The Department of Administration was proud to join the ranks of responders this weekend when multiple tornados cut a wide swath of destruction across North Carolina. Several of our divisions responded, with most efforts focused locally in the State Capitol.
As usual, employees of Facility Management were among the first on the scene to clear fallen trees and inspect state-owned facilities for damage. They were racing all day to address power outages at chillers and respond to building alarms, some of which were the result of power surges, but all of which needed to be inspected and reset.
While power was out at some locations, affecting service at the visitor parking lot near State Archives and the Executive Mansion, the only building to sustain serious damage was the Division of Motor Vehicles headquarters on New Bern Ave.
The State Construction Office partnered with Facility Management to expedite repairs to the facility, which focused largely on the roof. Public services were suspended there on Monday but scheduled to reopen today. They also worked together to ensure public safety and arrange for removal of a large tree felled at State Archives.
Additionally, the State Property Office provided emergency response over the weekend to assist workers and users of an Employment Security Commission office in hard-hit Roanoke Rapids. The office was located in leased spaced that was heavily damaged. Thanks to Gov. Perdue’s State of Emergency declaration, Property Office specialists were able to quickly identify and secure alternate office space to allow ESC workers to continue providing needed services to citizens.
The Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses also has been engaged in the recovery process, with certification specialists assisting local governments in affected areas to expedite contracting services. And our Communications Office has provided assistance to colleagues at the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, which has provided a steady stream of information to citizens and media regarding the state’s role in supporting the activities of local emergency responders.
I also would like to thank our Facility Management team for getting out early this morning to lower flags to half-staff at all state-owned facilities in the Downtown State Government Complex. Gov. Perdue yesterday called for all United States and North Carolina flags to be lowered in tribute to both storm victims and the countless responders who have saved lives and prevented additional injury. Flags will remain lowered through dusk Thursday, returning to full staff on Good Friday.
Below: DOA workers remove a downed tree.
