Over the last three days, response efforts have moved from initial crisis stage to beginning to operationalize the flow of supplies and resources. One of the best Incident Management Teams, from New York City, arrived Monday. They are now in charge and bringing their expertise to city and county responders.
Water, food, and supplies are flowing steadily every day and getting where they need to go smoothly. We are also starting to see little wins – more supply distribution sites, repairs of the water system, progress in clean up, covering more ground in search and rescue, etc. Daily life is still hard, but it will get easier each day.
Remember that public officials hold news briefings each day at 10 AM and 4 PM The briefings are streamed live on the Buncombe County Facebook Page and broadcast on Blue Ridge Public Radio at 88.1 FM. You can also listen to them on the iHeart radio stations including 99.9, 104.3, 105.1 and 570 AM.
For updated City information each day, click here. For updated County information, click here. You can also call One Buncombe at 828-250-6100 to access resources.
IMPORTANT: If you have power, but no running water, turn off the breaker for your hot water heater to avoid the risk of fire when power is restored.
JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS AT THIS COMMUNITY GATHERING!
FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTER RELIEF
FEMA can help with serious needs, displacement, home repair and other expenses. North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who have uninsured damage or losses caused by Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. To apply, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362.
Please know that FEMA will NEVER ask you for money to help you, and each FEMA representative will be wearing a badge. Beware of scammers pretending to be FEMA.
DO YOU NEED A PRESCRIPTION FILLED?
Pharmacies that are open in WNC can be viewed HERE. With some exceptions, pharmacists are now allowed to dispense a one-time emergency supply of up to 90 days to patients when they are unable to get a hold of their medical provider. Pharmacists can also dispense a one-time emergency refill of up to a 30-day supply of prescribed medication.
ROAD CLOSURES AND ROUTES IN AND OUT OF WNC
The Asheville Regional Airport is open and operating, and critical highways like I-40 and I-26 are now accessible, making it easier to mobilize support. However, there are still inaccessible roads. Use the following map to help determine your best route: https://drivenc.gov/.
MISSING LOVED ONES
We are devastated by the destruction and loss of life. There are now 72 fatalities in Buncombe and more than 200 people who are missing. If you are unable to contact a family member or friend, please complete this form to notify Buncombe Co. officials. Officials are doing their best to locate and update their current status at the Buncombe Co. Register of Deeds office at 205 College St., Asheville. There are also other organizations working to help locate our friends and neighbors, including:
The United Way is conducting welfare checks and looking for people who have not been located. Please use this form to connect with United Way’s reunification program.
The Red Cross has some helpful tips for getting in touch with folks and, if you are looking for people who have not been located, you can use this form.
You can request a wellness check by texting “Person” to 40403. That goes to NC 211 and the texter will get a link to a form.
WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN THE CITY
The City has served people through 34 points of distribution and direct delivery to vulnerable communities. The County has served additional communities through its efforts. If you need water and are unable to get to a water distribution site, please call 828-250-6100. Volunteer opportunities are increasing as sites expand so, if you want to volunteer, please contact smenaya-merritt@ashevillenc.gov or rwood@ashevillenc.gov.
Pack Square Park Water Distribution: Drinking water will be distributed from Pack Square Park (70 Court Plaza) from 9am until dark or when the supply runs out. Each person will be provided two gallons of water per person, with a maximum of five gallons per family. Please bring containers if you have them, but containers are available if you do not. This distribution site is walk-up only. Assistance will be available for those who cannot carry their water back to their cars. Please do not park in roadways in order to avoid impeding on emergency response.
Asheville Middle School Water Distribution (211 S. French Broad Street). Cases of bottled water are available for drive-thru pick up. One case allowed, per family per day.
Shiloh Community Center (121 Shiloh Road) has cases of bottled water. Also one case, per family per day.
All sites have MREs (ready-to-eat meals), 2 per adult and 1 per child per day.
WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN THE COUNTY
Times are 12PM-7PM. Each person will be provided 2 gallons of water, with a maximum of 5 gallons per family. There will be some containers available, but please bring your own if you are able.
Sand Hill Elementary – 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Please enter via Acton Circle)
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School – 20 Doan Road, Weaverville
Fairview Elementary School – 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
Ingles on NC 9 in Black Mountain.
Cane Middle Creek Middle – 570 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
Leicester Elementary School – 31 Gilbert Road, Leicester
William W. Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road, Asheville. This site also has non-potable water for flushing toilets.
Carolina Day School-1345 Hendersonville Road, Asheville
All sites have MREs (ready-to-eat meals), 2 per adult and 1 per child per day.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and World Central Kitchen are providing free meals starting at 1PM each day continuing while supplies last at 135 Coxe Avenue, Asheville. Food distribution is also occurring at all of the city and county water distribution sites listed above. Groce UMC (954 Tunnel Road) is also distributing meals and water.
Tupelo Honey’s South Asheville Store, at 1829 Hendersonville Road, will serve free hot meals from 11AM until 5PM, or until supplies run out, each day for at least five days, possibly more.
In Woodfin, food is available at Town Hall (90 Elk Road) beginning daily at 2PM.
