Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Monday, Nov. 25, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: Key Updates and What's Next

On November 25, 2024, Buncombe County held a community briefing to provide updates on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, address misinformation, and outline changes to county services during the upcoming holiday season. The meeting, attended by County officials including Director of Communications Lillian Govis and County Manager Avril Pender, as well as Asheville City Manager Deborah Campbell and Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGarrett, aimed to keep residents informed about the ongoing recovery process and available resources. No formal votes were taken during the briefing; instead, the focus was on disseminating information and clarifying key points.

A significant portion of the meeting addressed concerns surrounding misinformation circulating online, particularly regarding the county's approach to temporary housing solutions in Barnardsville. County officials clarified that they are not restricting compliant "tiny homes" but rather addressing structures failing to meet building code. They also firmly reiterated that emergency housing, including travel trailers and manufactured homes, is strictly prohibited within floodway areas, addressing a recent report from Fox News. This emphasis on adhering to regulations and prioritizing safety was a recurring theme throughout the briefing, with County Manager Pender highlighting the temporary nature of current support measures and a shift towards long-term recovery planning.

Beyond addressing misinformation, the briefing covered several critical areas impacting residents. Updates were provided on the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program, emphasizing that removing an estimated 10 million cubic yards of debris will be a lengthy process. Residents affected by the storm are encouraged to apply for assistance through designated application centers (Asheville Mall, Barnardsville Fire Department, Swannanoa Fire, Fairview Library) or online at www.bunkumready.org. Information was also shared regarding FEMA assistance, with a January 7th deadline for applications at the Asheville Mall or through disasterassistance.gov. Residents currently using Waste Pro services must transition to FCC Environmental by December 1st to ensure continued trash and recycling collection.

The meeting also included important announcements regarding holiday closures and service adjustments. County government offices will be closed November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving, with adjusted hours for community showers, debris collection, and solid waste services. Water distribution sites and community care stations will permanently close on December 2nd, though some locations may have exceptions. To ensure transparency and accountability in the use of recovery funds, officials introduced a new online financial dashboard (buncombecounty.org/transparency), allowing residents to track spending related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

What Residents Need to Know & What's Next:

• Trash Service Transition: If you currently use Waste Pro, sign up with FCC Environmental at fccenvironmental.com/Buncombe by December 1st to continue trash and recycling services.
• Debris Removal: Apply for the PPDR program if your property was affected by Hurricane Helene.
• FEMA Assistance: Apply for FEMA assistance before January 7th.
• Stay Informed: Follow Buncombe County Government at BuncombeCounty.org for the latest closures and updates.
• Long-Term Planning: Attend the City Council Recovery Work Session on December 10th at 3 p.m. to participate in discussions about long-term recovery planning for the community.

This briefing served as a vital update on the ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, providing residents with crucial information and outlining key steps they can take to access available resources. County officials emphasized the importance of verifying information, supporting reputable charities, and actively participating in the recovery process.