) (SPATIAL EXTENT x .20) + (WARNING TIME x .10) + (DURATION x .10)]
Equation 3 Priority Risk Index Value Equation
According to the weighting scheme and point system applied, the highest possible value for any hazard is
4.0. Prior to being finalized, PRI values for each identified hazard were reviewed and accepted by the mem-
bers of the Southeastern NC Regional Planning Committee.
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 55
Degree of Risk
PRI Level Criteria Index Assigned
Category Less than 1% annual probability Value Weighting
Between 1% and 10% annual probability
Unlikely Between 10 and 100% annual probability 1 Factor
100% annual probability
Possible 2 30%
Probability
3
Likely
4
Highly Likely
Minor Very few injuries, if any. Only minor property damage and 1
minimal disruption on quality of life. Temporary shutdown
of critical facilities.
Limited Minor injuries only. More than 10% of property in affected 2
area damaged or destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical
facilities for more than one day.
Impact Multiple deaths/injuries possible. More than 25% of prop- 30%
erty in affected area damaged or destroyed. Complete
Critical shutdown of critical facilities for mor. than one week. 3
Catastrophic High number of deaths/injuries possible. More than 4
50% of property in affected area damaged or destroyed.
Complete shutdown of critical facilities for 30 days or 1
more. 2
3
Spatial Negligible Less than 1% of area affected 4 20%
Extent Small Between 1 and 10% of area affected 1 10%
Moderate Between 10 and 50% of area affected 2 10%
Warning 3
Time Large Between 50 and 100% of area affected 4
1
Duration More than 24 hours Self-explanatory 2
12 to 24 hours Self-explanatory 3
6 to 12 hours Self-explanatory 4
Less than 6 hours Self-explanatory
Less than 6 hours Self-explanatory
Less than 24 hours Self-explanatory
Less than one week Self-explanatory
More than one week Self-explanatory
Table 10 Priority Risk Index Matrix
Fire
Fire incidents account for approximately 10.6% of the total incident volume. There was a decrease of inci-
dents from 2018-2020 due in part to the effects of the pandemic and stay at home orders. Historically, fire
incidents show an increase through the daytime hours with no day of the week being significantly busier
than others. Looking at the trends of fire incidents over months of the year, there has been a sharp increase
in fire incidents in September which could be attributed to debris burning after hurricanes and the begin-
ning of colder weather. Hotspot analysis shows that the geographic concentration of fires occurs in areas
that are most densely populated (Figure 53). Unintentional fires are most often caused by cooking fires,
misuse of materials, opening burning, and smoking materials (Figure 54). Most equipment fires are caused
by electrical equipment (Figure 55).
56 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 52 Fire Risk Trends 2018-2020
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 57
Figure 53 Fire Incident Hot Spot Analysis Map 2018-2020
Figure 54 Types of Unintentional Fire Causes 2018-2020
58 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 55 Types of Equipment Fires Causes 2018-2020
Figure 56 Hydrant Locations and Flow Rates
Water Supply and Needed Fire Flow
In the northern district, most of the urban and suburban areas have sufficient available water supply (Figure
56). The rural area still lacks hydrants requiring tender operations for water supply. The southern district
has only a few small areas that are lacking hydrants. In 2019, water and sewer lines were installed along the
421-corridor providing water supply to some of the largest needed fire flow buildings in the county. Evalua-
tion of the needed fire flow of commercial buildings from the Insurance Service Office commercial property
database, show that the northern district has the buildings with the largest fire flow requirements (Figure
59). This database also identifies that 8.4% of those commercial buildings are sprinkled in the northern dis-
trict while 14.5% are sprinkled in the southern district.
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 59
Figure 57 Hydrant Count by Flow Rate
Figure 58 Hydrant Count by Station and Planning Zone
60 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 59 Commercial Buildings Needed Fire Flow (gallons per minute)
Source: Insurance Services Office commercial property database
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 61
Figure 60 Structure Fire Risk Trends 2018-2020
Structure Fires
Structure fires account for approximately 15% of all fires. Structure fires slightly increase over June and July
but also over the winter months of December and January. The trend of structure fires over the days of the
week show that most occur on Friday and Monday; however, there is not a significant difference between
any day of the week. Most structure fires occur during the daytime hours with the most occurring at 7 p.m.
followed by noon. Hotspot analysis of structure fires show that incidents correlate with the most densely
populated areas in the fire district (Figure 61). Analysis of the area of fire origin shows that most structure
fires begin in the kitchen (Figure 62).
62 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 61 Structure Fire Hot Spot Analysis Map 2018-2020
Figure 62 imageStructure Fires Area of Fire Origin 63
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Wildfire
The entire county is at risk for a wildfire occurrence. Drought conditions and urban-wildland interface can
make populations more susceptible to those wildfires.
Figure 63 shows the Wildfire Ignition Density for New Hanover County based on data from the Southern
Wildfire Risk Assessment. This data represents the likelihood of wildfire igniting in the area, which is derived
from historical wildfire occurrences to create an average ignition rate map.
Figure 63 Wildfire Ignition Density in New Hanover County
Source: Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment
The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is not a fixed geographical location, but rather a combination of human
development and vegetation where wildfires have the greatest potential to result in negative impacts. The
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Risk Index layer is a rating of the potential impact of a wildfire on people and
their homes (Figure 64).
64 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 64 Wildland Urban Interface Risk Index 65
Source: Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 65 Number of Wildfires and Number of Acres Burned
Information from the National Association of State Foresters was used to ascertain historical wildfire events
(Figure 65). As the population continues to grow within the county, more houses and communities will be at
risk from wildfires in wildfire prone areas.
One of the largest fires in New Hanover County occurred near the Castle Hayne area on Edna Buck Road in
2008. The wildfire burned over 1,500 acres of woods between Edna Buck Road and Holly Shelter Road. The
fire lasted for 7-10 days because the fire was fueled by organic soil and peat moss which, according to North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality “could take months to burn out without substantial rain”.
Fire Risk Classification
Utilizing the Three Axis Heron Model for the risk assessment, fire incident types were categorized into low,
moderate, high, and maximum risk categories.
Risk Type LOW MODERATE
Incident Type VEHICLE FIRE SMALL NON-DWELLING BLD/STRUCT FIRE
ELECTRICAL HAZARD OUTSIDE TANK FIRE
SMOKE INVESTIGATION VEHICLE FIRE COMMERCIAL
WILDLAND FIRE - SMALL MOBILE HOME, HOUSE TRAILER FIRE
MARINE FIRE SMALL WILDLAND FIRE
LIGHTNING STRIKE LARGE BRUSS/GRASS FIRE
OUTSIDE FIRE FIRE THREATENING STRUCTURE
ALARM
Risk Type HIGH MAXIMUM
Incident Type LARGE WILDLAND FIRE COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRE
BUILDING/STRUCTURE FIRE OVER WATER HIGH LIFE HAZARD STRUCTURE FIRE
MARINE FIRE WITH BUILDING/DOCK RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE STRUCTURE FIRE
LARGE NON-DWELLING BLD/STRUCT FIRE AIRCRAFT FIRE
OUTSIDE LARGE TANK FIRE HIGH RISE STRUCTURE FIRE
RESIDENTIAL SINGLE STRUCTURE FIRE EXPLOSION
TRAIN FIRE
INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURE FIRE
Table 11 Fire Risk Classification
66 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency medical services (EMS) incidents account for 53.3% of all incident types. The decrease in overall
incident volume from 2018 to 2020 has been due to the changes in responses to COVID related incidents.
Volume of incidents during the months of the year was mostly consistent. Trends show that January was
the month with the most incident volume which is different from past analysis. These changes in trends
are related to the combination of the pandemic, stay at home order, and change in responses to medical
incidents. EMS incidents trend consistently during the days of the week, with no one day standing out as a
Figure 66 Emergency Medical Services Risk Trends 2018-2020 67
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 67 EMS Hot Spot Analysis Map 2018-2020
busier day. Incident volume begins increasing at 7 a.m. and continues consistently throughout the day start-
ing to decrease at 11 p.m. Hotspot analysis shows the demand for services correlated with the most densely
populated areas as well as the major transportation routes (Figure 67).
Emergency Medical Services Risk Classification
Utilizing the Three Axis Heron Model for the risk assessment, EMS incident types were categorized into low,
moderate, high, and maximum risk categories.
