Disaster & Recovery Updates 10-4-2024

BeLoved Asheville continues to distribute and collect food, water, and other supplies and donations at 32 Old Charlotte Hwy. in Asheville.

The McRig is serving FREE meals to those affected by Hurricane Helene through Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by McDonald’s at 950 Patton Ave. in Asheville for relief meals.

Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner will be serving hot meals in Asheville at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, 95 Smokey Park Hwy. in Asheville, Friday, October 4 through Tuesday, October 8 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A special pop-up Mobile Market will be held at the Asheville YMCA, 30 Woodfin Street in Downtown Asheville on Saturday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They’ll have fresh produce as well as shelf-stable goods and supplies for all.

Rumors are spreading that FEMA is confiscating donations for survivors. This is false. FEMA does not take donations and/or food from survivors or voluntary organizations.

Un rumor común que se comparte en nuestra comunidad es que FEMA está confiscando donaciones para los sobrevivientes. Esto es falso. FEMA no acepta donaciones ni alimentos de sobrevivientes ni de organizaciones voluntarias.

There are 200 people unaccounted for in Buncombe County. The number of people killed due to the storm is now at 72. We are entering the 7th consecutive day of search and rescue missions.

Buncombe County has activated the One Buncombe Call Center for residents to report storm damage, access resources, and find storm-related information by calling 828-250-6100.

City of Asheville Distribution:
– Asheville Middle School, 211 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville, until 7 p.m.
– Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville, until 7 p.m.
– Pack Square Park, 70 Court Plaza beginning at 1 p.m. until dark.
– Lucy Herring Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Buncombe County is distributing supplies at the following locations from noon until 4 p.m.:
– William W. Estes Elementary School: 275 Overlook Road, Asheville
– Sand Hill Elementary: 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville
– North Windy Ridge Intermediate School: 20 Doan Road, Weaverville
– Fairview Elementary School: 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
– Black Mountain Ingles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, 28711
– Cane Middle Creek Middle: 570 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
– Leicester Elementary School: 31 Gilbert Road, Leicester

Mission Hospital’s Outpatient Pharmacy at 509 Biltmore Ave., Entrance #4, is open 24/7 to fill prescriptions. They close for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. daily. They are not filling prescriptions for controlled substances.

The NC Board of Pharmacy is maintaining a list of pharmacies in western NC that are open. View the list at www.ncbop.org/emergencyoperatingpharmacieshelene.html.

DHHS disaster medical assistance teams are in Asheville and Spruce Pine to provide medical support.

Duke Energy reports that about 27,000 households in Buncombe County should have their power restored today. Another 69,000 households should have power by Sunday. About 100,000 households across the area will still be without power.

Trailers and big rigs hauling essentials such as food, water, supplies, and fuel are able to resume deliveries in some parts of Western North Carolina. Some roads remain closed due to standing water or damage. NCDOT officials ask that roads be kept clear for first responders and authorized workers.

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS. Ask all personnel to show identification badges. All FEMA support team members will be in identifiable uniforms or vests.

A Laundry trailer will be at Basilica of St. Lawrence in downtown Asheville today, Friday, October 4 and tomorrow.

Avoid river areas due to debris. Hazardous material testing has been requested through the state emergency operations center.

Black Mountain

Supplies of food and drinking water are available daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ingles in Black Mountain, 550 NC-9. Ice is also available.

Black Mountain has four dumpsters at two sites for Black Mountain residents to dispose of household trash:
– Tractor Supply, 125 Old US 70 E.
– Ingles, 550 NC-9, near the car wash.

A mobile urgent care clinic is available for residents in Ridgecrest, at the Excel College, 12 Florida Avenue in Black Mountain. There is also a mental health and basic medical support center at the South entrance to the First Baptist Church, 130 Montreat Road that is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

This program can provide critical financial aid for temporary housing, home repairs, and other urgent needs.

To apply, visit disasterassistance.gov.
– Select “Let’s Get Started” This will guide you to the application process.
– Provide accurate information regarding your situation and the specific disaster.
– Ensure all details are correct before submitting. You will receive a confirmation upon successful submission.

For questions or help during the application process, contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362).

Blue Ridge Public Radio is providing updates on conditions in WNC via their blog at www.bpr.org/live-updates/live-blog-hurricane-helene-wnc.

For additional updates, please go to www.facebook.com/buncombeGov.