PUBLIC NOTICE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Management departments are encouraging all residents with access and functional needs to register for assistance this hurricane season.
The Brunswick County Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Registry is a HIPAA-compliant database of residents who may have additional needs in functional areas before, during, and after an emergency event such as a hurricane. The registry helps emergency responders identify these individuals, ensuring faster and more effective support during a disaster.
Enrollment in the AFN Registry is recommended for individuals who:
- Have physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities
- Use mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, canes)
- Rely on medical equipment or assistive devices (e.g., oxygen tanks, ventilators)
- Have chronic health conditions that require regular care or medication
- Have visual, hearing, or speech impairments
- Experience cognitive or mental health challenges (e.g., dementia, severe anxiety, autism)
- Need help with daily living activities (e.g., eating, bathing, dressing)
- Lack reliable transportation or are unable to drive due to age, disability, or financial hardship
- Are elderly and live alone, or are socially isolated
- Are temporarily injured or recovering from surgery
When an emergency event is anticipated or has occurred, Brunswick County Emergency Management team members will use the ReadyBrunswick Emergency Notification System to contact all individuals in the AFN Registry in the affected area at one time. People on the registry will be provided with all pertinent information related to that specific emergency event and will be asked to share their status, evacuation plans, and anticipated needs for that specific event.
Signing up for the AFN Registry is voluntary; registrants can opt out at any time. Any information submitted is strictly confidential and will only be used in the event of an emergency.
To learn more about the AFN Registry, visit our Assistance webpage or contact Brunswick County EMS at 910.253.2850.
For assistance with signing up for ReadyBrunswick and the AFN Registry, email Brunswick County Emergency Management or call 910.253.5383.
For more hurricane preparedness tips, visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/Hurricanes.
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