Risk Type LOW MODERATE HIGH MAXIMUM
Incident Type EMS INCIDENT CARDIAC ARREST MCI LEVEL 1 (> 6 PATIENTS) MCI
ACTIVE ASSAILANT
MASS TRANSPORTATION
INCIDENT
Table 12 EMS Risk Classification
68 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Technical Rescue
Technical rescue incidents account for 1.4% of the overall incidents. The decrease in incidents from 2018 to
2020 is directly related to the pandemic and stay at home order since most of the technical rescue related
incidents in the area are related to recreation and water rescues. Most technical rescue incidents happen
over the warm weather months due to the proximity to the water and the amount of water-based recre-
ation that occurs in the area. This is also the case for the incident trends for the days of the week with most
incidents occurring on Saturday. Most technical rescues tend to occur between noon and 4 p.m. Hotspot
analysis shows incidents occurring around the airport which accounts for aircraft emergencies, along the
main transportation routes which account for vehicle extrications, and near the launch points for the water-
ways which account for water rescues (Figure 69).
Figure 68 Technical Rescue Risk Trends 2018-2020 69
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 69 Technical Rescue Hot Spot Analysis Map 2018-2020
Technical Rescue Risk Classification
Utilizing the Three Axis Heron Model for the risk assessment, technical rescue incident types were catego-
rized into low, moderate, high, and maximum risk categories.
Risk LOW MODERATE HIGH MAXIMUM
Type
WATER RESCUE - BACKCOUNTRY RESCUE STRUCTURE
POOL/LAKE/SURF LOST PERSON COLLAPSE
WATER- SWIFT WATER
Incident ELEVATOR/ESCALATOR MVC PINNED LARGE FLOOD AIRCRAFT
Type INCIDENT QUICKSAND/MARSH/ WATER RESCUE EMERGENCIES
MUD RESCUE
SINKING VEHICLE/VEHICLE VEHICLE IN BUILDING HIGH ANGLE TRAIN
IN FLOODWATER COLLISION/
CONFINED SPACE DERAILMENT
SMALL FLOOD WATER RESCUE
TRENCH RESCUE
EXTRICATION/ENTRAPMENT
AIRCRAFT STANDBY
Table 13 Technical Rescue Risk Classification
70 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials incidents account for 1.2% of all incident types. Hazardous materials incidents tend to
occur more frequently over the summer months as well as during the weekday. These incidents are most
likely to occur between the hours of nine to eleven in the morning and one to four in the afternoon. The
sharp decrease in incidents between noon and 1 p.m. is because this is often the lunch break for utility
workers, road construction crews, and contractors. Hotspot analysis shows that incidents occur along the
major transportation routes which correlates with fuel spills from vehicle crashes and gas leaks as gas lines
tend to follow the road infrastructure (Figure 71).
Figure 70 Hazardous Materials Risk Trends 2018-2020 71
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 71 image70.jpeg Hazardous Materials Hot Spot Analysis Map 2018-2020
Hazardous Materials Risk Classification
Utilizing the Three Axis Heron Model for the risk assessment, hazardous materials incident types were cate-
gorized into low, moderate, high, and maximum risk categories.
Risk LOW MODERATE HIGH MAXIMUM
Type
HAZMAT-WATERWAY GAS LEAK - HIGH LIFE HAZMAT
FUEL SPILL GAS LEAK – RESIDENTIAL HAZARD/COMMERCIAL/ UNCONTAINED
MVC HAZMAT HIGH RISE/RESIDENTIAL
Incident HAZMAT CONTAINED MULTIPLE
Type
ODOR
GAS LEAK – OUTSIDE/
UNKNOWN
Table 14 Hazardous Materials Risk Classification
72 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Disaster Risk
This section of the Community Risk Assessment – Standard of Cover was directly sourced from the South-
eastern North Carolina Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan published in January 2021. Detailed information
about each hazard including background and description, location and spatial extent, historical occurrences,
probability of future occurrences, and vulnerability assessment can be found in that plan.
Through a collaborative process, stakeholders identified disaster related hazards in the 2021 Southeastern
NC Regional Mitigation Plan (Table 15). This process included input from the Southeastern NC Regional Haz-
ard Mitigation Planning Committee members, identification of previous disaster events (Table 16), research
of past disaster declarations (Table 17), and review of the North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Identified Hazards for the 2021 Southeastern Sub hazards covered in 2021 Plan and Explana-
NC Regional tions
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Drought Agricultural Drought, Hydrological Drought
Excessive Heat
Hurricane and Coastal Hazards Nor’easters, Storm Surge, Rip Currents
Tornadoes/Thunderstorms Hailstorm, Torrential rain associated with Severe
Thunderstorm, Thunderstorm Wind, Lightning,
Natural Hazards Waterspout, High Wind
Severe Winter Weather
Freezing Rain, Snowstorms, Blizzards, Wind Chill,
Extreme Cold
Dam Failures
Flooding
Geological Hazards Sinkholes, Coastal Erosion
Wildfires
Other Hazards Infectious Disease
Tsunami
Hazardous Substances Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Chemicals, Oil Spill
Technological Radiological Emergency – Fixed
Hazards Nuclear Facilities
Terrorism Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive
Electromagnetic Pulse
Table 15 Disaster Risk Hazards
Hazard Type Number of
Events
Flash Flood 29
Flood 25
Hail 5
High Wind 2
Lightning 3
Thunderstorm Wind 12
Tropical Storm 1
Winter Storm 2
Table 16 Summary of Hazards since November 2016
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 73
Year Description
1984 Hurricane Diana
1996 Hurricane Bertha
1996 Hurricane Fran
1998 Hurricane Bonnie
1998 Hurricane Floyd
2003 Hurricane Isabel
2005 Hurricane Ophelia
2008 Tropical Storm Hanna
2010 Severe Storms, Flooding, and Straight-Line Winds
2011 Hurricane Irene
2016 Hurricane Matthew
2018 Hurricane Florence
2019 Hurricane Dorian
2020 COVID-19 Pandemic
2020 Hurricane Isaias
Table 17 Disaster Declarations
Drought Year Drought Occurrence
2001 Severe Drought
According to the North Carolina Drought Monitor Classifications, the 2002 Severe Drought
most severe drought condition experienced in New Hanover County 2003 Normal
has been extreme drought (Table 18). Additionally, for sixteen out of 2004 Abnormally Dry
the previous 19 years (2001-2019) there has been a period of some 2005 Abnormally Dry
level of drought (at least abnormally dry). 2006 Abnormally Dry
2007 Extreme Drought
According to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Coun- 2008 Extreme Drought
cil and National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), the 2009 Abnormally Dry
longest duration of drought in New Hanover County lasted 8 weeks 2010 Abnormally Dry
beginning on November 27, 2007 and ending on January 21, 2008. 2011 Extreme Drought
2012 Severe Drought
2013 Abnormally Dry
2014 Abnormally Dry
2015 Normal
2016 Abnormally Dry
2017 Abnormally Dry
2018 Normal
2019 Moderate Drought
2020 Abnormally Dry
2021 Severe Drought
Table 18 North Carolina Drought Monitor Classification
for New Hanover County 2001-2021
74 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Excessive Heat
Excessive heat poses little risk to property; however, it can have devastating effects on health. Populations
such as the elderly and the young are more susceptible to heat danger than other segments of the popula-
tion. The highest temperature recorded in New Hanover County is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Data from the
National Centers for Environmental Information was used to determine historical excessive heat and heat
wave events in New Hanover County. There have been 7 excessive heat occurrences between 1996 and
2018.
Hurricane and Coastal Hazards
A total of 15 hurricanes have directly impacted New Hanover County since 1830 (Table 19). The greatest
classification of hurricanes to traverse directly through the Southeastern NC Region was Hurricane Hazel
that was a Category 4 at landfall near Calabash with winds speeds of 130 mph. The primary damaging forces
associated with these storms are high-level sustained winds, heavy precipitation, and tornadoes. Damage
during hurricanes may also result from spawned tornadoes, storm surge, and inland flooding associated
with heavy rainfall that usually accompanies these storms. Most hurricanes and tropical storms form in the
Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico during the official Atlantic hurricane season, which en-
compasses the months of June through November.
