Buncombe County Hurricane Helene: Urgent care available, water safety & schools updates

Press release from Buncombe County:

Buncombe County Hurricane Helene: Urgent Care Available, Water Safety & Schools Updates

As we continue recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene, here are key updates for our community:

Urgent Care Availability
Mercy Urgent Care has walk-in locations open at the following addresses from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.:

• West Asheville: 1201 Patton Ave.
• Weaverville: 61 Weaver Blvd.
• Brevard: 22 Trust Lane
• Waynesville: 120 Frazier St.
• Columbus County: 140 W Mills St.

Novant Go-Health Urgent Care at 349 New Leicester Highway is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Please note, these facilities treat non-life-threatening conditions. For emergencies, dial 911.

Search and Rescue Efforts
Today marks our sixth day doing rescue. Our search and rescue teams continue working to save lives. While many areas have been devastated, our skilled teams are making every effort to assist survivors. The current total of storm-related fatalities stands at 57.

Food and Water Distribution
Food and water distribution sites will open today at noon. Please bring containers to refill water.

• William W. Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road, Asheville
• 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

In addition, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and World Central Kitchen will be providing free meals starting at 1 p.m. (and continuing while supplies last) at the First Baptist Church in Weaverville, located at 63 North Main St., in the back parking lot.

Water Safety
Residents using private wells should avoid drinking water from wells that were flooded until tested for contamination. We recommend boiling water before consumption, even if the well wasn’t flooded, until testing is complete.

Recycling Services
Curbie Recycling has resumed service in the Town of Fletcher and for several commercial customers despite power outages. They are working to resume services in other areas as soon as possible. There is no trash pick-up at the time. If you have a way to transport, the County Landfill (85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander) is open, but the Transfer Station is not. County officials are working with WastePro on developing routes and assessing crew numbers to provide trash and recycling pick-up. We will announce any updates as soon as possible.

Internet
Wi-Fi is available outside the West Asheville Public Library (942 Haywood Road, Asheville) and Pack Memorial Library (67 Haywood St., Asheville). The password is “readmore” (one word, lowercase).

911 Call Assistance
While 911 calls are decreasing, non-emergency call volume remains high. We have additional support from four call centers around the state to manage overflow. Buncombe County is looking to activate a call center for non-emergency, storm-related resources.

Schools Update
Both Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools had minimal damage to facilities. 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. Many facilities are also being used for emergency response staff.

A-B TECH
A-B Tech facilities continue to be used for disaster relief, including sheltering. The shelter is at AB Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville, NC 28801 (Please use Victoria Road Entrance.)