Hurricane Helene update #7 from Congressman Edwards

October 4, 2024

Dear Friend,

One whole week. It has been one week, seven days, since Hurricane Helene struck and our communities were turned upside down.

This last week has been trying for everyone involved. More than 1,000 Western North Carolinians have been dislocated to an emergency shelter, as of Thursday evening 107 friends and family members have passed away, and hundreds are still missing. Communities like Chimney Rock have been absolutely decimated and many of our Main Streets don’t look the same. To say the post-hurricane environment has been apocalyptic is an understatement.

Nonetheless, we must persist.

Over the last week, I have focused my efforts on securing critical resources for Western North Carolina. The Ingles Distribution Center is officially back online following my office’s work to get them a temporary generator, internet connection, and a clean-up crew to make way for tractor trailers delivering and disbursing product. Ingles estimates they are now five to six days ahead of where they otherwise would’ve been without the important resources I listed above. This distribution center is responsible for filling grocery stores across the entire 11th congressional district.

Directly after the storm hit, I was hearing from county after county that FEMA and the state were not filling their food and water needs quick enough and there was barely any cell service. After trying to work through FEMA and NC Emergency Management with little luck, I demanded the White House immediately get three pallets of water and two pallets of meals, ready to eat (MREs) delivered to each of our seven, hardest hit counties, and 20 pallets of MREs and 20 pallets of water for Buncombe County to hold them over until state resources were finally delivered.

All 75 pallets were delivered same day. I also demanded temporary cell tower assets be deployed to the six counties with the worst-off communication systems. All six locations also received at least one temporary cell service asset same day with some counties, like Haywood County, seeing more than one asset deployed after my request.

I’ve delivered seven box trucks to Buncombe County to disburse resources from their central distribution center, secured an FAA operator to help regulate air traffic at Rutherford County Airport, helped the Murphy Fire Department get their assignment number through NC Emergency Management so they could deploy to Henderson County, delivered dozens of truckloads worth of food and water amongst our hardest hit counties, expedited county requests for critical assets, and more. I will continue to support our community in any way that I can.

We have made it one week by putting one foot in front of the other and working as a team. That is how we will make it through week two, week three and every week thereafter. Disasters like this are once in a lifetime for most people (or once in 1,000 years for Western NC). We are all operating in unknown territory, but together we will chart a resilient and stronger future for our mountains.

Today is update number seven, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.

Food and Water

Supplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.
- 91 water systems are on a boil advisory, a significant reduction from the 142 systems on an advisory as of yesterday, October 3.
- 49 treatment plants have reported having no power and 43 systems are out of water.
  - All water restoration trends are moving in a positive direction.
The state of North Carolina has promised 40 trailer loads of water and 20 trailer loads of food daily through at least October 6.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.
Yesterday, Walmart donated 33 truckloads of food and water to nonprofits across Hendersonville, Arden, Asheville and Weaverville.
- Walmart will also be hosting activities at the following locations:
  - Hendersonville, NC Store 1242
    - 250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      - Hosting hot meal donations at this location.
  - Arden, NC Store 1179
    - 60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704
      - This location will host an associate fuel truck, laundry, feeding station, bathrooms and charging station.
- The Home Depot has partnered with Operation Blessing to deliver truckloads of relief supplies including meals, hygiene kits, water and more, to the following location:
  - Asheville, NC Store 3625
    - 795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
- Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:
  - Buncombe County
    - Buncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:
      - Pack Square Park – you MUST bring your own container for this site
        
        80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801
      - William W. Estes Elementary School
        
        275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
      - Sand Hill-Venable Elementary
        
        154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
      - North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
        
        20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787
      - Fairview Elementary
        
        1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
    - The following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:
      - Biltmore Baptist Church
        
        35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704
  - Haywood County
    - The following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:
      - Pigeon Community Center
        
        450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786
        
        Also offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.
        
        Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
      - Cruso Community Center
        
        13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716
        
        Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
      - First United Methodist Church
        
        566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786
        
        Includes shower access.
        
        Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
      - Maggie Valley Pavilion
        
        3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
        
        Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
      - Woodland Baptist Church
        
        545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786
        
        Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
      - Bethel Elementary School
        
        4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716
        
        Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
      - Jonathan Valley Elementary School
        
        410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786
        
        Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
        
        Monday through Friday
    - The following location offers hot meals daily:
      - Maggie Valley Fire Department
        
        2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
    - The following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
      - Calvary Baptist Church
        
        2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
  - Henderson County
    - Henderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.
    - Distribution takes place daily at the following locations:
      - Etowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729
      - Rugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
      - East Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726
      - North Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      - Mills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759
      - Fletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
    - Each family unit will be provided supplies for one day’s meal and water as available.
    - Individuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.
  - Madison County
    - The following locations are offering food and water distribution in Macon County:
      - 5580 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753
      - 225 Carl Eller Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754
      - 63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743
  - McDowell County
    - McDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.
    - Distribution takes place daily at the following locations:
      - Hicks Chapel Church
        
        6008 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752
      - Former TJ’s Discounts
        
        8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752
      - Old Fort Town Hall
        