North Carolina has experienced the fourth greatest number of hurricane landfalls of any state in the twen-
tieth century. According to the National Hurricane Center’s historical storm track records, sixty-three (63)
hurricanes; fifty-three (53) tropical storms; and twenty-two (22) tropical depressions for a total of 138 storms
have passed within 75 miles of New Hanover County.
Date of Occurrence Storm Name Maximum Wind Speed Storm Category
(Miles Per Hour)
9/19/2000 Gordon 81 Tropical Depression
9/23/2000 Helene 69 Tropical Storm
6/14/2001 Not Named 58 Tropical Depression
7/14/2002 Not Named 58 Tropical Depression
9/10/2002 Gustav 98 Tropical Storm
10/12/2002 Not Named 86 Tropical Depression
8/3/2004 Alex 121 Category 2
8/13/2004 Not Named 64 Tropical Depression
8/14/2004 Charley 150 Category 1
8/30/2004 Not Named 74 Tropical Depression
9/14/2005 Ophelia 86 Category 1
6/14/2006 Not Named 58 Tropical Storm
9/1/2006 Ernesto 75 Tropical Storm
6/3/2007 Not Named 58 Tropical Storm
9/6/2008 Christobal 63 Tropical Storm
7/20/2008 Hanna 86 Tropical Storm
5/27/2009 One 35 Tropical Depression
9/3/2010 Earl 144 Category 2
8/27/2011 Irene 121 Category 1
5/30/2012 Beryl 69 Tropical Storm
5/19/2012 Alberto 58 Tropical Storm
6/17/2013 Andrea 63 Tropical Storm
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 75
Date of Occurrence Storm Name Maximum Wind Speed Storm Category
(Miles Per Hour)
5/11/2015 Tropical Depression
6/2/2016 Ana 58 Tropical Depression
6/7/2016 Tropical Storm
9/21/2016 Bonnie 46 Tropical Storm
10/19/2016 Category 1
9/29/2017 Colin 58 Tropical Depression
9/14/2018 Category 1
10/11/2018 Julia 52 Tropical Storm
9/6/2019 Category 1
8/3/2020 Matthew 167 Category 1
7/8/2021 Tropical Storm
Ten 46
Florence 138
Michael 155
Dorian 110
Isaias 99
Elsa 65
Source: National Hurricane Data Center
Table 19 Tropical Events Passing within 75 miles of New Hanover County 2000-2021
Hurricane Bertha - Bertha made landfall near Wilmington on July 12, 1996, as a Category Two hurricane,
with estimated winds of 105 mph. Storm surge flooding and beach erosion were severe along the coast.
Damages were estimated to exceed $19 million with 1750 buildings sustaining damage including the hospi-
tal. Rainfall totals of 5.66 inches were measured in New Hanover County, resulting in widespread flooding
and power outages. Raw sewage escaped into Burnt Mill Creek.
Hurricane Fran – Hurricane Fran, with winds estimated at 115 mph, made landfall over Cape Fear on the
evening of September 5, 1996. Immediately following the storm, nearly all New Hanover County was without
electrical power. Power outages exceeded 1 week in some areas. The storm passed through New Hanover
County with winds gusting around 110 mph, storm surge 12 feet above mean sea level (MSL), and 40-foot
beach erosion destroying most docks and piers. Carolina Beach was hard hit, as 25 homes were carried off
foundations and many others badly damaged. Wrightsville Beach was not hit as hard, but 15 homes were at
least 75% damaged. In Wilmington, 14 homes were destroyed, and 385 homes suffered major damage. The
197-foot-tall steeple of 130-year-old First Baptist Church fell. Evacuation shelters housed 880 people. County
infrastructure suffered 5 million in damage with an additional 2 million in damage to the schools.
Hurricane Bonnie - Hurricane Bonnie made landfall near Wilmington as a border Category 2/3 hurricane
with approximately 115 mph winds and a diameter of 400 miles on August 27, 1998. Winds gusts of 74 mph
and 9.04 inches of rainfall were recorded in New Hanover County. Tides along the coast reached 7-9 feet.
The storm slowly moved off land on August 28, 1998. In its wake, the total damage was estimated in the $3.8
million range.
Hurricane Floyd - Hurricane Floyd brought flooding rains, high winds, and rough seas as it made landfall on
September 16, 1999, near Bald Head Island as a Category 2 storm only a week after Tropical Storm Dennis
made landfall. Maximum sustained winds at landfall were 105 mph; however, a wind gust of 120 mph was
measured at the EOC. In New Hanover County, record rainfall distinguished Floyd with the most rain ever in
24 hours at the Wilmington Airport (14.84”) and a storm total of 19.06”. Widespread flooding and high water
closed most roads, including US 17 and Interstate 40, isolating many areas. Ocean storm surge was 9 to 10
feet, inundating barrier islands and causing extensive dune erosion. Housing losses were near $25 million
with 8 homes destroyed and more than 200 sustaining major damage.
Hurricane Matthew –Hurricane Matthew hit North Carolina on October 8, 2016, as a Category 1 storm.
Communities were devastated by this slow-moving storm primarily by widespread rainfall. During a 36-hour
period, up to 18 inches of heavy rainfall inundated areas in central and eastern North Carolina. Riverine
flooding began several days after Hurricane Matthew passed and lasted for more than two weeks. The Cape
Fear River crested at 8.17 feet on October 8th and again at 7.35 feet on October 17th closing Highway 421.
76 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Hurricane Florence – Hurricane Florence made landfall in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September
14th, 2018, as a Category 1 storm. The storm dropped a record level of rain in New Hanover County of 30
inches causing widespread flooding that closed many roads and inundated neighborhoods. The Northchase
neighborhood was particularly hard hit with up to three feet of water entering homes. Three hundred fifty
water rescues were performed in the Wrightsboro and Ogden communities during the flash flooding. The
Cape Fear River at downtown Wilmington reached 8.28 feet on September 14 during Hurricane Florence’s
storm surge. A portion of U.S. Highway 421 was also closed due to flooding and the road washing out.
Moderate flooding occurred during most high tides over the next two weeks including a secondary peak of
7.33 feet on September 16. New Hanover County and the city of Wilmington were isolated from the outside
world for several days as every access route including Interstate 40, and U.S. Highways 17, 74, 76, and 421
were all closed due to flooding. State officials were quoted on September 20th saying, “There is not a safe,
stable, or reliable route for the public to get to and from Wilmington.” Over 22 million gallons of untreated
sewage overflowed into area waterways. A coal ash storage pond at a decommissioned coal power plant
overtopped, affecting 2,000 cubic yards of ash. An earthen dam at Sutton Lake breached in multiple spots
allowing the lake to drain into the Cape Fear River. This shut down the Duke Energy natural gas power plant
which relied on the lake for cooling water.
Strong winds with wind gusts of 100-105 mph blew down a large number of trees and power lines, cutting
electricity to over 90 percent of the county. Full restoration of electrical service took over ten days. The
storm also spawned four EF-0 and three EF-1 tornadoes throughout the county. In New Hanover County,
about 5,630 residential structures and 568 commercial structures were damaged. A tree fell into a home in
Wilmington during the storm, killing a mother and her child and sending the father to the hospital with in-
juries. Schools were closed for 17 days. The UNC-Wilmington campus suffere. 140 million dollars in damage
and the hospital 18 million in damage. Total loses were estimated at over 1.2 billion dollars including New
Hanover County Fire Rescue Station 12 on Highway 421.
Hurricane Dorian – Bands of showers and thunderstorms ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s center produced
four tornadoes across New Hanover County during the morning of September 5, 2019. The storm spawned
three EF-0 and one EF-1 tornadoes. Dorian continues to turn to the right and the center remained offshore
as it approached New Hanover County with the eye remaining 30 miles offshore. Heavy rain totaling 10.67
inches led to flash flooding in parts of New Hanover County. Highway 117 in Castle Hayne was covered with
two feet of water. Several neighborhood streets along Gordon Road, North College Road, and Market Street
were covered in water through part of the afternoon. After a lull during the late afternoon, additional heavy
rain led to a second round of flash flooding during the late evening that closed several roads. NCDOT esti-
mated 319 million dollars in road damage. New Hanover County estimated 9.3 million dollars in damage.
Hurricane Isaias - Hurricane Isaias made landfall at Oak Island, North Carolina on August 3, 2020, with
maximum sustained winds near 85 mph. Wind gusts of 99 mph caused damage to trees, power lines, and
some structures. In New Hanover County, 85,000 residents were without power. The storm surge moved up
the tidal portion of the Cape Fear River into downtown Wilmington, causing significant street flooding and
damage to businesses. The Cape Fear River
crested at 9.03 feet, surpassing the previ-
ous record set during Hurricane Florence.
New Hanover County estimate damages at
over 18.3 million dollars. Damage to Oak
Island resulted in a deployment from New
Hanover County Search and Rescue Task
Force 11 to assist in coordinating the local
search of 354 structures.
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 77
Rip Currents
All the coastal areas of New Hanover County are at-risk to rip currents. Further, these areas are equally sus-
ceptible to any of the four types of rip currents. The Fort Fisher revetment in New Hanover County is notori-
ous for permanent rip current occurrences. Inclement weather conditions may also increase the severity of
this hazard.
According to the National Weather Service, high risk rip current days historically occur between March and
October. During this period in 2020, there were 170 days of the 244 that had some rip current risk either
weak, moderate, or severe. During this same time frame, there were 618 rescues from lifeguards at area
beaches.
Storm Surge
Storm surge generally occurs with most
coastal storms (hurricanes, tropical storms,
nor’easters). The Sea, Lake and Overland
Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model is a
computerized numerical model developed
by the National Weather Service (NWS)
to estimate storm surge heights resulting
from historical, hypothetical, or predicted
hurricanes. The SLOSH maps illustrate the
potential storm surge for Category 1, 2,
and 3 hurricanes (Figures 72, 73 & 74).
Figure 72 Category 1 Storm Surge Inundation Model Map (SLOSH
78 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 73 Category 2 Storm Surge Inundation Model Map (SLOSH)
Figure 74 Category 3 Storm Surge Inundation Model Map (SLOSH)
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 79
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are more likely to occur during the months of March through May and are most likely to form in
the late afternoon and early evening. Most tornadoes are a few dozen yards wide and touch down briefly.
The destruction caused by tornadoes ranges from light to inconceivable depending on the intensity, size,
and duration of the storm. Typically, tornadoes cause the greatest damage to structures of light construc-
tion, including residential dwellings (particularly mobile homes). Event locations are completely random, and
it is not possible to predict specific areas that are more susceptible to tornado strikes over time.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, there have been 17 tornadoes since 2008
causing 1.68 million dollars in damage and 3 injuries. Since 2000, the National Weather Service has issued
46 Tornado Warning in New Hanover County. Tornado events are not an annual occurrence; however, given
the location and history of tornadoes, an occurrence is possible every few years. While the majority of the
reported tornado events are small in terms of size, intensity, and duration, there is the potential for strong
tornadoes in the region.
Severe Storms
Thunderstorms
A thunderstorm event is typically a widespread event; however, are the most common because atmospheric
conditions in the area are favorable for generating powerful storms. Thunderstorms can produce a vari-
ety of accompanying hazards including wind, hail, and lightning. Although thunderstorms generally affect
a small area, they are very dangerous and may cause substantial property damage. Thunderstorm events
have the capability of producing straight-line winds that can cause severe destruction and threaten the
safety of a population. Such winds events, sometimes separate from a thunderstorm event, are common
throughout the area.
According to NCEI, there have been 67 reported thunderstorm wind events in New Hanover County since
2000 causing 1.68 million dollars of damage. The strongest thunderstorm wind event occurred on May 31,
2003, with wind speeds of 100 mph causing 750,000 dollars of damage. The National Weather Service has
issued 438 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in New Hanover County since 2000.
Hailstorms
Hailstorms are a potentially damaging outgrowth of severe thunderstorms. It is assumed that the South-
east NC Region is uniformly exposed to severe thunderstorms; therefore, all areas of the region are equally
exposed to hail which may be produce by such storms.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, 57 recorded hailstorm events have affect-
ed New Hanover County since 2000. The largest hailstone reported in New Hanover County was 2.5 inches
(reported on June 16th, 1971).
Lightning
Lightning strikes occur in very small, localized areas. While lightning is most often affiliated with severe thun-
derstorms, lightning may also strike outside of heavy rain and might occur as far as 10 miles away from any
rainfall. Direct lightning strikes can cause significant damage to buildings, critical facilities, and infrastruc-
ture largely by igniting a fire. Lightning is also responsible for igniting wildfires that can result in widespread
damages to property.
According to the data from Earth Networks 2020 North Carolina Lightning Report, there were 74,467 light-
ning pulses in New Hanover County for 2020 as well as 77 days of thunder. The National Weather Service
has documented 4 lightning deaths since 2006. According to Vaisala’s U.S. National Lightning Detection
Network (NLDN®), New Hanover County experiences lightning events at 20.3 events/km2/year.
Severe Winter Weather
Severe winter weather may include snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a mix of these wintry forms of precipitation.
Even small accumulations can down power lines and tree limbs creating hazardous driving conditions. Since
winter weather is rare, even a small accumulation of snow or ice can significantly impact the community.
The greatest one-day snowfall recorded was in December 1989, which resulted in approximately 17.5 inches
80 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
of snowfall in New Hanover County. In February 2014, New Hanover County experienced its second largest
ice storm with 0.56 inches of freezing rain dropping over 2 days majorly impacting trees and power lines.
Tree damage from the storm appeared similar to a category 1 hurricane causing the county to enact its veg-
etative debris removal contract which was previously only done after tropical storms and hurricanes. Since
2000, the National Weather Service has issued 37 Winter Storm Warnings, 1 Snow Squall Warning, 1 Heavy
Snow Warning, and 4 Ice Storm Warnings for New Hanover County.
Earthquakes
Approximately two-thirds of North Carolina is subject to earthquakes, with the western and southeast
region most vulnerable to a very damaging earthquake. The state is affected by both the Charleston Fault
in South Carolina and New Madrid Fault in Tennessee. Both faults have generated earthquakes measuring
greater than 8 on the Richter Scale during the last 200 years. In addition, there are several smaller fault lines
throughout North Carolina.
According to the National Geophysical Data Center, New Hanover County has experienced 13 occurrenc-
es of seismic activity since 1886. The greatest Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) impact to the county was
reported on September 1, 1886, with a MMI of V (moderate) with a correlating Richter Scale measurement of
approximately 4.8.
Geological Hazards
Sinkholes
According to the North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality, sinkholes mainly occur in the south-
eastern coastal plain due to its karst topography. Notable examples occurred near Snow’s Cut and Carolina
Beach State Park and along Interstate 40 just outside of the county impacting a major transportation route.
Based on historical information and the NCDEQ, the probability of future sinkhole events is likely. The coast-
al population is growing, as is the region’s need for water. As more water gets pumped out of the ground
for public and private use, the water level in the limestone cavities will drop. When the water is no longer
in the cavity to help support the ceiling, the
cavity will be more likely to collapse, forming a
sinkhole.
Coastal Erosion
The importance of erosion control has gained
the increased attention of the public not only
because it affects the environment, but it also
is problematic for homes and businesses that
are constructed on or near beaches. Severe
erosion can cause extreme property loss or
damages. Many beaches rely on sandbags
to be placed in front of homes and dunes to
protect them from falling into the ocean.
According to the North Carolina Division of
Coastal Management’s 2019 study of average
annual erosion rates, the New Hanover Coun-
ty beaches that are experiencing erosion are
averaging a rate of 2- 7 feet per year. Figure
75 show areas where coastline is eroding and
accreting according to state data.
Coastal erosion remains a natural, dynamic,
and continuous process for New Hanover
County. The damaging impacts of coastal
erosion are lessened through continuous
Figure 75 Figure 75 Coastal Erosion Rates in New Hanover County
Source: NCDEQ
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 81
(and costly) beach nourishment and structural shoreline protection measures; however, it is likely that the
impacts of coastal erosion will increase in severity due to future episodic storms.
Dam Failure
According to the North Carolina Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, there are two high risk
dams in New Hanover County, the Sutton 1971 Ash Pond, and the Sutton 1984 Ash Pond. On September
21, 2018, there was a dam failure at the Duke Power plant at Sutton Lake. An earthen dam at Sutton Lake
breached, with water from the Cape Fear River tipping into an on-site basin used to store coal ash. The
flooding was not severe and did not cause any damages to roads or buildings.