McDonalds at 950 Patton Avenue is giving away food October 4 and 5, 10AM-4PM
MANNA DISTRIBUTION SITE
Please note that donation hours differ from distribution hours
MANNA will be accepting specific food, water, and supply donations from corporations, grocery stores, vendors, and individuals with extra resources to give. Items in need include Shelf-stable food (pop-top cans preferred, not requiring a can opener), bottled water, baby and toddler formula and food and diapers
Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road Asheville, NC 28806
Dates: October 2-5, 2024
Donation Hours: 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Distribution Hours: 1:00PM – 4:00PM
FORMULA AND DIAPERS
Beloved Asheville, at 32 Old Charlotte Hwy in Asheville, is sharing bottled water, food, diapers, and baby formula.
WIFI HOTSPOTS AND CHARGING
Justice Center parking lot, 35 Woodfin St.
YMCA Downtown Asheville on Woodfin St.
Groce UMC, 954 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville Middle School, 211 S French Broad Ave
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St.
West Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Rd.
Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.
Enka Library in Candler, 1404 Sand Hill Rd, Candler
The password for the libraries is “readmore” (one word, lowercase).
SHOWERS
The Reuter Family YMCA located at 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville, will be open to the public for showers, gym, playground, and power charging from 10 AM-5 PM daily.
DO YOU NEED WATER TO FLUSH YOUR TOILETS?
The Jewish Community Center’s Pool (40 Clyde Street) will be open Friday October 4th from 10am-12pm. Please bring containers.
WHEN WILL WATER BE RESTORED?
Tropical Storm Helene severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville’s water system. Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away. Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks. As repairs progress, water service will return to some areas before others, based solely on the level of damage to the system.
The Weaverville water system is fully operational, but you must boil the water. The Woodfin water plant is operating and access to it has been restored. Staff are now looking for and repairing pipeline breaks. There is no timeline for restoring service, but the work is ongoing.
YOU MUST BOIL WATER IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Customers who currently have running tap water should remember that a boil water advisory remains in effect. Boil for at least one minute, even if the water is filtered. If you can not boil your water, you can add 8 drops of bleach per 1 gallon of water.
If boiling is not possible, use commercially bottled water for drinking and food preparation. Use bottled water for infant formula and pets, as well.
Do not use ice made from un-boiled water in drinks, food or coolers.
When washing hands, use boiled or bottled water. If neither is available, use hand sanitizer.
Do not use water from connected appliances, such as a water dispenser on a refrigerator.
URGENT CARE AVAILABILITY
Mercy Urgent Care has two walk-in locations open at the following addresses from 8:30AM to 6:00PM:
West Asheville: 1201 Patton Ave.
Weaverville: 61 Weaver Blvd.
Brevard: 22 Trust Lane
Waynesville: 120 Frazier St.
Foothills: 140 W Mills St.
Novant Go-Health Urgent Care at 349 New Leicester Highway is open 9AM – 6PM Please note, these facilities treat non-life-threatening conditions. For emergencies, dial 911.
CITY AND COUNTY SCHOOLS
All facilities are without water, and many have minimal power. This, in addition to road impacts on bus routes, is a major roadblock to bringing students back to school. Schools are working diligently to account for all staff members. If you work for these schools, please contact someone to let them know you are safe.
TRASH AND RECYCLING
In the City, curbside collection of household waste (only bagged trash) will resume in targeted areas on Monday, October 7. Routes are being determined based on road accessibility and will be shared when available. Please do not put storm debris in your trash bins.
Download the AVL Collects app to receive notifications about trash and recycling pickup in your area. You can find the AVL Collects app in Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
There will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational. Residents should use both recycling and trash carts for household waste. All waste will be collected as trash at this time by both City of Asheville and Curbie vehicles.
The following materials cannot be collected at this time: mud, construction debris, concrete, and other bulky or hazardous items. Debris collection is estimated to start in mid October.
You may also take trash to the county landfill at 85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander.
In the County, Wastepro will do Friday trash collection in Weaverville tomorrow as they are able.
EMERGENCY SHELTERS IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
A NEW general shelter is now open at the former Gold’s Gym at 1815 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. This location has a playroom for children, so it may be more suitable for families. Please note that no pets are allowed at this location.
First Baptist Church Swannanoa 503 Park Street, Swannanoa
The general public shelters at WNC Agricultural Center and AB Tech are now full. Additional shelters throughout WNC here.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AVAILABLE
People in Buncombe County who are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits.
People have 60 days from Oct. 1 to file an application for DUA at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024. If you are not able to file through the website, you can call the DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857.
All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from application date. DES will work with people who cannot provide all documentation to ensure that their unemployment benefits are not delayed.
PROTECTING YOURSELF AFTER DISASTER-HELPFUL TIPS
Be safe. Do not attempt to move downed power lines.
Contact your insurance company before starting work.
Do not pay for work up front and beware of contractors who try to rush you or come to your home offering assistance. We are already seeing scammers in the community using these techniques.
Get three written estimates for the work, if possible, and compare bids.
Watch out for price gouging
Report price gouging and scams to 1-877-5-SCAM.
Please be kind to yourself and each other during the days and weeks ahead. Tropical Storm Helene has been and continues to be a traumatic event for our community. There is no right or wrong way to feel. If you need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
More information to come tomorrow. Please stay safe!
