Buncombe County Community Briefing | Feb. 19, 2025

Buncombe County Community Briefing Recap: Winter Weather & Helene Recovery Updates (February 19, 2025)

On February 19, 2025, the Buncombe County Community Briefing provided residents with crucial updates on two significant ongoing issues: preparing for an approaching winter weather advisory and the continuing recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The meeting, attended by key county officials and representatives from partner organizations like Duke Energy and the City of Asheville, aimed to inform the public about resources available and steps residents should take to stay safe and access assistance.

A significant portion of the briefing was dedicated to winter weather preparedness. With a winter weather advisory in effect, Lillian Govis from Communications and Public Engagement outlined expected conditions – including snowfall of 1-2 inches, potential icing, and gusty winds. Residents were strongly advised to take precautions like driving cautiously, preparing emergency kits (including a scraper, jumper cables, and blankets), checking on neighbors, and using generators and heaters safely. The Code Purple initiative was highlighted as a critical resource for vulnerable individuals, with shelters open and transportation provided by ART. Residents can easily identify Code Purple locations thanks to the lighting of key buildings like the Health & Human Services Building and Register of Deeds.

The meeting also provided a comprehensive update on Helene recovery efforts. County Manager Avril Pender detailed the “Resource for Recovery” events designed to assist residents impacted by the storm. These events offer one-on-one assistance with FEMA applications, financial aid guidance (provided by PISC Legal & Legal Aid of NC), vaccine distribution, counseling services, and a free dinner. Due to the winter weather advisory, the event originally scheduled for Thursday was postponed to Monday, March 3rd. Pender stressed the importance of applying for FEMA assistance by the deadlines (March 8 for FEMA, March 10 for Disaster Unemployment Assistance), and directed residents to disaster recovery centers (currently closed due to weather, but regularly open at Fairview Public Library and Leaverville Town Hall).

Beyond immediate assistance, discussions touched on longer-term recovery. A community survey conducted regarding Helene priorities revealed a strong desire for infrastructure repair, housing stability (particularly for renters), and economic recovery. These findings informed the City Council’s recent retreat, which established a vision of “Rooted in resilience, rising in unity…” and identified four key priority areas: People, Housing, Infrastructure/Environment, and Economy. Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the 2026 budget during a public comment session on February 25th.

The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office issued a critical warning regarding scams targeting Helene survivors, emphasizing that law enforcement never requests money over the phone. Residents are urged to report any suspicious calls immediately. Duke Energy provided reassurance regarding current power outages but highlighted their preparedness for potential wind-related issues, encouraging residents to utilize duke-energy.com/outages for safety tips and outage reporting.

What You Need to Know & What Happens Next:

• Stay Informed: Sign up for BC Alerts (text "BC Alerts" to 99411 or visit BuncombeCounty.org/code red) for weather updates and emergency information.
• Get Assistance: Attend the “Resource for Recovery” events (Feb 25, 27 & March 3) if you need help with FEMA applications or other recovery resources.
• Report Issues: Report incomplete right-of-way debris cleanup to the Juan Boncom Call Center (828-250-6100).
• Be Aware: Be vigilant against scams and report suspicious calls to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.
• Share Your Voice: Provide feedback on the 2026 budget during the February 25th City Council meeting.

This briefing underscored Buncombe County's commitment to supporting residents through challenging weather conditions and the ongoing recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. By staying informed and utilizing available resources, residents can navigate these challenges effectively and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.