        38 Catawba Ave., Marion, NC 28762
      - New Manna Baptist Church
        
        225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752
      - Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church
        
        7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761
    - Hot meals are also being provided at the following location:
      - Grace Community Church
        
        5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752
        
        Lunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
        
        Dinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
  - Polk County
    - The following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need:
      - Mill Spring/Green Creek Community
        
        25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
      - Columbus Community
        
        95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722
      - Saluda Community Bus Parking Lot
        
        214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773
      - Tryon Community
        
        301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782
      - Sunny View
        
        86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
      - The Roseland Center
        
        56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782
      - Rutherford County
        
        The following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:
        
        Thomas Jefferson High School
        
        2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114
        
        Florence Baptist Church
        
        201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043
        
        Rutherford County Health Department
        
        221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
        
        Gilkey Church of God
        
        255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
        
        Parks, Recreation, & Lake Office
        
        658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
        
        Lake Lure Baptist Church – also has bathroom and shower stations
        
        6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746
        
        Ingles at Lake Lure – meals only
        
        276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746
        
        Offers hot meals at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
        
        Father’s Vineyard – also has shower and charging stations
        
        724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
        
        Spencer Baptist Church – water distribution only
        
        187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160
        
        United Way of Rutherford County – water distribution and charging stations only
        
        668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043

Debris Removal

If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.
Additionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.
- Haywood
  - Household waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.
  - White Oak Landfill has reopened, as of noon on Tuesday, October 1
- Henderson
  - Henderson County Transfer Station will be open September 30 at 7:00 a.m. accepting storm debris with normal fees. A free storm debris site is in the works and will be available soon.

United States Postal Service

Mail delivery operations in the following three-digit ZIP code areas (any ZIP code beginning with these numbers) may experience interruptions:
- 287
  - USPS is attempting to resume delivery operations in the 287 ZIP code area.
- 288
- 289
Additionally, operations at the facility below remain suspended:
- Rutherfordton: 130 E. Court St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Pharmacy Access

CVS currently has 16 pharmacies that remain closed, including two locations – 522 S. Main St., Hendersonville, NC and 2351 US 70 Hwy., Swannanoa, NC – that are total losses and will not reopen.
For individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:
- 324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704
- 505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806
- 371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
- 3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
- 1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
- 2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792
- 111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
- 773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786
You can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.
How to Acquire a Prescription:
- If a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy’s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.
- Patients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.

Open Urgent Cares

The following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:
- Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
  - Mercy Urgent Care Weaverville
    - 61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787
  - Mercy Urgent Care West Asheville
    - 1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
  - Mercy Urgent Care Waynesville
    - 120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786
- Locations open between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
  - Mercy Urgent Care Brevard
    - 22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712
- Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
  - Mercy Urgent Care Columbus
    - 140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722

Resources for Veterans

Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.
- Legionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.
- Legion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.
  - To learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.
  - Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.
I will update this section as I become aware of additional resources for veterans.
As of Thursday, October 3, power has been restored at the Asheville VA Hospital.

Power and Gas

201,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.
- Duke Energy is on track to restore an additional 27,000 customers by Friday evening, October 4
  - By Friday evening, 90 percent of all outages will have been restored.
  - The remaining 10 percent of outages are in the hardest-hit areas of Western North Carolina.
    - Another 69,000 are on track to be restored in the hardest-hit areas by Sunday, October 6.
- In the areas where catastrophic damage exists, 105,000 customers are without power.
  - Duke Energy is working closely with the state on plans to address these areas as quickly as possible.
- The number of customers seeing their power turn back on each day is slowing, but that is only because Duke Energy has been conducting significant work to repair and bring back online the 360 substations that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
  - The substations are the backbone of our energy grid.
  - Once restored, service for private homeowners and businesses will rapidly begin to come back online.
- So far, 95 percent of substations have been restored and significant substation work is continuing today.
- Power for the Greenwood Rock Quarry has been restored.
  - Restoration of the quarry’s power will help NCDOT to address gravel needs for road repairs.
- For more information on Duke Energy’s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:
  - Outage Map: duke-energy.com/outages
    o Outage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts
    o Generator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators
    o Power restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power

Roads

A “DO NOT DRIVE” message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.
- Unless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.
- Cherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.
  - Please Note: Clay County is a new addition to the list of fully open counties in Western NC.
    - Don’t forget that Western NC’s economy relies on tourism, so another way to assist with hurricane relief is by visiting the North Carolina mountains, where it is safe to do so.
    - Please DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.
NCDOT has now reopened more than 130 roads.
- NCDOT has reopened:
  - NC 16 between Catawba and Alexander counties
  - NC 226 between McDowell and Mitchell counties
  - NC 105 in Watauga and Avery counties
  - I-40 East near Old Fort
- NCDOT is making progress on:
  - NC 9 between Buncombe and Henderson counties, along with multiple other major routes in NC-11
- In addition to repair and debris removal efforts, NCDOT has provided support and helped coordinate relief efforts for many agencies near or in storm-impacted areas.
  - As of Thursday, October 3, there has successfully been:
    - 338 evacuation trips
    - 1,537 people transported to safety
    - 523 trips to shelters
    - 2,076 people transported to the shelters
  - All 14 of NCDOT’s Highway Divisions are now helping respond to Hurricane Helene.
    - About 1,600 employees from across the state are working both day and night to clear debris and repair roadways.
The National Park Service has reopened US 441/Newfound Gap Rd. to allow for access between Tennessee and North Carolina communities.
- Kuwohi Rd. (formerly Clingmans Dome Rd.) has also reopened.
Bat Cave and Gerton communities on US 64/74 in Henderson County were isolated with no access out until October 2.
- Yesterday, NCDOT was able to open access into the Bat Cave/Gerton area.
- Food drops are currently being conducted on a clothesline across the river in Gerton.
NCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.
- You can access the map here.

