Carteret County senior-safety program presented to Bogue council

Misty Long of Carteret County Emergency Services told the Bogue Town Council on April 20 that the county is promoting a Senior Safety Program that places a daily welfare-check call to enrolled residents. "The calls are made seven days a week," Long said, adding that if there is no answer law enforcement will respond and, if rescue is required, emergency responders will follow.

Long described a separate medically fragile registry that helps emergency services identify residents who need special assistance during disasters, including transport to shelters and checks on medical equipment. She said participants complete a detailed enrollment form that must be updated annually so first responders have caregiver contact and medical information on file.

The presentation stressed preparedness: Long said participants are reminded to maintain at least 14 days of medication and to have battery backups for medical equipment; since Hurricane Florence, the county has recommended even longer supplies. Long also described community outreach activities, including a post-disaster simulation offered in partnership with Trillium and a hurricane expo scheduled for May 30, 2026, at the Carteret Community College Civic Center. She encouraged residents to enroll online, by mail or by phone.

Town Attorney Donna Boggs, who was in attendance, said she often handles wills and estate planning for older residents and offered to distribute program information. Mayor Robert O’Chat thanked Long for the presentation and encouraged council members to help spread the word to residents.

The program is enrollment based; Long asked anyone interested to contact Carteret County Emergency Services for registration details and annual-update requirements.