Flooding
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information,
there were a total of 98 flooding events throughout the unincorporat-
ed area of New Hanover County since June 1997 resulting on over 5
billion dollars in damage (Figure 76). Since 2000, the National Weather
Service has issued 59 flash flood warnings and 245 flood warnings.
During Hurricane Florence in September 2018, 21,821 properties were
impacted by flooding.
There are areas in New Hanover County that are susceptible to flood- Figure 76 Flood Events and Flood Property
ing. Figure 77 illustrates the location and extent of currently mapped Damage in New Hanover County
special flood hazard areas for New Hanover County based on best
available FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate (DFRIM) data. According
to First Street Foundation, approximately 33,163 properties are at risk
for flooding.
According to FEMA flood insurance
policy records as of August 2015, there
have been more than 6,302 flood losses
reported in unincorporated New Ha-
nover County through the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since
1970, totaling over $52 million in claims
payments (Figure 78). It should be em-
phasized that these numbers include
only those losses to structures that were
insured through the NFIP policies, and
for losses in which claims were sought
and received. It is likely that many addi-
tional instances of flood losses were ei-
ther uninsured, denied claims payment,
or not reported.
Figure 78 Flood Related Insurance Policies, Claims, and
Claim Payments
Figure 77 Special Flood Hazard Areas in New Hanover County
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
82 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Infectious Disease
There have been several significant viral outbreaks from emerging diseases in recent years including the
Zika virus, the West Nile virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Ebola, and COVID-19. While each
of these conditions caused a great deal of public health concern when they were first identified, SARS have
virtually disappeared, West Nile virus occurs with low frequency and causes serious disease in only a very
small percentage of cases, Ebola has been contained and a vaccine is in development, and many people
infected with Zika will not experience symptoms from the disease. COVID-19 is the only outbreak that has
led to a pandemic.
A COVID-19 pandemic disaster declaration was declared for North Carolina on March 24, 2020. As of No-
vember 15, 2021, there have been 29,034 cases and 295 deaths in New Hanover County. Fifty nine percent
(59%) of the population in New Hanover County have been fully vaccinated. The extent of this pandemic can
not only be measured by the number of lives lost but also the economic dollar losses caused by the disease.
As the pandemic continues, it is shaping up to be the deadliest and costliest infectious disease outbreak to
impact New Hanover County.
Some of the other infectious diseases of greatest concern include influenza, particularly in a pandemic form,
as well as norovirus, and multiple antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis. Even in one of its normal year-to-year
variants, influenza (commonly referred to as “flu”) can result in serious illness and even death in young chil-
dren, and elderly and immune-compromised persons. There is always the potential risk of the emergence of
an influenza of the pandemic H1N1 form, such as the “Spanish” outbreak of 1918-1919, which killed over 50
million people worldwide. Every year, North Carolina sees hundreds of cases of influenza, leading to hun-
dreds of hours of lost productivity in businesses due to sick employees. Of note, a vaccine for influenza is
produced every year and, according to the CDC, is highly effective in preventing the disease.
Norovirus is recognized as the leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States. The virus
can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, and is easily spread from person to person through con-
taminated food or water, and by surface-to-surface contact. Especially vulnerable populations to this virus
include those living or staying in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and other healthcare facilities,
such as hospitals. Norovirus could also be a threat in the event of large public gatherings such as: sporting
events, concerts, festivals, and so forth. North Carolina often experiences norovirus outbreaks on an annu-
al basis. No vaccine or treatment exists for Norovirus, making it especially dangerous for the public in the
event of an outbreak.
Radiological Emergency – Fixed Nuclear Facilities
The Brunswick Nuclear Plant is located just north of Southport, North Carolina on the Cape Fear River. The
plant is a two-unit boiling water reactor location, and the units commenced operation in 1975 and 1977.
This was the first nuclear power plant built in North Carolina and it has a capacity of 1,870 megawatts. The
plant is less than thirty miles outside of downtown Wilmington and is just outside of the city limits of South-
port.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission defines two emergency planning zones around nuclear plants. Ar-
eas located within 10 miles of the station are within the zone of highest risk to a nuclear incident and this
radius is the designated evacuation radius recommended by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Within
the 10-mile zone, the primary concern is
exposure to and inhalation of radioac-
tive contamination. The most concerning
effects in the secondary 50-mile zone are
related to ingestion of food and liquids
that may have been contaminated. The
southern portion of New Hanover County
is within the 10-mile zone and the rest of
the county is within the 50-mile zone.
Brunswick Nuclear Plant 83
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Terrorism
Cyber
Cyberattacks are deliberate attacks on information technology systems to gain illegal access to a computer,
or purposely cause damage. As New Hanover County becomes more technologically advanced and depen-
dent upon computer systems, the threat of cyberattacks is becoming increasingly prevalent. No cyber-at-
tacks have been historically reported in New Hanover County. While New Hanover County government has
not had any attacks that have negatively impacted the infrastructure or had a cost associated with them,
over a one-year period there has been 98 attempts (Figure 79).
Figure 79 Count of Cyber Attack Attempt Type for New Hanover County
84 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Disaster Hazard Risk Classification
Utilizing the priority risk index score hazards were categorized into low, moderate, and high risk.
Sub hazard(s) Category/Degree of Risk PRI
Assessed Probability Score
Hazard Spatial
Extent 2.1
Impact Warning Time Duration 2.5
3
Natural Hazards More than 1
week 2.8
Drought Likely Minor Small More than 24 2.4
hours Less than 1 2
week 2.1
Excessive Heat Likely Minor Large More than 24 2.2
hours Less than 1 1.7
week 3.3
Hurricane and Likely Critical Large More than 24 2
Coastal Hazards hours Less than 6
hours 2.1
Hurricane and Rip Currents 2.3
Coastal Hazards Less than 1
week 2.2
Tornadoes/ Hailstorm, Highly Limited Moderate 6 to 12 hours 2.6
Thunderstorms Lightning Likely Less than 6 2.2
hours 3
Severe Winter Possible Limited Large More than 24
Weather hours Less than 6
hours
Earthquakes Unlikely Minor Moderate Less than 6
hours More than 1
week
Geological Sinkholes Likely Limited Small Less than 6
Hazards hours Less than 24
hours
Geological Coastal Highly Minor Negligible More than 24
Hazards Erosion Likely hours Less than 1
week
Dam Failure Unlikely Limited Negligible Less than 6
hours More than 1
week
Flooding High Likely Critical Moderate 6 to 12 hours
Less than 1
Tsunamis Unlikely Limited Small Less than 6 week
hours
More than 1
Other Hazards week
Wildfires Likely Minor Small 12 to 24 hours Less than 24
hours
Infectious Unlikely Critical Moderate Less than 6
Disease hours Less than 1
Technological Hazards week
Hazardous Less than 6
Substances Possible Limited Small hours Less than 24
Radiological hours
Emergency Fixed Nuclear Unlikely Critical Large 6 to 12 hours
Facilities Less than 1
Terrorism Less than 6 week
Unlikely Critical Small hours
Cyber Possible Critical Large Less than 6
hours
Figure 80 Disaster Risk Category and Priority Risk Index Score
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 85
HIGH RISK Flooding
MODERATE RISK Hurricane/Coastal Hazards
LOW RISK Cyber
Tornadoes/Thunderstorms
Figure 81 Disaster Risk Classification
Severe Winter Weather
Radiological Emergency
Infectious Diseases
Hazardous Substances
Drought
Terrorism
Wildfire
Geological Hazards (Sinkholes, Coastal Erosion)
Rip Currents
Tsunamis
Excessive Heat
Earthquake
Dam Failure
Electromagnetic Pulse
86 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Community Feedback
Community feedback is critical to understand the community expectations about the type and level of
services provided by NHCFR. New Hanover County Fire Rescue conducted a community stakeholder survey
in November 2020. The survey was sent to 101 individuals from 39 groups representatives of education,
businesses, residents, government, and community groups (Table 20). There was a 55% return rate on the
survey. The group was asked to relay their feedback on service priorities, expectations, concerns, strengths,
and challenges. The top themes are outlined below.
