Hurricane Helene

PROCLAMATION 
CITY OF BESSEMER CITY
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
STATE OF EMERGENCY 

The following Proclamation is issued by the Mayor of the City of Bessemer City: 

WHEREAS, information from the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other sources indicate that a major tropical weather system, Hurricane Helene, is approaching the Bessemer City area and is likely to impact the community; and 

WHEREAS, there is a high probability that the path of said tropical storm will cause severe disruption to our City and will affect Gaston County and the City of Bessemer City; and 

WHEREAS, said tropical storm is likely to be preceded, accompanied and followed by high winds, heavy rain, severe weather including but not limited to tornadic weather and severe damage; and further, that such conditions are beginning to occur and are likely to worsen, and that such conditions may exist in the City of Bessemer City for several days; and 

WHEREAS, the weather conditions associated with the tropical storm are such as to constitute an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property; 

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article 1 of N.C.G.S. Chapter 166A, Article 36A of N.C.G.S. Chapter 14, and Chapter 35 of Title Code of Ordinances of the City of Bessemer City Code, I Becky S. Smith, Mayor of the City of Bessemer City, do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within the City of Bessemer City. 

I further proclaim that the ordinances set forth below, which are contained in Chapter 35 of Title Code of Ordinances of the Bessemer City Code, are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, and protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency, and that the same shall be in effect within the City of Bessemer City until this Proclamation expires or is rescinded. I hereby order all city law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to my control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the emergency ordinances set forth below.

Access to Restricted Areas

1. The City Manager and his or her subordinates may restrict or deny access to any area, location, or street where such a restriction is necessary in order to help overcome this emergency or to prevent the emergency from worsening. These restrictions on access shall be indicated by means of barricades, posted notices, or orders to anyone in the area.

2. No person shall obtain access or attempt to obtain access to any area, location, or street to which the City Manager or his or her subordinates have restricted access according to the above directive.

I further proclaim that the Emergency Management Plan adopted by the City of Bessemer City, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this proclamation expires or is rescinded. All emergency management personnel are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the City’s Emergency Management Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements, and to furnish assistance thereunder. 

I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast, and that a copy of this Proclamation be posted in City Hall and other public buildings as appropriate. 

This Proclamation shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect for a Period of five days unless sooner rescinded pursuant to G.S. 14-288.16. 

BECKY S. SMITH, MAYOR

General Notices

• City Public Works Crews and Public Safety (Police and Fire) are on standby working to address conditions and hazards as they occur.  Thank you for your patience during this time.

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