News release from Buncombe County:
Weather Update
While the county is not under a flood watch, nuisance flooding remains a possibility due to geomorphological changes and storm debris after Helene. Buncombe County Emergency Management Assistant Director Ryan Cole urges residents to use caution when driving – it only takes six inches of water to move a car.Duke Energy crews are actively responding to power outages. Overnight, about 1,400 customers in Black Mountain were without power. If your power is out, report at duke-energy.com/outages or text OUT to 57801.
Motorists should drive cautiously, as downed trees and hydroplaning accidents continue to cause outages. Please slow down and give utility crews ample space as they work.
The Buncombe County Urban Search and Rescue and the City of Asheville Swift Water Rescue teams are staged and ready to respond should flood conditions change; no rescues have been conducted since the team activated at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by texting “BC Alerts” to 99411 or visiting www.buncombecounty.org/codered.
Community Care Stations
The Community Care Station at Owen Pool is available from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekends. Since November, that station has stayed open at all times when temperatures are below 32 degrees so residents can use it to stay warm.Other Community Care Stations at Fairview Ingles, Morgan Hill Baptist Church on Barnardsville Highway, and Bethel United Methodist Church on Riceville Road are open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily.
Waste Collection Delays
FCC Environmental trucks servicing Swannanoa and unincorporated Black Mountain are encountering road closures from downed trees and power restoration crews. Efforts are underway to complete routes, and customers will receive updates if service is delayed.Debris Removal
Waterway debris removal started last week and crews with USACE contractor AshBritt are now in the water removing all types of eligible debris including vegetative, construction and demolition, titled property (boats, cars, etc.), white goods (washers, dryers, refrigerators), and hazardous waste.Crews have been out in the community for months collecting debris from the public right-of-way and they are close to hitting the one-million cubic yard mark for collection in Buncombe, the city of Asheville, and Town of Black Mountain.
Private Property Debris Removal is another big piece of debris removal after Helene. So far, contractor Tetra Tech has collected more than 2,800 applications from property owners who are unable to move their debris to the public right-of-way. Of these, more than 1,300 inspections have been competed, 93 properties have cleanup in progress, and 44 have had cleanup already completed.
- Applications are open at intake centers in Fairview, Black Mountain, Swannanoa Fire Rescue Bee Tree Substation, and Barnardsville Fire Station.
- Apply online: www.buncombeready.org
FEMA Updates
FEMA has distributed over $117 million in disaster assistance to Buncombe County residents, including $36 million for housing assistance and $81 million for personal property, transportation, and emergency suppliesResidents must apply for FEMA assistance by March 8 at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.
Upcoming Recovery Resource Events
Buncombe County is hosting Resources for Recovery events to help residents connect with essential resources. The first event is Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m. at Barnardsville Fire Station (100 Dillingham Road). Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, Legal Aid of NC, and county departments will be available to assist residents.Additional events include:
- Thursday, Feb. 20 – Owen High School Cafeteria, 5-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 25 – Reynolds High School Cafeteria, 5-7 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 27 – Leicester Community Center, 5-7 p.m.
Red Cross Financial Assistance
The American Red Cross continues to provide financial assistance to residents with major damage or destroyed homes. Nonprofits are also eligible for grants through the Red Cross.To apply, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcross.org/helene. Representatives with the Red Cross will also be at the Recovery Resources Events.
Community Engagement Markets
Residents in need of food assistance can visit Community Engagement Markets, which also provide medical services and recovery resources when available. Upcoming markets:
- Today: Pisgah View Apartments, 3 p.m.
- Friday: Grove Street Community Center, noon
For a full list of market dates, visit www.buncombecounty.org/communityengagement.
Stay Updated
All recovery updates, resources, and event information can be found at www.engage.buncombecounty.org/buncomberecovers.For questions or assistance, call theOne Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100, available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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