Buncombe County update Oct. 11

Buncombe County press release:

Today is the last day to register to vote. Visit www.buncombecounty.org/vote or call 828-250-4200 to register.

Early voting starts on Thursday, and you can also register and vote at any early voting location. Please note, you cannot register on Election Day. Find early voting locations on our buncombecounty.org/vote or by calling 828-250-4200.

Remember, an ID is required to vote this year. If you need an ID, stop by our office at 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, to get one for free in about 10 minutes.

Water Updates
Last night, water resources staff began pressuring and filling the North Fork Bypass line. Currently, the challenge remains the turbidity (amount of sediment) in the reservoir.

North Fork Reservoir: The ability to remove sediment is critical to use water at the reservoir. A private contractor will install curtains in the reservoir to create a section where water particles can be clumped together so they become heavy and fall to the bottom. This is a new method the City is using to make this water usable. Usually, this is done through a filtration system, but the water is too murky. This same treatment process is happening in stages to get sediment to settle at the reservoir. Because the North Fork Water Treatment Plant is not able to be used at the time, plans are to begin pressurizing the distribution system directly from reservoir water instead of going through the treatment plant.

Areas are being restored incrementally; the process currently includes moving west from Northfork to Asheville. Crews are doing intentional work that first include pressurizing, moving lines, and making repairs as their appear. Swannanoa is currently recognized as ground zero for the water system destruction and work will take place there starting this weekend. Once crews move past Swannanoa, the process for water restoration will hopefully be easier and faster.

Important Water Safety
As some areas begin receiving water, there are important water safety measures residents must take.

• When water becomes available it is important to note it will have more sediment than usual. Turn off icemakers and cut off water from toilets while not in use.
• If you have water from the City of Asheville, you are under a boil water notice. You must boil this water vigorously for at least one minute before you can use it for consumption, such as cooking, brushing teeth, and drinking. It is safe to use this water for showers, however and avoid getting water in the mouth. Sponge baths may be more appropriate for babies and small children.
• If you get water that looks dirty, close the valve to your hot water heater to prevent sediment from accumulating.
• If you begin receiving water that looks dirty, shut the power off to your water heater to prevent sediment from accumulating. When clean water is restored, you can turn this back on.
• If you do not have water, turn your water heater off to prevent a fire from occurring. You can turn this back on when clean water is restored.
• Because Black Mountain has multiple water sources, some residents have begun receiving water. If you have water in Black Mountain do not drink it or give it to pets, even if you boil it, it is not safe to consume. Only use it to flush your toilet.

Heating Safety
As the weather turns cold, Black Mountain Fire Chief John Coffey urges people to follow safe heating practices. Guidelines include:

• Do not use ovens, BBQ grills, or anything else inside your home that is not approved for home heating. Call your fire department to get more guidance.
• Follow safety recommendations for generators, and do not operate it inside your home. It must be at least 20 feet away from your house and with vents or windows due to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and more. Seek fresh air and call 911. Use a carbon monoxide detector with working batteries.

Solid Waste  
The landfill will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Transfer station at Hominy Creek will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. for household bagged trash only.

Debris Pickup
Debris removal continues at critical infrastructures including medical, sewer, and school facilities. Residential debris removal for Buncombe County and City of Asheville will begin next.

Separate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type: appliances, construction debris, vegetative debris, and electronics.

Important Reminders:

• Debris removal is not a one-pass operation. There will be multiple trucks and passes, so residents do not have to place all debris out at one time or worry if they have debris left.
• Do not place debris near or on trees, poles or other structures. This includes fire hydrants, meters, and curbside trash carts.
• Do not block the roadway for large trucks/emergency vehicles.
• Contractors cannot pick up debris on private property.
• Do not attempt the cleanup process without proper PPE: masks, long pants, safety glasses, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended.
• Residents should not attempt to bring debris to the landfill. Mud/soil will not be accepted at any Buncombe County disposal facility.

Community Care Stations 
A Community Care Station is now open in Swannanoa at 2319 Hwy 70 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, Wi-Fi, potable and non-potable water and counseling. Hot meals will be available between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, bring detergent, shower shoes, towels, and toiletries, otherwise they will be provided. Emergency responders will have access to the station outside of public hours.

A comfort care station at AC Reynolds High has also opened at AC Reynolds High; however, the laundry component is not yet fully operational. Novant Health as also depolyed a mobile clinic and pharmacy to this location.

Disaster Recovery Center
The Disaster Recovery Center at AC Reynolds High School (1 Rocket Drive, Asheville) is a one-stop shop for assistance, including FEMA and the Small Business Administration. Anyone impacted by the storm can visit the Disaster Recovery Center to begin a report with FEMA. Assistance teams are also going out in the community to help survivors apply for assistance and report any emerging need. Please be cautious of scammers—FEMA will never ask for money and staff will always have a badge.

Dogwood Health Trust
Dogwood Health Trust has distributed about $30 million in relief funding to local organizations that are delivering food and other assistance in the hardest-hit areas, helping obtain FEMA aid, and that are maintaining critical health services, CEO Susan Mims said. Local organizations are also distributing the money in the form of smaller grants.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is issuing $25,000 grants for frontline human service needs (apply on their website or call 828-254-4960).

A-B Tech
All A-B Tech campuses are being used in the relief effort. A-B Tech is projecting an opening date of Oct.28, and some programs including nursing, allied health, emergency services will start earlier. Details on all fall re-entry found on abtech.edu under “Helene Recovery.” Visit Abtech.edu/giving to support students and employees.

Veterans Medical Center
A reminder that veterans can obtain medication by going to the Charles George Veterans Medical Center in person at 1100 Tunnel Road in Asheville, by calling 855-679-0074 and pressing 1 for the pharmacy, or by going to any pharmacy in the network with a prescription as long as it is not older than three months. The Franklin, Hickory and Master Seargent Jerry K. Crump VA clinics are open normal hours. The Charles George Veterans Medical Center is providing essential services, pharmacy, and emergency care.

City of Asheville Update
Regular household trash and recycling pick-up schedules will begin Monday, October 14 where locations are accessible. Waste and recycling should be properly separated for collection starting on Monday. If you are able to, download the AVL Collects app to your phone to receive notifications about trash, recycling, and debris pickup in your area. Please do storm debris not be put into recycling and trash carts at this time.

Asheville’s public transit ART will expand services to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will continue to operate for free. Customers can waive a bus down.

View the daily 11 a.m. community briefings at www.facebook.com/buncombegov. Sign up for text message and email alerts at www.buncombecounty.org/codered or by texting BCAlert to 99411.