Disaster Resources

The Cape Fear Council of Governments (CFCOG) has created this Disaster Resources page to serve as a hub of information resources, ensuring local government entities across the region have access to critical tools and guidance for disaster preparedness, recovery, and resilience. Being informed and prepared with the necessary information and materials can make all the difference when facing natural disasters like hurricanes, flooding, and other emergencies that frequently impact our coastal region.

This page gathers essential resources from federal, state, and local agencies, providing funding opportunities, informational guides, procedures, templates, and training materials that may become valuable when preparing for or experiencing times of need. By centralizing these resources, we aim to strengthen the Cape Fear region’s ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from disasters, fostering a community that is not only better prepared for immediate impacts but also more resilient in the long term.

What is FEMA?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for coordinating responses to disasters, including natural events like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. Its role involves helping communities prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from such emergencies. FEMA provides resources, financial aid, and support to local and state governments when their capacity to handle a disaster is overwhelmed, ensuring that affected areas receive the necessary help to rebuild and recover.

North Carolina is part of FEMA Region 4, which covers eight southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This region focuses on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for these states.


Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG)

The Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) is a key resource provided by FEMA to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, along with eligible non-profit organizations, in navigating the process of obtaining disaster recovery funding. It consolidates FEMA’s policies for the Public Assistance (PA) Program, which offers financial aid for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or replacement of public infrastructure after a major disaster. The guide outlines eligibility, application procedures, and documentation requirements, ensuring communities have the necessary tools to recover efficiently and in compliance with federal regulations.

Too access the most recent version of FEMA's PAPPG click HERE.


FEMA Independent Study Courses

  • Basic recommended courses:
    • IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
    • ICS 100 - IS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
    • ICS-200 - IS-700 An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
    • IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction
    • IS-1000 Public Assistance Program and Eligibility

Linked FEMA Resources (Alphabetical)

1. North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS)

  • NC Emergency Management
  • Know Your Zone | Coastal Evacuation Information
    • "Know Your Zone" simplifies evacuation processes for North Carolina's 21 coastal counties by establishing predetermined evacuation zones. Residents and visitors can enter their address to find their zone and stay informed during emergencies. The resources also provide evacuation orders, hurricane guides, and traffic information. 

2. Disaster Recovery Planning & Grants

  • North Carolina Resilient Communities Program

3.  NC Disaster Recovery Guide

  • North Carolina Disaster Recovery Guide
    • This comprehensive guide outlines roles and responsibilities during recovery and provides step-by-step guidance on accessing both the state and federal assistance after a disaster.

4. North Carolina Office of Recovery & Resiliency (NCORR)

  • State Recovery Programs
    • Find information on funding for housing infrastructure recovery programs. NCORR helps local governments and communities apply for and manage state and federal recovery grants.

Brunswick County Emergency Management


Columbus County Emergency Services


New Hanover County Emergency Management


Pender County Emergency Management