Update from McDowell County Emergency Management

McDowell County -- October 1, 2024:  Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations

Center (EOC) McDowell County EOC Ongoing Operations

McDowell County Emergency Operations Center is working tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped or stranded by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. A 20-operator call center is actively fielding calls from the public to report missing or stranded persons. Each call is triaged and prioritized, and Search and Rescue Operations Teams are dispatched based on the urgency and critical nature of the situation.

Since the early morning hours of Friday, September 27, 2024, Rescue Teams have rescued 245 citizens. These dedicated teams have been operating 24 hours a day without stopping. They are using utility task vehicles, drones, saw teams, heavy equipment, and other mechanisms to execute these rescue missions. Multiple animals have also been rescued while evacuating their owners. Teams evacuated an assisted living facility housing 29 residents who were safely relocated due to a collapsed bridge blocking access to the facility.

Air operations have been in full swing since the arrival of helicopter teams on September 27, 2024. These specialized teams, conducting missions around the clock, utilize helicopter extraction methods (rappelling rescue specialists into otherwise inaccessible areas), and have rescued over 100 people and 19 pets from locations that may have remained unreachable for weeks or even months.

The human services division has worked relentlessly with logistics teams to coordinate the delivery of essential resources into communities throughout McDowell County. Large-scale deliveries of water tankers, bottled water, MREs, and other food items are ongoing, with efforts to continue 24/7 to ensure no one is left without the essentials. We are also actively using heavy-duty drones to drop food and water to individuals in dire need.

Points of Distribution (PODs) Established:

Numerous agencies from all across McDowell County continue to assist McDowell County Emergency Management with Points of Distribution. These PODs will operate daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, depending on available supplies.

POD LOCATIONS:

Woodlawn: Hicks Chapel Church, 6008 US 221 N, Marion, NC

Former TJ’s Discount, 8153 US 221 N, Marion, NC 28752
Old Fort: Old Fort Town Hall, 38 Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, NC 28762
Marion: New Manna Baptist Church, 225 East Court St., Marion, NC 28752
Dysartsville: Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church, 7860 NC 226 S, Nebo, NC 28761
Meals Provided by Grace Community Church:
Starting Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Grace Community Church will be providing hot meals at their location (5182 US 70 West, Marion, NC 28752). The meal times are as follows:
Lunch: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Available Shelters:

The following shelters are open or will be opening in McDowell County to provide refuge for those in need:
Glenwood Baptist Church, 155 Glenwood Church Rd, Marion, NC 28752
Senior Center in Marion, 100 Spaulding Rd, Marion, NC 28752
YMCA of Marion, 348 Grace Corpening Dr, Marion, NC 28752
Helene Hotline - McDowell County

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call the Helene Hotline at (828) 652-3241. Our 24/7 volunteer operators are standing by to help. The hotline can be used for the following:
Report missing or stranded persons
Request transportation to a shelter
Report urgent medical equipment needs (oxygen, life-saving medication)
Any other questions or concerns

How Can You Help?
If you are looking to assist in this monumental effort, here’s how you can contribute:
Volunteer Line: Call our Citizen Volunteer Coordinator at (828) 559-9731 to learn how you can help. We extend our deepest gratitude to the many volunteers already working hard to support our efforts.
Donation Drop Point:
Donations of essential supplies can be delivered to the Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center, located at 634 College Drive, Marion, NC. We are accepting the following items:
Bottled water
Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, etc.)
Non-perishable food items
Drop-off hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily
We Won’t Stop!

Emergency Services Director Will Kehler states “The McDowell County Emergency Operations Center and all our partners remain fully committed to saving lives and providing critical resources to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. We will continue deploying rescue teams, food and water supplies, medical support, and volunteers for as long as it takes. McDowell County is a resilient community. We stand united during this challenging time and are tirelessly working to take care of every one of our neighbors. Together, we will persevere through this hardship, and we thank everyone for their continued strength and support.”