In the face of intensifying severe weather and unpredictable seasons, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) has recognized the importance of further enhancing the region's preparedness for, response to, and recovery from intensifying natural disasters. By doing so, the Kerr-Tar Regional COG has adopted the Kerr-Tar Regional COG – Emergency Shelters and Facilities Needs Assessment project. This project aims to enhance the region's emergency shelters and facilities' preparedness posture to ensure they are appropriately equipped and capable of safely accommodating both people and service animals in an emergency.
As part of the Kerr-Tar Regional COG – Emergency Shelters and Facilities Needs Assessment project, the Kerr-Tar Regional COG has produced a Needs Assessment Report and a Funding Opportunities Report. The Needs Assessment consolidates findings that were identified during its data collection process and organizes them to clearly outline the strengths and areas of improvement that were identified at each emergency shelter and facility in the region. This Report also takes the identified strengths and areas of improvement and leverages them to inform recommendations that would enhance the region's climate resiliency. The Funding Opportunities Report presents a comprehensive research overview of identified grant opportunities based on the Kerr-Tar's Emergency Sheltering needs and the funding gaps that exist to address those needs.