Emergency Management

The Lenoir County Emergency Management division strives to enhance the quality for its citizens by providing necessary assistance to make the county more resilient to nature and man-made disasters through preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery, while in partnership with local, state, federal agencies, and private entities to ensure seamless coordination to protect life, property and the environment.

The Emergency Management Division is responsible for the preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation concerning all disasters that can and do affect our county. This division can provide safety training for its citizens, businesses, industries, day cares, group homes, etc. We coordinate with all emergency services agencies and work in conjunction with the N.C. Division of Emergency Management. The Emergency Services Department operates 24 hours per day, seven days a week. After hours, on weekends, and on holidays, our main phone line is transferred to the emergency communications center and the on-call person will be contacted.

We have provided some helpful links below that contain information that may be vital or of interest to you and your family. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Your safety is our foremost concern!

Lenoir County Emergency Operations Plan

This document is provided so that the citizens of Lenoir County are aware of what plans are in place to protect their safety in the event of an emergency, large or small. Any questions regarding any information included in the LCEOP should be directed to the Lenoir County Emergency Services, Division of Emergency Management Office at 252-559-6151.

Neuse River Basin Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

This document is provided so that the citizens of the Neuse River Basin are aware of what plans are in place to protect their safety in the event of an emergency, large or small.

Murry Stroud
Director

Samuel Kornegay
Deputy Director

Lenoir County Emergency Services Department
Phone: 252-559-1911

Physical Address:
200 Rhodes Avenue
Kinston, NC 28502

Mailing Address:
PO Box 3289
Kinston, NC 28502

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Director: Murry Stroud
Deputy Director: Samuel Kornegay
Fire Marshal: Jacob Turner

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Call 911?

Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency only. If an emergency situation (a crime, fire, serious injury or illness) arises, ask yourself whether police, fire department, or medical assistance is needed right now to protect life or property. If the answer is “yes”, then immediately dial 9-1-1 and advise the telecommunicator of what has happened or is happening.

If you are not sure whether or not the situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the our telecommunicators make that determination. Always call 9-1-1 to report a fire, report a possible medical emergency, or to report a crime in progress.

When Calling 911, Remember to:
  • Stay calm. Give the telecommunicator your name, location, and nature of the emergency.
  • Listen carefully to the telecommunicator.
  • When the telecommunicator asks you questions, try to answer them as accurately as possible. Speak clearly and slowly.
  • Do exactly as the telecommunicator tells you during the course of the call.
  • Never hang up until you are told to do so.
  • Our telecommunicators are certified in Emergency Police DIspatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, and Emergency Medical Dispatch through the National Academy of Emergency Dispatchers. This means when you call Lenoir County Communications your call is being handled by trained professionals following national protocols and standards of care.
When I dial 911, why do they ask so many questions?

Responders are dispatched upon receiving address and telephone; however, additional information is needed to better prepare the responders for their arrival on scene and to provide the best level of service for the nature of the call.

Where do I pay my EMS bill?

Lenoir County EMS uses a third party billing company, EMS Billing and Management. You may obtain their information here: https://emsbilling.com/patient.

What can I legally burn?

You may burn vegetative (yard) debris, ie: leaves, limbs, etc; however, it must be from your yard. You may not transport vegetative debris from other locations and burn them on your property. Always be aware of the wind conditions prior to burning. You may obtain additional information at the NC Division of Environmental Quality website: https://deq.nc.gov/

What requirements are there to work for EMS or Communications?

To be employed within the EMS Division, you must already hold a valid EMT, Advanced-EMT, or Paramedic level credential, as well as a NC driver's license.
To be employed within the Communications Division, you must have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited teaching institution, as well as a NC driver's license.
For both divisions, you must be able to pass a thorough criminal history background check and a drug test.

How do I sign up for Swift911?

Visit https://lenoircountync.gov/emergency-services-department/emergency-notifications/