Cape Fear Community College New Hanover County Human Resources
Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts of America New Hanover County Information Technology
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority New Hanover County Property Management
Cape Fear SAFEKIDS New Hanover County Recovery & Resilience
Carolina Beach Fire Department New Hanover County Schools
City of Wilmington Emergency Management New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
General Electric New Hanover County Social Services
Homeowner Associations New Hanover County Tax
Kure Beach Fire Department New Hanover Disaster Coalition
Mobile Communications America New Hanover Regional Emergency Management
New Hanover County 911 New Hanover Regional EMS
New Hanover County Building Safety Southeastern Area Technical High School
New Hanover County Communications and Outreach Southeastern Healthcare Preparedness Region
New Hanover County Diversity & Equity University of North Carolina at Wilmington
New Hanover County Emergency Management Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
New Hanover County Risk Management Wilmington Fire Department
New Hanover County Engineering Wilmington Police Department
New Hanover County Planning Wrightsville Beach Fire Department
New Hanover County Finance Wilmington International Airport
New Hanover County Health Department
Table 20 Groups Participating in Community Feedback
Service priorities Concerns
1. Firefighting 1. Diversity
2. Emergency Medical Services 2. Mental Health
3. Disaster preparedness
4. Fire protection and inspections Strengths
5. Hazardous materials response 1. Emergency response/deployment
2. Training
Community Expectations 3. Partnerships
1. Firefighters have a safe working environment
2. Firefighters have the mental health support Challenges
to do their job 1. Growth
3. Firefighters are highly trained 2. Funding
4. Firefighters have good equipment 3. Staffing
5. Quick emergency response
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 87
Program Goals and Objectives
New Hanover County’s strategy map, community feedback and internal stakeholder feedback shaped the
development of the NHCFR strategy map. This strategy map sets the goals and objectives for the organiza-
tion as well as identifies the direction for the different program areas.
NHC Fire Rescue Strategy Map 2021-2024
Growth & Development Education & Outreach Community Response
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
Encourage development of complete Promote early Increase access to Prevent and reduce Sustain the community capacity to prepare
communities in the unincorporated county learning that programs to opioid abuse for and respond to public safety demands
prevent and
DESIRED OUTCOME ensures reduce obesity DESIRED OUTCOME
life-long resiliency
Implement policies and business practices to protect Preparation that results in the appropriate
complete commmunities in order to preserve affordability DESIRED OUTCOME response and ensures resiliency
TARGET Every child has their Community knows Fewer people
safety needs met risks of obesity and misusing opiates
Increase elements that protect the community so that they can
and structures in complete communities ultimately perform individuals can
at grade level equitably pursue
a life that
mitigates risks
TARGET TARGET
Increase access to Increase awareness Decrease opioid Reduce the total response Reduction 90% of emergency
fire and life safety and access to programs related deaths time of the first arriving in calls calls receive the
and opportunities that unit to emergency calls appropriate
education and by 100% from the FY19 benchmark per capita
safety devices promote healthy effective response
nutrition or exercise force within the
designated time
in marginalized
communities
GOOD GOVERNANCE
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT STRONG FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Provide excellent public safety and emergency services Minimize taxes and fees
Increased public awareness about NHCFR
Deliver the right service at the right time Proactively manage the fire district budget
Plan for long term health of the fire district
INTERNAL BUSINESS Optimize practices to improve Align services and programs Instill an organizational culture Strengthen department, agency,
PROCESSES efficiencies and support equity with strategic priorities of effective communication and community relationships to
ORGANIZATIONAL nurture inclusive partnerships
CAPACITY
Create and foster a diverse, professional Promote an organizational environment that Build capacity for data-driven Engage in continuous learning
workforce that promotes health, is adaptable, open to change, innovative, decision making
wellness and safety and focuses on continuous improvement
Updated 08/23/2021
Figure 82 New Hanover County Fire Rescue Strategy Map 2021-2024
88 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Current Deployment and Performance
Deployment Strategies
Current station locations are based off a five-mile district as it relates to the Insurance Service Office (ISO)
requirements for properties to be insured in a rated fire district. The agency also evaluates the number
of road miles covered by an engine for 1.5 miles, the number of road miles covered by a service company
(truck or rescue) for 2.5 miles, and a 5-minute travel time of the first due unit (Figure 83). Analysis has shown
that a modeled 5-minute travel time and historical travel time performance do not always yield the same
results due to the road network and traffic. These areas have been identified (Gordon Rd area and Golden
Rd area) and monitored for increasing travel time trends.
The current deployment model is based off the closest unit regardless of jurisdiction. Automatic vehicle
location (AVL) identifies the closest unit within a mile of an incident. If no unit is found, the closest unit is
determined by preprogrammed geoproximity zones that identify the closest stations. Utilizing Emergency
Fire Dispatch (EFD) and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols, each incident type (nature code) is
assigned a specific response based off the needed capabilities for the incident.
During the analysis of the different
risk areas, a critical task analysis was
performed to identify the number of
personnel needed to mitigate each
risk type category. The number of
personnel determined was utilized to
identify the effective response force
for an incident type. This effective
response force is programmed into
CAD for each incident type (nature
code). The ability to amass these ef-
fective response force numbers was
model utilizing an eight-minute travel
time (Figure 84).
Automatic aid with Wilmington Fire
Department, Carolina Beach Fire
Department, Kure Beach Fire Depart-
ment, Wrightsville Beach Fire De-
partment, Pender Fire & EMS, Rocky
Point Fire Department, and Leland
Fire and Rescue is utilized to fulfill
the requirement of apparatus and
personnel for the effective response
force.
Figure 83 Five Minute Travel Time Model for First Unit 89
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Figure 84 Effective Response Force Model Based on an 8 Minute Travel Time
Critical Task Analysis
The process for developing the critical task analysis included evaluating the critical tasks that are required
and/or needed at each incident type and identifying the number of personnel needed to complete those
tasks. Information from NFPA 1710, NHCFR historical incident data, qualitative data from senior incident
commanders, NHCFR after action reviews, and multi-company drills were utilized to determine the critical
tasks and associated number of personnel.
90 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Fire
Risk Type LOW MODERATE HIGH MAXIMUM
Critical Fire Attack/ Fire attack – 2 Fire attack – 4 Fire attack – 6
Tasks Investigation – 1 Rapid Intervention Rapid Intervention
Rapid Intervention Team – 3 Team – 3
Command – 1 Team – 3 Back Up Line – 4 Back Up Line – 4
Pump Operator – 1 Pump Operator – 1
Pump Operator – 1 Back Up Line – 2 Command/ Command/
Accountability – 1 Accountability – 2
Pump Operator – 1 Water Supply – 1 Water Supply – 1
Ventilation/Search – 2 Ventilation/Search – 2
Command/Safety/ Aerial Operator – 1 Aerial Operator – 1
Accountability – 1 Safety Officer - 1 Safety Officer - 1
Water Supply – 1
Ventilation/Search - 2
Effective 12 (4 Companies) 18 (6 Companies) 21 (7 Companies)
Response 3 (1 Company)
Force
Table 21 Fire Risk Critical Task Analysis
Risk Type LOW EMS HIGH MAXIMUM
MODERATE
Critical Patient Care - 2 Patient Care – 2 Triage – 3 Triage – 3
Tasks Command Officer - 1 Treatment – 1 Treatment – 11
Transport - 1 Transport – 3
Command Officer - 1 Command Officer - 1
Effective 3 (1 Company) 6 (2 Companies) 18 (6 Companies)
Response 2 (1 Company)
Force
Table 22 EMS Risk Critical Task Analysis
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 91
Risk Type LOW RESCUE HIGH MAXIMUM
MODERATE
Critical Extrication – 2 Extrication – 2 Building Triage/Haz- Extrication – 6
Tasks Command/Safety/ ard Control – 2
Accountability - 1 Stabilization/Back up/ Stabilization – 6
Rigging – 2 Victim removal – 2
Victim removal - 7
Scene monitoring - 1 Back up - 2
Command/Safety/
Command/Safety/ Scene Monitoring - 1 Accountability - 2
Accountability - 1
Stabilization/Rigging
–3
Command/Account-
ability – 1
Safety - 1
Effective 6 (2 Companies) 12 (4 Companies) 21 (7 Companies)
Response 3 (1 Company)
Force
Table 23 Technical Rescue Risk Critical Task Analysis
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Risk Type LOW MODERATE HIGH MAXIMUM
Perimeter Control – 1 Perimeter Control – 2 Evacuation – 6 Evacuation – 9
Critical Mitigation/ Mitigation/ Mitigation/ Mitigation/
Tasks Containment – 1 Containment – 3 Containment – 3 Containment – 6
Command/Safety/ Command/Safety/ Perimeter Control – 2 Perimeter Control – 4
Accountability - 1 Accountability - 1
Command/Safety/ Command/Safety/
Accountability - 1 Accountability - 2
Effective 6 (2 Companies) 12 (4 Companies) 21 (7 Companies)
Response 3 (1 Company)
Force
Table 24 Hazardous Materials Risk Critical Task Analysis
92 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Baseline Performance and Benchmark Statements
The following statements outline the actual performance (baseline) and the desired goals of performance
(benchmark) for NHCFR. Benchmark statements were established using the expectations of the community
and evaluating current performance. By evaluating the data associated with the baseline performance and
comparing that performance, the agency can identify the gaps to identify areas of improvement.
