Hurricane Florence devastated the coastal region of North and South Carolina, causing billions of dollars in property damage and leaving more than half a million residents without electricity. More than 20 people are confirmed dead due to the hurricane, and that total may rise in the days to come.
Womble Bond Dickinson has called the Carolinas home for more than a century, so when disaster struck, attorneys and staff members answered the call to help their neighbors.
- Womble Bond Dickinson attorney Jeff Jackson also serves as a Captain in the North Carolina National Guard. When the hurricane was on its way, Jackson traded in his suit for fatigues and joined his unit at Joint Force Headquarters.
- In Mecklenburg County, attorney Scott MacLatchie assisted local law enforcement in understanding the extent of their authority to issue mandatory evacuation orders due to urban flooding. Hurricane Florence brought flooding rains even to central NC and SC communities, including Charlotte. MacLatchie, who has a long history of volunteer service to law enforcement, made sure local agencies were ready to protect their communities.
- The firm’s North Carolina offices are collecting funds and food donations to help those affected by the hurricane. The Raleigh and RTP offices are supporting their long-standing partner, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina . The Greensboro and Winston-Salem offices are working with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC . And the Charlotte office is supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina .These food banks will be providing emergency food, water, and supplies for as long as this relief is needed.
- Likewise, the Charleston office is collecting food, bottled water, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies for a community drive organized by the SC Law Enforcement Officers Association and the SC Police Chiefs Association.