**To support a safe environment, a curfew is in effect from 7:30 PM to 7:30 AM in the City of Asheville. City Offices and Parks are closed until further notice.**
Today we wanted to share some of the good news about the heroic response efforts to this historic catastrophe.1,300 EMS additional first responders from all over the country and 3,000 FEMA representatives are on the ground supporting immediate needs in Buncombe County. A team of 1,425 volunteers have been mobilized and deployed to check on 10,493 high priority households, and 7,491 of our neighbors are confirmed safe and sound by volunteers. There is still significant work to be done, but we are making incremental steps towards rebuilding our beloved community.
One of our biggest challenges right now is the distribution of accurate information, in addition to dispelling rumors. This is a stressful time and tensions are high. Inaccurate information and inflammatory statements can make difficult situations even more so. Here is a resource quelling some of the misinformation that is circulating. For example, there is a rumor on social media that boots are melting off people’s feet in the Swannanoa river. While we are asking people not to interact with rivers until water testing has been completed, there is no evidence for this rumor.
- Public officials hold news briefings each day at 4 PM. Please note that 10 am briefings will no longer be held. 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. There is also a text only version of Blue Ridge Public Radio @ text.bpr.org. There are no ads or images so it loads quickly with critical information.
- 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 report storm damage, access resources, and access storm related information.
IMPORTANT: Please avoid the French Broad River, Swannanoa, and other water sources impacted by Helene until water quality testing has been completed. Do not retrieve water, bathe, or handle the water in any matter until further notice.
IMPORTANT: The Citizen Times has an interactive website on where to get gas, groceries, and more in WNC.
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 water is restored.
IMPORTANT: Please do not drop off donations at any fire stations or any of the water and food distribution sites. The only locations at this time accepting donations are 6 Commerce Way in Arden and 32 Old Charlotte Highway.
IMPORTANT: Beware of scammers. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.
- U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.
- Do not disclose personal information to individuals claiming to be FEMA or federal employees via unsolicited calls or emails. FEMA will not contact you unless you have called FEMA first or applied for assistance.
- If you did not apply for assistance but received a letter from FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.
Note: New resources will be listed at the top of this newsletter, and new food/water distribution sites will be highlighted in the appropriate section.
WELL WATER TESTING-NEW INFORMATION
Even if you have a well, you will need to disinfect your well and have the water tested before using it. It is possible that your well has been compromised if storm water reached the top of the well at any point during the storm, and it is also possible that there is structural damage. If you need to use your well water before it can be tested, you will need to boil it for at least one minute.
- How to disinfect your well can be found here.
- Buncombe County is coordinating water testing beginning Monday October 7. Please call 828-250-5016 to have your water tested.
NEW RESOURCE FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
If you have blocked roads, need supplies, need to be evacuated, medicine or anything like that, Buncombe County EMS can respond faster if you upload geotagged photos of your situation. Photos taken with mobile devices are normally geotagged by default. If you need to confirm or enable geotagging, download this file for instruction: EnablingGeotaggedPhotos.pdf
Please snap the photo with your phone BEFORE completing this form. When attaching the photo, use the option to select and upload the photo from your media library – this ensures the geotagging is included.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT-NEW RESOURCES
Mental Health is top of mind, both urgent needs and for the long-haul. VAYA has put together this regional-specific go to list of providers to address urgent needs. This is a great resource for our first responders who may be finding folks that need urgent help now, including walk-in centers. Vaya’s 24/7 line is 1-800-849-6127. You can also view Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress (samhsa.gov).
Here’s a quick list of what’s underway.
- Staffing is ramped up at the crisis hotline: 988. Folks in immediate crisis or contemplating self harm should hesitate to call.
- Anyone can call the disaster distress hotline: 1-800-985-5990. Folks can call to just talk, listen, and get resources. They specialize in post-disaster trauma.
- Mental Health clinicians have been deployed for all first responders. Buncombe County has launched a Hope4NC hotline for first responders: 1-855-587-3463.
- Mental health counselors have been staffed at shelters.
- All shelters have Naloxone and a source of methadone.
- Opioid treatment programs in the region are already reopened and people can go to any one to get their treatment doses, they don’t have to go to the one they usually go to.
ART BUS SCHEDULE BEGINS MONDAY OCTOBER 7TH
Beginning Monday October 7 Asheville transit buses will be using the modified Sunday route schedule every day until 5pm. Buses will be free until further notice. The modified routes will have flag-stop service, allowing passengers to board at their preferred location along the route.
