Photo: Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images News / Getty Images
As the Asheville area continues to deal with the aftermath of Helene, multiple agencies are providing services to help in the recovery. Updated information and resource links can be found below:
WATER:
When will service be restored?
Tropical Storm Helene severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville’s water system. Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away which are preventing water personnel from accessing parts of the system. Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks.
As repairs progress, water service will return to some areas before others, based solely on the level of damage to the system.
What to do if you have running water
Customers who currently have water should fill bathtubs and other available containers in preparation for loss of service. Please remember, a boil water advisory also remains in effect for customers who have water.
What to do if you have conserved drinking water or bottled drinking water
Potable water is limited, please only use potable water for drinking, not for flushing.
Water Distribution:
The City has ordered food and water supplies and hopes to receive these supplies in the next day or two, according to a release from the City of Asheville. Until then, the release advises people in need to be conservative and help their neighbors if possible.
Drinking water will be distributed from Pack Square Park (70 Court Plaza) from 1 p.m. Monday until dark or when the supply runs out.
The Fresh Market plans to distribute free bottles of water to those in need at two locations in Asheville, starting at 10 a.m. Monday.
"We understand that everyone is limited on resources, so please check our social media sites for updates and confirmation that distribution is up and running," the media alert read.
The following locations plan to distribute free bottles of water while they last:
- The Fresh Market Parking Lot at 944 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC
- The Fresh Market Parking Lot 1378 Hendersonville, Rd, Ashville, NC 28803
CELLULAR SERVICE:
A temporary Verizon cellular satellite trailer is located at the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin Street. This tower will offer an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked.
Additionally, T-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks in Asheville. These SatCOLTs provide cellular voice, data, Wi-Fi and charging stations. Trucks are located at Asheville Middle School at 211 S French Broad Ave, andDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center at 285 Livingston St.
SHELTERS:
General public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center – 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC at capacity as of the time of this writing.
General public shelter at AB Tech – 6 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (use Victoria Road entrance)
Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
SUPPLIES:
Food and water supplies have been ordered to assist our community in need. We hope to receive these supplies in the next day or two. Until then, please be conservative and help your neighbors if possible.
Distribution sites have been identified and will be advertised once the supplies are in hand.
Without power many gas stations are not open and fuel is not currently available. We ask everyone to conserve fuel and not drive unless it is an emergency.
BUS SERVICE:
Bus service remains suspended while buses are involved in relief efforts. While performing this service, the bus destination sign will say “Special Assignment.” When services resume, ART buses will have the regular route name on the destination sign.
ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT:
APD is at full patrol staffing. Additionally, Federal and NC State agents are assisting with security and other local Law Enforcement Agencies needs.
ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT:
AFD continues rescue efforts in heavily affected areas and will begin canvassing neighborhoods for needs. For those needing medical assistance or for those who cannot call 911, each fire station will have a firefighter available 24/7.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES:
Structural damage should be reported to an individual’s insurance company as soon as possible.
A city-wide initial assessment by FEMA and a team of city staff (DSD, Fire, Public Works) will begin Sunday, September 29. Community members will see city staff doing assessments to understand the magnitude of the overall storm damage.
Development Services Department will be set up to receive and issue permits for removal and replacement of damaged areas. Permit fees will be waived for removal and repair permits.
- For questions about buildings affected by this storm:
- City of Asheville Building Safety Division at 828-259-5967
- email buildingsafety@ashevillenc.gov.
PUBLIC WORKS & SANITATION:
Public Works is working to clear storm debris from roads to provide critical access for emergency vehicles. Public Works will run routes for debris removal in the coming weeks. Information about trash and recycling collection will be continually updated.
TRASH AND RECYCLING:
There will be no trash and recycling service in the City of Asheville until further notice.
CURFEW:
A curfew is still in effect from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. within the Asheville City Limits.
Register of Deeds:
The Buncombe County Register of Deeds has developed a web-based form to help people in locating and connecting with residents of Buncombe County. This resource allows individuals to tell the county about anyone who they believe is missing or cannot be reached. This resource is available to anyone within or outside of Buncombe County. This form is available at this link.
People who need help finding friends and family who may have been affected by the storm can also call 828-820-2761 to reach the Family Assistance Center and leave a voicemail.
American Red Cross - North Carolina
Anyone who is unable to access needed information can call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a monetary donation or schedule a blood donation appointment. Individuals can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation. To receive more information, click here.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM)
In partnership with the Red Cross this ministry is seeking donations to provide assistance with motel and food costs for residents that have been displaced. The ministry is also looking for food, clothing or monetary donations. To learn more on how you can help, visit their website here.
MANNA FoodBank in Asheville
The non-profit organization is seeking volunteers and donations to help provide assistance to those in need. For those who wish to make a donation to the foodbank online visit their website by clicking here.
Baptists on Mission
Baptists on Mission is searching for volunteers to help serve communities in flood recovery, chainsaw and temporary roof repair. To sign up, visit their website here.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
The organization assists residents with immediate natural disaster response including long-term support for flood victims. To provide monetary assistance online, click here.
Important Contact Numbers:
- Duke Energy: 1-800-419-6356 (to report outages call 1-800-543-5599 or text "OUT" to 57801)
- NC Highway Patrol: 828-298-4252 / Road Conditions: DriveNC.gov
- Emergency Call Center: 828-356-2020
- Buncombe County Non-emergency: 828-250-6650
- Canton Police: 828-648-2376
- Waynesville Police: 828-456-5363
- Maggie Valley Police: 828-926-0867
- HEMC: 828-452-2281
- Haywood County Animal Control: 828-456-5338
- Haywood County Department of Social Services: 828-452-6620
- Haywood County Missing Persons: 828-452-6666
- Canton Water: 828-648-2376
- Waynesville Water: 828-456-3706