Fire Performance Objectives
Low Risk Fire Baseline Performance
For 90% of all low-risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed with
a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 4 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of providing
500 gallons of water and 1,500 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, establishing command, providing
the initial size up report, requesting additional resources if necessary, initiating fire attack, and performing
any needed rescues.
Low Risk Fire Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all low-risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed with
a minimum of 3 firefighters, shall be 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of provid-
ing 500 gallons of water and 1,500 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, establishing command, provid-
ing the initial size up report, requesting additional resources if necessary, initiating fire attack, and perform-
ing any needed rescues.
Moderate Risk Fire Baseline Performance
For 90% of all moderate risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed
with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 9 minutes and 6 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of providing
500 gallons of water and 1,500 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, establishing command, providing
the initial size up report, requesting additional resources if necessary, initiating fire attack, and performing
any needed rescues.
For 90% of all moderate risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response
force, staffed with a minimum of 12 firefighters, is 12 minutes and 32 seconds. The effective response force
shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountability, establish-
ing a water supply, operating multiple hose lines, establishing a rapid intervention crew, performing search
and rescue operations, completing forcible entry and ventilation operations, and providing exposure protec-
tion.
Moderate Risk Fire Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all moderate risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed
with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of provid-
ing 500 gallons of water and 1,500 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, establishing command, provid-
ing the initial size up report, requesting additional resources if necessary, initiating fire attack, and perform-
ing any needed rescues.
For 90% of all moderate risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response
force, staffed with a minimum of 12 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The effective response force
shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountability, establish-
ing a water supply, operating multiple hose lines, establishing a rapid intervention crew, performing search
and rescue operations, completing forcible entry and ventilation operations, and providing exposure protec-
tion.
High Risk Fire Baseline Performance
For 90% of all high-risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed with
a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 9 minutes and 41 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of providing
500 gallons of water and 1,500 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, establishing command, providing
the initial size up report, requesting additional resources if necessary, initiating fire attack, and performing
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 93
any needed rescues.
For 90% of all high-risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response force,
staffed with a minimum of 18 firefighters, is 17 minutes and 54 seconds. The effective response force shall
be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountability, establishing a
water supply, operating multiple hose lines, establishing a rapid intervention crew, performing search and
rescue operations, completing forcible entry and ventilation operations, and providing exposure protection.
High Risk Fire Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all high-risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed with
a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of providing
500 gallons of water and 1,500 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, establishing command, providing
the initial size up report, requesting additional resources if necessary, initiating fire attack, and performing
any needed rescues.
For 90% of all high-risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response force,
staffed with a minimum of 18 firefighters, is 15 minutes. The effective response force shall be capable of
establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountability, establishing a water supply,
operating multiple hose lines, establishing a rapid intervention crew, performing search and rescue opera-
tions, completing forcible entry and ventilation operations, and providing exposure protection.
Maximum Risk Fire Baseline Performance
For 90% of all maximum risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed
with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 9 minutes and 1 second. The first due unit shall be capable of providing
500 gallons of water and 1,500 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, establishing command, providing
the initial size up report, requesting additional resources if necessary, initiating fire attack, and performing
any needed rescues.
For 90% of all maximum risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response
force, staffed with a minimum of 21 firefighters, is 20 minutes and 1 second. The effective response force
shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountability, establish-
ing a water supply, operating multiple hose lines, establishing a rapid intervention crew, performing search
and rescue operations, completing forcible entry and ventilation operations, and providing exposure protec-
tion.
Maximum Risk Fire Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all maximum risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed
with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of provid-
ing 500 gallons of water and 1,500 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, establishing command, provid-
ing the initial size up report, requesting additional resources if necessary, initiating fire attack, and perform-
ing any needed rescues.
For 90% of all maximum risk fire incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response
force, staffed with a minimum of 21 firefighters, is 17 minutes. The effective response force shall be capable
of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountability, establishing a water supply,
operating multiple hose lines, establishing a rapid intervention crew, performing search and rescue opera-
tions, completing forcible entry and ventilation operations, and providing exposure protection.
Emergency Medical Services Performance Objectives
Low Risk EMS Baseline Performance
For 90% of all low-risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed with
a minimum of 2 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 10 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of establishing
incident command, providing initial size up report and providing basic life support care.
94 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Low Risk EMS Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all low-risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed with
a minimum of 2 firefighters, shall be 7 minutes. The first due unit shall be capable of establishing incident
command, providing initial size up report and providing basic life support care.
Moderate Risk EMS Baseline Performance
For 90% of all moderate risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit,
staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 9 minutes and 7 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of
establishing incident command, providing initial size up report, and providing basic life support care.
Moderate Risk EMS Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all moderate risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit,
staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, shall be 7 minutes. The first due unit shall be capable of establish-
ing incident command and providing basic life support care.
High Risk EMS Baseline Performance
For 90% of all high-risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed
with a minimum of 2 firefighters, is - minutes and - seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of establish-
ing incident command, providing initial size up report, providing basic life support care, and implementing a
triage system.
For 90% of all high-risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response force,
staffed with a minimum of 6 firefighters, is - minutes and - seconds. The effective response force shall be
capable of establishing incident command, providing basic life support care and assist in the triage system.
High Risk EMS Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all high-risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit, staffed
with a minimum of 2 firefighters, shall be 7 minutes. The first due unit shall be capable of establishing inci-
dent command, providing initial size up report, providing basic life support care, implement a triage system.
For 90% of all high-risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response force,
staffed with a minimum of 6 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The effective response force shall be
capable of establishing incident command, providing basic life support care and assist in the triage system.
Maximum Risk EMS Baseline Performance
For 90% of all maximum risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit,
staffed with a minimum of 2 firefighters, is - minutes and - seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of
establishing incident command, providing initial size up report, providing basic life support care and imple-
ment a triage system.
For 90% of all maximum risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response
force, staffed with a minimum of 18 firefighters, is - minutes and - seconds. The effective response force
shall be capable of establishing incident command, providing basic life support care and assist in the triage
system.
Maximum Risk EMS Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all maximum risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit,
staffed with a minimum of 2 firefighters, shall be 7 minutes. The first due unit shall be capable of establish-
ing incident command, providing initial size up report, providing basic life support care and implement a
triage system.
For 90% of all maximum risk EMS incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective response
force, staffed with a minimum of 18 firefighters, is 15 minutes. The effective response force shall be capable
of establishing incident command, providing basic life support care and assist in the triage system.
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 95
Technical Rescue Performance Objectives
Low Risk Technical Rescue Baseline Performance
For 90% of all low-risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit,
staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 9 minutes and 37 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of
establishing command, providing initial size up report, creating a safe area, providing basic stabilization and/
or extrication, and requesting additional resources as needed.
Low Risk Technical Rescue Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all low-risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit,
staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of
establishing command, providing initial size up report, creating a safe area, providing basic stabilization and/
or extrication, and requesting additional resources as needed.
Moderate Risk Technical Rescue Baseline Performance
For 90% of all moderate risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due
unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 9 minutes and 49 seconds. The first due unit shall be capa-
ble of establishing command, providing initial size up report, creating a safe area, providing basic stabiliza-
tion and/or extrication, and requesting additional resources as needed.
For 90% of all moderate risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effec-
tive response force, staffed with a minimum of 6 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 15 seconds. The effective
response force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and account-
ability, initiating a rescue, victim removal and providing or assisting with stabilization, rigging, or extrication.