How to Use a Flag Stop:
- You can catch the bus anywhere along the route where it’s safe and accessible, or at an established bus stop.
- To get off the bus, you must use a designated stop.
- When you see the bus coming, raise your arm and wave to signal the driver.
- If you’re not at an official stop, make sure the driver can see you.
- The bus will only pick up riders on the same side of the street it’s traveling
RESOURCES FOR VETERANS
VA Hospital in Asheville (1100 Tunnel Road) is operating under both emergency generators and traditional power 24/7 for both emergencies and inpatient services. It is able to do limited surgeries on an emergency basis. Routine appointments have been canceled, but those with acute needs have been scheduled. Veterans who need medications can come to the VA pharmacy or call 855-679-0074 and press 1.
HYGIENE STATIONS-NEW RESOURCES
- Porta-Potties and hand washing stations, outside of the Orange Peel (101 Biltmore Avenue)
- Laundry Trailers at Basilica of Saint Lawrence (97 Haywood Street). Wash takes 20 minutes and 30 to dry. Every morning, opening at 10:30. Detergent provided, but you can bring your own.
- Laundry services at Walmart in Arden (60 Airport Road)
OPENING BURNING IS ALLOWED BUT THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS
- Please let materials dry for at least 3 days before burning
- You can not burn trash, cardboard, building materials, or processed wood
- View the full list of regulations here or call (828) 250-6767 for more information.
EMERGENCY GRANTS FOR ARTISTS
- Go to https://cerfplus.org/ for more information.
SUPPLIES FOR HORSES AND LIVESTOCK
WNC Regional Livestock Center (474 Stock Dr., Canton) has donated supplies for horses and livestock – hay, grain, etc. If you are unable to get out, text (don’t call) 828-216-4496, and the livestock center will figure out a way to get supplies to you and help get animals evacuated.
APPLYING FOR FEMA
To apply, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for mobile devices, or call 800-621-3362. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube. FEMA ASSISTANCE. 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.
If you need or want in-person FEMA assistance, Pisgah Legal Services is offering in-person walk up, no appointment clinics Monday October 7 from 10am to 4pm at its Asheville office at 62 Charlotte St.
FEMA has crews on the ground to help you with the application process if you are able to complete applications online. Today, FEMA will have teams at the WNC Ag Center, Pack Square, and in Black Mountain at 310 East State Street. FEMA is also canvassing Emma and Woodfin to assist those in need. To date, Buncombe Country has received 14,000 FEMA applications and distributed over $12 million dollars in relief aid.
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
US Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance: Loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the disaster. This includes:
- Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations are eligible.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans available to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their financial obligations during a disaster recovery period.
An SBA office is now open at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce at 36 Montford Avenue. Hours are M-F 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, closed on Sundays.
PATIENTS RECEIVING DIALYSIS
Mountain Mobility will resume life-sustaining dialysis transport of accessible patients in coordination with dialysis centers.
CAROLINA ABORTION FUND
CAF is prioritizing callers from WNC and may be able to help people secure funding to get elsewhere to access abortion care: https://www.carolinaabortionfund.org/funding.
- CAF is also working on getting Plan B out to WNC.
PREGNANCY CARE
Laurel OBGYN will see any pregnant person, either for a routine visit or high-risk monitoring. If you are in need of urgent GYN care, you can also come to this location at 41 Oakland Rd STE 200, Asheville, NC 28801. October 7-11, from 10 am to 1 pm.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE IN WNC
The Planned Parenthood health center in Asheville is temporarily closed. If you are in need of reproductive and sexual health care, call 1-800-230-PLAN. In the interim, patients can get medication refills by either calling or accessing their Epic (Electronic Health Records). If current patients are able to access that, they can send a note through their patient portal. If patients are able to call, they can call the regular number: (828) 252-7928
CARE FOR YOUR PET
Pet Care MedVet Asheville, an emergency and specialty veterinary hospital, is now open every day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 677 Brevard Road, Asheville.
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT/HUD
HUD is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. There is also a 90-day extension granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. The moratorium and extension are effective as of the President’s disaster declaration date. Click here for additional information. If you need to contact the Asheville Housing Authority directly, please reach out to Monique Pierre at mpierre@haca.org.
ICE DISTRIBUTION
Free ice in 7 lb bags is available at Home Depot, 795 Fairview Road, until supplies run out.
