Yancey County Provides Updates on Recovery Efforts Following Tropical Storm Helene

YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. — Emergency services and recovery operations continue in Yancey County as the community works to recover from the impact of Tropical Storm Helene. The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office receives tremendous support from departments across the state, as well as FEMA and the National Guard.

Emergency services:
Yancey County Emergency Medical Services ordered two ambulance crews, adding 10 Advanced Life Support (ALS) units to aid the county’s medical response. Blue Ridge Regional Hospital remains fully operational on generator power and a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) is on site to support patient care. The Burnsville Health Center urgent care facility is open today from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mobile phone service:
Efforts to restore cell phone service continue, with crews working to clear roads and access tower sites to bring them back online.

Distribution of supplies:
Point of Distribution (POD) sites currently operate out of local fire stations, distributing water, meals ready to eat (MREs), and ice. The county plans to move to two centralized distribution sites by Thursday, and preparations are underway.

Availability of shelters:
Blue Ridge Elementary School reached capacity and a second shelter was opened at Cane River Middle School. A third hosting site is available if necessary. The American Red Cross operates these shelters.

Utility services:
Electricity is gradually being restored to areas that can receive it safely. The Burnsville Public Works Department is working to restore water service. Once the water plant is operational, residents will need to boil water until the system is flushed and disinfected. Water will be usable for showers and flushing toilets during this time. The wastewater treatment plant remains out of service pending major repairs.

Donations from volunteers:
Donations are directed to Altec for distribution.

Sanitary blocks:
Mobile laundry facilities are now available in the GO Grocery parking lot, with updates to showers and bathrooms to follow.

The county will continue to provide updates as recovery efforts progress.

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — Henderson County officials released key updates Wednesday evening as recovery efforts continue following the impact of Tropical Storm Helene. The county remains under a state of emergency, with a curfew in effect from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. for the entire county.

Resource centers:
Beginning Thursday, October 3 at 9:00 a.m., six resource center locations will be open for distribution of water and other supplies as they become available:

• Etowah Elementary School: 320 Etowah School Road, Etowah, NC
• Rugby midfielder: 3345 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville, North Carolina
• East Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr, East Flat Rock, NC
• Henderson North High School: 35 Fruitland Rd, Hendersonville, North Carolina
• Mills River City Hall: 124 Town Center Drive, Mills River, North Carolina
• Fletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Road, Fletcher, North Carolina

Free hot meals:
Grab-and-go meals will be available twice daily, around noon and 5 p.m., at four of the resource centers on a first-come, first-served basis:

• Etowah Elementary School
• Henderson East High School
• Henderson North High School
• Mills River City Hall

Storm Debris Removal:
Henderson County will provide curbside storm debris removal as a free service to residents. Storm debris, including tree limbs, building materials and household items, should be placed along the right-of-way for collection. Residents are asked to sort debris into categories to speed up the removal process.

Deposit of donations:
A donation site is open to 118 McAbee Court, Flat Rock, North Carolinaaccepting non-perishable food items, bottled water, toiletries and infant formula. Donations of perishable food and clothing are not accepted at this time. Visit www.visithendersonvillenc.org/helene-relief for a complete list of accepted items and information on how to volunteer.

Call center:
A call center has been set up for non-medical inquiries and general information at 828-771-6670 or by email to Hélè[email protected]. In the event of an emergency, residents should continue to call 911.