Coastal residents by now have likely seen their fair share of reminders to prep for the 2026 hurricane season. But what about readying for life after a storm?
Dare County has a simulation for that.
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The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services, Dare County Emergency Management and Trillium Health are hosting a post disaster response simulation to show what it’s like in the weeks following a disaster, including the challenges and hurdles residents often face.
This free event is open to all adults and high school students and is set for 9 a.m.-noon Thursday at Manteo First Assembly’s Connect Center, 812 Wingina Ave.
During the event, participants will be assigned different roles simulating real-life situations, such as a homeowner whose house was badly damaged and needs to work with their homeowners insurance, caring for an aging parent and needing to fill that parent’s prescription or accessing money from a bank, or someone who needs to relocate after discovering mold in their flooded home.
“No matter your experience level, we can all benefit from sharpening our preparedness skills — and this simulation makes learning both practical and fun,” Dare County DHHS Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Greta Sharp stated in a release.
Similar simulations have been held in other North Carolina counties, offering residents and organizations an opportunity to build preparedness skills and increase empathy for people affected by emergencies. These simulations also highlight how post-storm life affects individuals living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders.
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“The post disaster simulation gives individuals the opportunity to learn and understand the daily struggles one may face following a disaster,” Dare County Social Services Division Director Chuck Lycett stated. “For organizations who provide resources, it gives them the opportunity to evaluate their level of customer service and ask ‘Are we creating more barriers for our citizens?'”
Interested participants may register online or on the day of the event, when registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. Early registration is encouraged because space is limited.
For additional information, contact Sharp at 252-475-5073.