Cell Service

Cell service restoration is continuing to see significant improvements.
- The total number of deployable assets in NC-11 are continuing to increase, reaching more than 70 assets that are on-air or en route amongst service providers in our hardest hit communities.
- The total number of cell sites that are down has steadily decreased since October 1.
Cell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.
- Disaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.
  - This allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.
- If you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.
AT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:
- Sam’s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
  - The Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.
  - The public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.
  - AT&T has also donated $100,000 to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to support Western North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene.
A temporary Verizon satellite trailer is located at the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin St., offering an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked.
T-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs) in Asheville, providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:
- Asheville Middle School
  - 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
  - 285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801
Additional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.

North Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense

More than 1,100 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.
- The total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.
Further, more than 400 vehicles, including 90 high-water vehicles, and 19 helicopters have been deployed to Western NC.
- Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky and South Carolina have all sent helicopters to assist with aerial initiatives in NC-11.
As of the afternoon of October 3, the National Guard has:
- Rescued more than 1,000 Western North Carolinians, including almost 200 by hoist, and 150 animals.
- Delivered nearly 1 million lbs. of resources to impacted communities.
The National Guard is continuing C-17 transport of supplies to Asheville.
Although airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.
- If you are looking to fly in resources and don’t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.
On October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).
- These soldiers have arrived in Western North Carolina and are supporting the delivery of food, water and other critical aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
- The Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.
  - Seven CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Ft. Liberty have already been flying resupply missions for the past two days.
Here are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:
- HOTLINE: 888-892-1162
- Emergency management watch: 919-733-3300
- Donated goods: 919-825-2474
  - These lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.

Asheville Regional Airport

Asheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.
Commercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.
If you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news – none of the airport’s lots flooded and all cars are fine.
- Stay safe and pick up your car when you are able.
PLEASE NOTE:
- No general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.

SNAP and Child Nutrition Benefits Flexibility

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Child Nutrition (CN) program flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
- SNAP
  - North Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.
  - This waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.
- Child Nutrition
  - The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.
    - Under the waiver approval, NCDPI’s local program operators may:
      - Serve meals in a non-congregate setting
      - Adjust the time of meal service
      - Allow parent pick-up
      - Allow service of meals at school sites

For NC-11 Medical Providers

If you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.
- The FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.
- More information to follow.
The Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:
- Accelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene
- Advance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene

For Local Government Resource Requests

For county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.
- My office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.

For Individual Assistance through FEMA

North Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.

Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

Individual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.

To date, more than 10,000 survivors have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.

To Connect with a Loved One

Residents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.
People in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- Please only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.
If you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.
- The form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.
- Regardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.
  - Buncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.

Resources for Utility & Other Status Updates

For information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.

Drinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking
Debris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites
NCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System
NCDPS Hurricane Helene – Storm Information
NCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

Free Legal Assistance

Legal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:
- Filing FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)
- Replacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver’s licenses and identification cards
- Medical and insurance claims
- Home repair contracts
- Utility disputes related to restoration of services
- Consumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft
- Housing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures
- Bankruptcy
- Probate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title
- Family law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)
If you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:
- (866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262
  - The hotline is available from:
    - 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.
  - Constituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

IRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Extension of certain tax filing deadlines:
- IRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.
  - Click here for the full list of extensions and respective dates
  - Click here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance
- Tax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:
  - IRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments – like government assistance payments – are generally excluded from gross income.

Shelters

For those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 3:
- Buncombe
  - A-B Technical Community College
    - 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
  - Gold’s Gym
    - 801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
  - WNC Agricultural Center
    - 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
- Haywood
  - Haywood County Government Armory
    - 285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781
- Henderson
  - Edneyville Elementary School
    - 2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
  - Henderson County Recreation Center
    - 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
- McDowell
  - Glenwood Baptist Church
    - 1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640
  - YMCA of Western North Carolina
    - 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
- Polk
  - Polk County High School
    - 1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722
- Rutherford
  - Rutherfordton/Spindale Central High School
    - 641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
- Transylvania
  - Transylvania Parks & Rec
    - 1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712
- Yancey
  - Cane River Middle School
    - 1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714
  - Mountain Heritage High School
    - 333 Mountain Heritage High School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714

With my warmest regards,

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter