From the city of Asheville:
Due to the inclement weather, non-emergency city government offices will close at 4 p.m. “We are asking citizens to limit travel as much as possible for their own safety and the safety of other citizens and emergency response personnel,” said Mayor Esther Manheimer. “I also want to encourage people to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly who may be without extra support during extreme weather conditions.”
Buncombe County declared a Local State of Emergency beginning at 12 noon today, Tuesday, February 12, and expiring at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13. To support and ensure a quick response to the storm and any recovery associated with it, City of Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer has prepared a proclamation of a state of emergency.
Police, fire, emergency response and public works personnel will continue operating on a 24 hour schedule. Currently, public safety calls for service are at normal levels. Public works crews continue to check and treat roads as needed.
In the event of an emergency, citizens are urged to call 9-1-1. Citizens who are in need of prescription medications or medical supplies and services but are unable to leave their homes due to hazardous roadway conditions may call 252-1110 for assistance. Information regarding shelters will be released upon shelter openings. Citizens are advised to keep informed by monitoring local media which will post any shelter openings, locations and other valuable information based upon updated press releases from the City of Asheville.
Downed power lines are dangerous and should be reported to 911. Power outages can be reported to Duke Energy Progress by calling the toll-free, automated outage reporting system at 1-800-419-6356. Spanish speaking customers should call 1-866-4APAGON (427-2466) for outage reporting assistance. For those with access to the internet, outages can be reported by clicking https://www.progress-energy.com/app/OutageEntry/default.aspx. For information regarding the outage restoration process, please visit http://www.duke-energy.com/north-carolina/outages/restoration.asp.
Updates about weather conditions and city services can be found at www.ashevillenc.gov and www.facebook.com/cityofasheville and www.twitter.com/cityofasheville . The Asheville Fire Department will share information about roadway conditions and other emergency notifications at www.twitter.com/ashevillefd.
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