Moderate Risk Technical Rescue Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all moderate risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due
unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capa-
ble of establishing command, providing initial size up report, creating a safe area, providing basic stabiliza-
tion and/or extrication, and requesting additional resources as needed.
For 90% of all moderate risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effec-
tive response force, staffed with a minimum of 6 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The effective
response force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and account-
ability, initiating a rescue, victim removal and providing or assisting with stabilization, rigging, or extrication.
High Risk Technical Rescue Baseline Performance
For 90% of all high-risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit,
staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 31 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of
establishing command, providing initial size up report, creating a safe area, providing basic stabilization and/
or extrication, and requesting additional resources as needed.
For 90% of all high-risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective
response force, staffed with a minimum of 12 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 49 seconds. The effective re-
sponse force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountabili-
ty, initiating a rescue, victim removal and providing or assisting with stabilization, rigging, or extrication.
High Risk Technical Rescue Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all high-risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due unit,
staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capable of
establishing command, providing initial size up report, creating a safe area, providing basic stabilization and/
or extrication, and requesting additional resources as needed.
For 90% of all high-risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effective
response force, staffed with a minimum of 12 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The effective re-
sponse force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountabili-
ty, initiating a rescue, victim removal and providing or assisting with stabilization, rigging, or extrication.
96 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Maximum Risk Technical Rescue Baseline Performance
For 90% of all maximum risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first
due unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 12 seconds. The first due unit shall be
capable of establishing command, providing initial size up report, creating a safe area, providing basic stabi-
lization and/or extrication, and requesting additional resources as needed.
For 90% of all maximum risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the ef-
fective response force, staffed with a minimum of 21 firefighters, is - minutes and - seconds. The effective
response force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and account-
ability, initiating a rescue, victim removal and providing or assisting with stabilization, rigging, or extrication.
Maximum Risk Technical Rescue Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all maximum risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first
due unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be
capable of establishing command, providing initial size up report, creating a safe area, providing basic stabi-
lization and/or extrication, and requesting additional resources as needed.
For 90% of all maximum risk technical rescue incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effec-
tive response force, staffed with a minimum of 21 firefighters, is 17 minutes. The effective response force
shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer and accountability, initiating a
rescue, victim removal and providing or assisting with stabilization, rigging, or extrication.
Hazardous Materials Performance Objectives
Low Risk Hazardous Materials Baseline Performance
For 90% of all low-risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due
unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 9 minutes and 46 seconds. The first due unit shall be capa-
ble of establishing command, providing initial size up report, requesting additional resources as needed,
starting initial evacuations and mitigate the situation if possible.
Low Risk Hazardous Materials Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all low-risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due
unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capa-
ble of establishing command, providing initial size up report, requesting additional resources as needed,
starting initial evacuations and mitigate the situation if possible.
Moderate Risk Hazardous Materials Baseline Performance
For 90% of all moderate risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first
due unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 11 minutes and 56 seconds. The first due unit shall be
capable of establishing command, providing initial size up report, requesting additional resources as need-
ed, starting initial evacuations and mitigate the situation if possible.
For 90% of all moderate risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the ef-
fective response force, staffed with a minimum of 6 firefighters, is 12 minutes and 05 seconds. The effective
response force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer/accountability,
assisting with mitigation and/or containment, establishing a perimeter, establishing cold/warm/hot zones,
and evacuations.
Moderate Risk Hazardous Materials Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all moderate risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first
due unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be
capable of establishing command, providing initial size up report, requesting additional resources as need-
ed, starting initial evacuations and mitigate the situation if possible.
For 90% of all moderate risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the ef-
fective response force, staffed with a minimum of 6 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The effective
response force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer/accountability,
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 97
assisting with mitigation and/or containment, establishing a perimeter, establishing cold/warm/hot zones,
and evacuations.
High Risk Hazardous Materials Baseline Performance
For 90% of all high-risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due
unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 8 minutes and 35 seconds. The first due unit shall be capa-
ble of establishing command, providing initial size up report, requesting additional resources as needed,
starting initial evacuations and mitigate the situation if possible.
For 90% of all high-risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effec-
tive response force, staffed with a minimum of 12 firefighters, is 16 minutes and 24 seconds. The effective
response force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer/accountability,
assisting with mitigation and/or containment, establishing a perimeter, establishing cold/warm/hot zones,
and evacuations.
High Risk Hazardous Materials Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all high-risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the first due
unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall be capa-
ble of establishing command, providing initial size up report, requesting additional resources as needed,
starting initial evacuations and mitigate the situation if possible.
For 90% of all high-risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the effec-
tive response force, staffed with a minimum of 12 firefighters, is 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The effective
response force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer/accountability,
assisting with mitigation and/or containment, establishing a perimeter, establishing cold/warm/hot zones,
and evacuations.
Maximum Risk Hazardous Materials Baseline Performance
For 90% of all maximum risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the
first due unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is - minutes and - seconds. The first due unit shall be
capable of establishing command, providing initial size up report, requesting additional resources as need-
ed, starting initial evacuations and mitigate the situation if possible.
For 90% of all maximum risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the
efffective response force, staffed with a minimum of 21 firefighters, is - minutes and - seconds. The effective
response force shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer/accountability,
assisting with mitigation and/or containment, establishing a perimeter, establishing cold/warm/hot zones,
and evacuations.
Maximum Risk Hazardous Materials Benchmark Performance
For 90% of all maximum risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the
first due unit, staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters, is 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The first due unit shall
be capable of establishing command, providing initial size up report, requesting additional resources as
needed, starting initial evacuations and mitigate the situation if possible.
For 90% of all maximum risk hazardous materials incidents, the total response time for the arrival of the ef-
fective response force, staffed with a minimum of 21 firefighters, is 17 minutes. The effective response force
shall be capable of establishing a command post, establishing a safety officer/accountability, assisting with
mitigation and/or containment, establishing a perimeter, establishing cold/warm/hot zones, and evacua-
tions.
98 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
Incident Data and Outliers
Outliers are extreme values that differ substantially from the rest of the data. For response performance
analysis, outliers are removed for times that are statistically unrealistic and do not represent day-to-day
performance. Excluded response times includes non-emergency incidents, mutual/automatic aid incidents
outside of the NHCFR service area, incidents canceled prior to arrival, and interquartile range data outli-
ers. Additionally, hurricane events of all response code types were removed for Hurricane Florence from
9/12/2018 to 9/18/2018, Hurricane Dorian from 9/2/2019 to 9/5/2019, and Hurricane Isaias from 8/3/2020
to 8/5/2020. No incidents were excluded during COVID-19 operations because it is an on-going emergency
operation event with protocols that significantly reduced call volume.
For emergency response incidents, the IQR upper outlier method was used. The upper IQR total response
minutes excluded anything beyond 0:21:13. Call processing times above 0:08:27, turnout times above
0:05:32, and travel times above 0:16:25 were also removed.
Response Times
Response times are broken down into several measures of time to fully evaluate the components of the
total response time. These time segments include alarm handling time, turn out time, and travel time.
Alarm handling time is the time from call pick up at the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), New Hanover
County 911 Center, to the dispatch of the first fire apparatus with a benchmark of 60 seconds.
Turn out time is the time from the first apparatus dispatch to the time the apparatus is en route to the inci-
dent with a benchmark of 60 seconds for EMS incidents and 80 seconds for fire and rescue incidents.
Travel time is the time from the first apparatus en route to the incident to the time of the first unit that ar-
rives at the scene of the incident with a benchmark of 5 minutes.
Total response time includes these three segments of time and is defined as the time from call pick up at
the PSAP to the first unit that arrives at the scene of the incident.
Effective response force (ERF) times is based on the ability to assemble the required number of firefighters
to perform the critical tasks for the specific incident. The number necessary is determined by the risk level
and the critical tasks. ERF travel time is defined as the time necessary for the required number of units and
firefighters to travel to the incident scene. The total ERF response time from the call pick up in the PSAP to
the time that the required number of units and firefighters arrive at the scene of the incident.
Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021 99
100 Community Risk Assessment - Standards of Cover 2021
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New Hanover County Fire Rescue Community Risk Assessment Standards of Cover
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