Update on Moore County
Introduction I wanted to provide an update on the power outage affecting much of our region in Moore County. Over the weekend, an unknown individual or individuals vandalized at least two power substations in Moore County with criminal intent, leaving numerous hospitals, schools, businesses, and close to 40,000 residents without power. The motive for this crime remains unknown, but law enforcement continue to investigate. I want to thank Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields and all local law enforcement, as well as the State Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation, for their quick action to respond to the incident. I have also been in contact with Duke Energy and other providers and know they are working on all options to restore power and service as quickly as possible. We must hold those responsible for this reprehensible act accountable. As officials continue to work to restore power and investigate the details of what happened Saturday night, numerous resources have been made available for those affected. A state of emergency has been issued for Moore County and a curfew is in effect from 9pm until 5am while this order is in effect. This state of emergency and curfew will be lifted Dec. 8 at 5 a.m. For those in need, a shelter has been opened at the Moore County Sports Complex located at 155 Hillcrest Park Ln. in Carthage. Folks can call 910-947-6317 for transportation to the shelter or other questions. This shelter will be open until Dec. 8 at noon. Many local businesses and groups are also making resources available to assist families in the area. For example, Harris Teeter distributed free bags of ice on Sunday afternoon to help families keep food and medicines cold. These examples of businesses and neighbors helping each other remind us of the strength of our community. According to the American Red Cross, food should be thrown out if it reaches 40 degrees. An unopened refrigerator can keep temperature for 4 hours, while a full freezer will keep temperature for about 48 hours. Water and Sewer service continues to operate as normal. There are no boil water advisories, and you may use sinks, toilets and other plumbing fixtures as normal. People can report power outages at ReadyNC.gov. Reporting your power failure may help to expedite your ability to access emergency services and information. Furthermore, anyone with any information about this act of violence should contact the Moore County Sheriff’s Office at 910-947-2931. A reward of up to $75,000 is being offered to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for destroying the electric substations in Moore County that has knocked out power for several days. The crime tip line is 910-947-4444. While crews continue to work, I urge everyone to check on your neighbors, especially those on medications or in nursing homes. I am remaining in constant communication with law enforcement, Governor Roy Cooper’s office, and our community, and will provide resources on my social media or website at http://Hudson.house.gov. If you or your family need assistance, you can contact my office in Washington, DC at 202-225-3715.
Additional resources from Moore County Public Safety and Sandhills Sentinel (These will be updated daily): Duke Energy anticipates having nearly all customers restored by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. *** SAFETY TIPS ONCE POWER IS RESTORED *** -When in doubt throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, texture. -If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply. -Turn off major appliances such as heat pumps, water heaters and stoves. Unplug other appliances such as TVs, stereos, microwaves, and computers. This will prevent damage to appliances and possible overloads to the company's system when power is restored. -Disconnect or turn off major appliances like refrigerators, HVAC and water heaters that could come on suddenly when power is restored. It'll help prevent blowing a fuse or tripping a circuit breaker. -If you have electricity in some parts of your home, but not in others, you may have a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. -If a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped, turn off or unplug any appliances, electronic equipment, and lights from affected outlets.
From Moore County Public Schools: Due to the ongoing widespread power outage school will be closed to all students Thursday, Dec. 8. A determination for Friday will be announced by 4 pm. Staff have the option to return to schools on Thursday, Dec. 8. Moore County campuses of Sandhills Community College will be open Thursday.
Locations available for showers and laundry as well: 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. the First Baptist Church of Aberdeen will have units available. 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. the First Baptist Church of Pinehurst will have units available. 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. New Covenant Fellowship will have units available, Wifi will also be provided. 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Pinebluff Fire and Rescue.
Meals will be distributed Wednesday at the following locations: 503 N. Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen. Moore County Sports Complex at 155 Hillcrest Park Lane, Carthage. Morganton Rd. Sports Complex located at 100 Fire Lane, Southern Pines. 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. First Baptist Church of Southern Pines will have food trucks available for a free meal. They will also have shower and laundry units 8:15 a.m. until 7 p.m. Yates Thagard Baptist Church, located at 3820 Vass Carthage Rd, will have a turkey dinner with the sides 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Staff and volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills have partnered with the Food Bank to prepare 800 two-day care packages with food that will be distributed on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Baxter Teen Center located at 160 Memorial Park Court in Southern Pines. Sam's Club, through a donation coordinated by the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, has provided blankets, flashlights with batteries, and baby wipes. These supplies will be distributed at Trinity AME Zion Church at 972 W. Pennsylvania Avenue in Southern Pines.
WiFi/ Charging Stations: 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. New Covenant Fellowship in Carthage. Pinebluff Fire and Rescue Southern Pines Police Department at 450 W. Pennsylvania Ave. has opened its C. Michael Haney Community Room to the public for charging electronic devices.
Additional Info: In response to extensive power outages affecting Moore County, North Carolina, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is allowing early prescription refills through December 9 to ensure that customers have access to the prescription drugs they need. This action is in effect for Moore County following the Moore County Board of Commissioners declaration of a state of emergency. Early prescription refills are available to customers in every municipality within Moore County, including Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Robbins, Carthage, Vass, Cameron, Taylortown, Pinebluff, Foxfire, Whispering Pines and all areas within the unincorporated Moore County through December 9. Members with questions about their coverage may log in to their self-service portal at blueconnectnc.com to send a secure message or contact the customer service number on the back of their Blue Cross NC ID card. The early prescription refill policy does not apply to controlled substances. As the power outage continues, Blue Cross NC will continue to update customers through the company’s social media channels. Please remember: Blue Cross NC always advises members to go to their nearest hospital during an emergency.
Thank You,
Image 
Richard Hudson Member of Congress |