In a pivotal community meeting on March 4, Ella Long of the Southport Climate Action Team (SCAT) presented an overview of climate action planning, highlighting critical gaps in emergency network communication and proposing potential solutions for evacuation readiness. The meeting gathered approximately 65% of participants from the Southport fire department, including Fire Chief Gerry Gamage and Assistant Chief Adam Harkin, alongside 35% of participants who are members from the Southport Island Association (SIA), including officer Carol Zalucky, two additional SCAT members Claire Tomlin and Smith Climo, and the Resilience Planner from Sunrise Ecologic, Shri Verrill.

The discussion underscored the importance of robust emergency communication systems and neighborhood connections. Key topics included the necessity of a designated evacuation muster point at Robinson's in the event of bridge closure, the implementation of a reverse 911 system for island-wide alerts, and the potential role of the Lincoln County Ham radio network in communication redundancy.

Fire Chief Gamage emphasized that while automated alerts are essential, community support is equally critical. He noted the fire department’s responsibilities during an emergency would include checking on residents, a task that could be supported by trained SIA members or designated Block Captains. The importance of consistent messaging to prevent panic was also stressed, with the D4H system highlighted as a tool for live data uploads, minimizing radio traffic and localizing communication efforts.

The meeting also revealed that Southport’s siren system is no longer operational, prompting discussions on alternative alert methods. Additionally, it was noted that a list of vulnerable individuals exists within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) framework, maintained through personal connections rather than just documentation.

Participants expressed unanimous support for more neighborhood-level engagement and volunteerism. Chief Gamage suggested that only 3-4 block captains are necessary, given the island’s layout, and emphasized the value of keeping the Incident Command System (ICS) lean for efficiency. Training opportunities through Lincoln County Emergency Management, including ICS and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs, were highlighted as essential for prospective volunteers.

Deputy Chief Adam Harkin has committed to assisting with further planning, and follow-up actions include mapping neighborhood divisions and identifying potential Block Leaders. This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward strengthening Southport’s emergency preparedness and fostering a more resilient community.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact SCAT or the Southport Fire Department: Fire Chief Gerry Gamage 207-631-1547; SCAT Email: Southportclimate@gmail.com