Buncombe County Helene Recovery Update Oct 12, 2024

Buncombe County -- Buncombe County Government Oct. 12 Recovery Updates: US Army Corps of Engineers Assessing

Infrastructure, Updated Food & Water Distribution Sites, Community Care Stations, & More

Information from the Oct. 12 press briefing.

Dave Connolly, US Army Corps of Engineers 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deployed subject matter experts in debris management, temporary power, temporary water and infrastructure assessment to assist FEMA in coordinated efforts to impacted areas.  

Throughout the response efforts, USACE's number one priority is life, health, and safety of all who are affected by Hurricane Helene. USACE has assisted FEMA in delivery of 18 generators. Over 10 million cubic yards (equal to 1 million dump trucks) have been identified as debris as a result of Helene. A total of 287 preliminary water and waste-water assessments have been completed across the impacted areas of North Carolina. Ongoing efforts continue as USACE works throughout impacted areas. 

Ali Casparian Founder, Executive Director of Bounty and Soul 

Bounty & Soul is working with area businesses, organizations like World Central Kitchen & Hearts with Hands to provide hot meals, fresh food, and essential household supplies and equipment to hard hit areas of Swannanoa Valley. 

Bounty & Soul Latino location (216 Whitson Ave, Swannanoa) @1pm 
Swannanoa Library (101 W. Charleston Ave) @1pm 
Bee Tree (372 Bee Tree Rd, Swannanoa) @2:30pm 
Lytle Cove (220 Lytle Cove Rd, Swannanoa) @2pm 
Tierra Fertil Farm (74 Bagwell Mill Rd) @2pm 
Jasper Apartments (234 Habibi Ln, Swannanoa) @4pm 
East Haven (2244 US-70, Swannanoa) @4:45pm 
Forest Hills (3 Dustin Dr, Swannanoa) @5pm 
These locations are changing daily based on needs. For more information on how to help or receive assistance: Bountyandsoul.org or call 828-419-0533 

Water Update: 

A few reminders as water is being restored:

Water contains sediment but is highly chlorinated to provide as much disinfection as possible. 
Boil water notice is in effect – boil vigorously for at least one minute 
Or you can use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth 
Turn off ice makers 
Close valve to hot water heater to prevent sediment from accumulating, open inlet once water is restored 
Pour any discolored water through your bathtub 
Power Outages: 

As of this morning, there are 18,000 Duke Power customers without power. We will be joined by representatives from Duke again at our Tuesday community briefing.  

Buncombe County Board and Commissioner’s Meeting:  

The Buncombe County Board and Commissioner's regularly scheduled October 15 meeting will be held fully remote. The meeting can be watched live on the County Facebook page at facebook.com/buncombegov. 
 
Food and Water Distribution Sites: 

An update to our water distribution sites. The Sand Hill Elementary distribution site is being relocated to Buncombe County Sports Park, which is in the same driveway as the Sand Hill location at 58 Apac Drive in Asheville. 
Other water distribution sites include:

William W. Estes Elementary School
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
Fairview Elementary School
Black Mountain Ingles
Leicester Elementary School
Asheville Middle School
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
Pack Square Park
Lucy Herring Elementary School
Oakley Elementary. 
Shelters: 

We have space available at all of our shelters.  

AB Tech Conference Center: 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville   
Medical Emergency Shelter: 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville (medical equipment required) 
Former Gold’s Gym (Novant Health): 1815 Hendersonville Road, Asheville (family friendly)   
WNC Ag Center: 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher (pet friendly) 
Farm Business Grants: 

Farm businesses with damages directly related to Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for the WNC Communities’ Immediate Disaster Needs grant program. Farm businesses with damages directly related to Tropical Storm Helene are eligible. This grant is meant to provide resources quickly for farms with urgent needs that impact the ability to get the farm business back in operation as soon as possible. Go to wnccommunities.org or please email: grants@wnccommunities.org.

Medical Center Updates

Today, Novant Health will have a community care cruiser on-site at AC Reynolds High School at 1 Rocket Drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., available daily at this location. They will offer urgent care services, including connections to obstetric and pediatric care, as well as a mobile pharmacy. These medical resources will be available to all patients at no cost. Also located at AC Reynolds: a community care station where people can use laundry, shower, and Disaster Recovery Center with FEMA and SBA assistance. 

The community care station in Swannanoa is open and running today until 7 p.m.

Mercy Urgent Care clinic in East Asheville, located at 1272 Tunnel Road, will reopen tomorrow Sunday, October 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other Mercy locations that have reopened include South Asheville, Weaverville and West Asheville.

Solid Waste: 

Today our transfer station at Hominy Creek is open until 1 p.m. for bagged household trash, and the landfill is open until 3 p.m. 

City of Asheville is looking to resume trash and recycling collection on its regular schedule beginning Monday.