WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – On Tuesday, Aug. 6, President Joe Biden ordered for federal assistance to supplement state and local responses due to the emergency from Tropical Storm Debby.

“The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe,” an announcement from The White House states.

This includes federal assistance and reimbursement for shelters and evacuation support in counties including Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties. The funds will cover 75% of the costs.

Earlier in the week, Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Debby.

“This weather has the potential to bring intense rain and flooding to North Carolina and we are preparing for it,” said Cooper. “As the weather becomes more severe, I urge everyone to take precautions and stay safe.”

The Order activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and allows for the NCDOT and NC Department of Public Safety to take the appropriate action to ensure the expeditious movement of utility vehicles to eliminate power outages, vehicles carrying essential supplies such as food, medicine and fuel or transporting livestock, poultry and crops.

Price gouging rules are also in effect, per Attorney General Josh Stein, meaning that businesses cannot unreasonably raise the price of goods or services to profit from a state of emergency. Stein encourages people to report any potential price gouging by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint online.

You can read the State of Emergency here.

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