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.
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
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 75 active missing people cases in Buncombe County.
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.
CITY-SPONSORED WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION
If you need water and are unable to get to a water distribution site, please call 828-250-6100. Volunteer opportunities are increasing as distribution sites expand. If you want to volunteer, please contact smenaya-merritt@ashevillenc.gov or rwood@ashevillenc.gov.
All sites have MREs (ready-to-eat meals), 2 per adult and 1 per child per day. All city sites operate from 9 am until dark. All sites but Pack Square are bottled water, one case per family per day.
- Pack Square Park, 70 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Each person will be provided two gallons of bulk water per person, with a maximum of five gallons per family. Containers may be available, but bring them if you have them.. This distribution site is walk-up only. Assistance is available for if you cannot carry water back to their cars.
- Asheville Middle School, 211 S. French Broad St.
- Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd.
- Lucy S. Herring Elementary, 98 Sulphur Springs Rd.
- Oakley Elementary at 753 Fairview Road 28803
COUNTY SPONSORED WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION
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. All sites have MREs (ready-to-eat meals), 2 per adult and 1 per child per day.
- 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.
PRIVATE FOOD AND SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION
- Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and World Central Kitchen, 1PM each day while supplies last, 135 Coxe Ave.
- Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner @ Lowe’s Home Improvement Center Parking lot, 95 Smokey Park Hwy, 8AM-1:30PM, thru Tuesday, October 8.
- Groce UMC, 954 Tunnel Road
- In Woodfin, food is available at Town Hall, 90 Elk Road, beginning daily at 2PM
- Tupelo Honey in South Asheville, 1829 Hendersonville Road, serving hot meals from 11AM-5PM, or until supplies run out
- Tyson Foods will bring a Meals that Matter Disaster Relief team to distribute hot meals, water and ice at the Walmart Supercenter, 25 Northridge Commons Parkway, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
- Beloved Asheville, 32 Old Charlotte Hwy in Asheville, is sharing bottled water, food, diapers, and baby formula. Beloved is also accepting donations of non-perishable foods, diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, and baby formula.
- Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Rd., Arden, 3pm-6pm. food, water and other basic necessities.
- Jewish Family Services (JFS), 53, South French Broad Ave., has food, water, and other supplies such as propane, diapers, and feminine products. Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. Located across from the United Way building. JFS can also receive and distribute supply donations.
- The Home Depot has partnered with Operation Blessing to deliver truckloads of relief supplies including meals, hygiene kits, water and more, at 795 Fairview Rd., Asheville
- Carolina Day School – 1345 Hendersonville Road, Asheville
- WALMART in Arden, 60 Airport Rd, 12 pm-4pm. This location will host a fuel truck, laundry, feeding station, bathrooms and charging station.
- FBCA by the Downtown YMCA will have assorted supplies seven days a week from 10am-2pm, including free fresh produce daily from Trader Joe’s, and porta potties. Folks not familiar with the church location can look for FBCA at 5 Oak St
- Grace Covenant on Merrimon 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, is a distribution site for food, water, toiletries, and diapers
- The Dharma at 697 Haywood Rd Unit C, Asheville is also offering a variety of supplies.
- Citizen Vinyl at 14 O’Henry Avenue will be giving away food, shovels, diapers and more from 12-5 on Oct. 6.·
- Asheville Dream Center, 399 Beaverdam rd. Asheville
WIFI HOTSPOTS AND CHARGING-The password for the libraries is “readmore” (one word, lowercase).
- 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
- Citizen Vinyl, 14 O’Henry Avenue
- Moxy Hotel, 61 Biltmore Ave, Asheville,
- The Plug Smoke Shop, 1356 Patton Ave
- Center for Craft, 67 Broadway St, Asheville,
- Mosaic Cafe,1 Town Square Blvd, Suite 150, Biltmore Park
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.
WHEN WILL WATER BE RESTORED?
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 unboiled 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 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
There is no timeline for reopening. 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 of 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,
EMERGENCY SHELTERS IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY
The general public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher is open and accepts people and pets.
The medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
The Gold’s Gym at 1815 Hendersonville Road in Asheville is a general shelter with 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 at 503 Park Street, Swannanoa also has a shelter.
The AB-TECH CONFERENCE CENTER IS FULL. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THIS SHELTER.
You can view additional shelters throughout WNC here.
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. If you need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
