**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.**
The outpouring of support, resources, and well-wishes from around the country has been instrumental in keeping our community going in the aftermath of Helene. There is incremental progress and there are big wins daily as we rebuild WNC. We understand that critical resources like power, water, and cellphone/internet restoration are at the top of everyone’s mind, as restoration of these utilities are essential to our daily lives. Duke Energy continues to make good headway restoring power to customers in western N.C. They are executing a plan to restore as many customers as possible every day, and crews are working around the clock to do so. For customers in heavily impacted areas, Duke anticipates restoring power within a week. For customers with properties that are inaccessible, they may be without electricity for an extended period of time. Duke is working alongside government agencies to rebuild critical infrastructure. See the outage map here.
In addition to power becoming restored, The City of Asheville continues to make progress on water system repairs. If you currently have water, as many in South Asheville do, water officials are asking you to please conserve (and of course still boil). The North Fork treatment plant 36-in bypass pipe is expected to be reconnected within the next 72 hours, though much more work is needed before residents receive water. The reservoir continues to be murky, and sediment levels must go down more before water can go through the treatment plant. Environmental Protection Agency officials are on-site, providing resources and technical assistance. Once the large pipe is repaired and the sediment is low enough, the system then needs to be pressurized to determine how intact the distribution lines are. So still lots of work.
The Mills River Water Plant is fully operational, and the system is fully pressurized.
- Public officials hold news briefings each day at 11am only. 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 on 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: All City and County water/food distribution sites now have non-potable water. Please bring your own container. Also, water for flushing toilets will be available at Asheville JCC Pool, 40 Clyde St., on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Enter from Clyde Street and pull up to the pool gate on North Crescent Street.
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: Please do not drop off donations at any fire stations or any of the water and food distribution sites. Here are some locations accepting donations
- United Way at 6 Commerce Way in Arden
- Beloved Asheville at 32 Old Charlotte Highway
- My Daddy Taught Me That at 3 Hunt Hill Place in Asheville.
Items needed include water, nonperishable food, personal care items, infant care, pet food supplies, disposable plates and utensils, clothing, and cleaning supplies (including buckets). Items requiring refrigeration or flammable liquids are not accepted.
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.
MISSING LOVED ONES
There is now a new procedure for filing a missing person’s report. All missing person requests are now going through the Sheriff’s department. Please call 828-250-6650 for assistance.
HOT WATER HEATER SAFETY
If you have both water and electricity, you do not need to do anything to protect your home or your water tank. However, if you have only water or only power or neither, and you have an electric hot water heater, you should turn off the valve/breaker to the hot water heater. If you have only water or only power or neither, and you have a gas hot water heater, you should set your hot water setting to low or vacation mode so you don’t have to relight the pilot light once water and/or power are restored. When your water AND power are restored, you will want to turn on an outside water spigot and run your water until it is clear. Here is a helpful article about hot water heaters during emergencies.
RUMORS: FACT VS. FICTION
Here is a resource quelling some of the misinformation that is circulating.
WELL WATER TESTING- INFORMATION
If you have a well that was flooded by the storm, you will need to disinfect the 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 should 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.
RESOURCES 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 RESOURCES
Mental Health is top of mind, both urgent needs and for the long-haul. Below is a list of providers to address urgent needs and is a great resource for our first responders who may be finding folks that need urgent help now, including walk-in centers.
You can also view Tips for Survivors of a Disaster Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress (samhsa.gov).
Vaya’s 24/7 line is 1-800-849-6127.
RHA Health Services: 1-888-573-1006 (available 24/7/365)
Suicide and Crisis lifeline: Staffing is ramped up at the crisis hotline: Call or text 988. Folks in immediate crisis or contemplating self harm should not hesitate to call. Call or text 988, 988lifeline.org
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990, (llama o envía un mensaje de texto, presiona “2.”) For ASL assistance, call or text 1-800-985-5990 Anyone can call the disaster distress hotline: Folks can call to just talk, listen, and get resources. They specialize in post-disaster trauma.
Care Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians: View a list of over 150 clinicians offering free services here.
Here’s a list of what’s underway in Buncombe County:
- 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 facility to receive treatment. You do not have to go to your regular facility.
ART BUS SCHEDULE BEGINS MONDAY OCTOBER 7TH
Beginning Monday, October 7, Asheville transit buses will be using the modified Sunday route schedule every day from 8-5pm. 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
- Porta-Potties and hand washing stations are outside of the Orange Peel (101 Biltmore Avenue), at Pack Square Park, and at other locations around town.
- 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.
FEMA also has people on the ground across the county to help people apply. Locations may change as needs change, but here were the locations Monday:
- Black Mountain: 550 Hwy 9
- AB TECH Shelter: (A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr (between Conference Center & Parking Deck)
- Pack Square Park
- Emma (Spanish speaking): 528 Emma Street
- New Bridge Baptist Church: 199 Elkwood Ave, Asheville
- Basilica of St, Lawrence, 97 Haywood Street, Asheville
- Issac Dickson Elementary: 125 Hill St, Asheville
To date, Buncombe Country has received 14,000 FEMA applications and distributed over $12 million dollars in relief aid.
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.
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
Mountain BizWorks has launched the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund (full release below). Small businesses can apply for bridge loans of up to $100,000 at https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/. The goal of this program is to support businesses while they pursue the available SBA loan process.
The $7.5M provided by Golden LEAF is from state appropriated disaster recovery loan funds from Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Matthew that were repaid or not needed.
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
Veterinary Emergency Group, open 24/7 at 1856 Hendersonville Rd Suite F Asheville
MedVet Asheville is 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.
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/.
CITY-SPONSORED WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION
All City water/food distribution sites now have non-potable water. Please bring your own container. 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 9am until 6pm. 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
All County water/food distribution sites now have non-potable water. Please bring your own container. 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. 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
- Chick Fil A serving food at Swannanoa Ingles, 2299 US-70, Swannanoa, NC 28778, 11am-4pm October 7th-October 12
- Franklin School of Innovation, 61 Innovation Drive, 1pm-3pm daily, basic supplies
- Wesley Grant Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville
- 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.
- Asheville Dream Center, 399 Beaverdam rd. Asheville
- All ABCCM locations are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. ABCCM can provide food, clothing, emergency rental, and utility assistance and connect people with a broader network of services. Locations include:
- Downtown Asheville 24 Cumberland Ave Asheville (828) 259-5300
- North Buncombe 403 Weaverville Hwy Asheville (828) 259-5303
- Hominy Valley 1914 Smokey Park Hwy Candler (828) 259-5301
- South Buncombe 10 Buck Shoals Rd Arden (828) 259-5302
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
- The DoubleTree in Montford, 199 Haywood Street
- ALoft on Biltmore Ave, 51 Biltmore Avenue
- Parking lot of Franklin School of Innovation, 61 Innovation Drive
- Buncombe County Health Department, 40 Coxe Ave
- Asheville Shelter at AB Tech, Ferguson Building, 340 Victoria Road, Asheville.
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) resumed onOctober 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 WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, and AB Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive, are reportedly both full. Please do not go to these shelters.
- The Gold’s Gym at 1815 Hendersonville Road has plenty of room. It 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.
- Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
- First Baptist Church at 503 Park Street, Swannanoa.
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.
