Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: Buncombe County Recovery Efforts

On November 19, 2024, Buncombe County held a community briefing to update residents on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, focused on water safety, debris removal, and available assistance programs, aimed to inform the public about ongoing progress and resources for those affected by the storm. No formal votes were taken during the briefing; instead, officials provided detailed information and answered community questions.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on recovery programs for both residents and businesses. Homeowners are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance through disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, and to explore the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, a no-cost program designed to help homeowners make their homes more resilient against future natural disasters. For businesses, grants of up to $25,000 are available through the Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together grant program, with applications accepted until November 27th via mountainbizworks.org/abgrants. Property owners can now apply for a program that will remove debris and address unsafe structures on private and commercial properties at no cost, utilizing an online portal (onebunkum.org), a call center (828-250-6100) or in-person application centers.

Discussion also highlighted the ongoing debris removal efforts, with over 181,000 cubic yards already collected. A dedicated program for private property debris removal is now officially launched, offering online applications and a call center to assist residents. The County also announced normal trash collection routes have resumed, with special collection locations available for those unable to access regular routes. Regarding water safety, officials from the City of Asheville addressed concerns about lead contamination following the lifting of the boil water advisory. They assured residents that water quality is safe and recommended flushing cold water taps for 30-60 seconds before use, advising concerned individuals to follow EPA guidance on lead testing.

The briefing included a Q&A session addressing community concerns, particularly regarding water safety and lead. Officials from the City of Asheville provided clear guidance on flushing taps and monitoring for potential issues, emphasizing that the city is committed to ensuring safe water quality. Community Care Stations continue to operate daily from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., providing essential services like water, laundry, and showers – a vital resource for many residents.

What Happens Next? (Action Items & Important Dates)

• Residents: Apply for FEMA assistance and consider the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
• Businesses: Submit applications for the Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together grant before November 27th.
• Property Owners: Apply for debris removal and demolition assistance programs through the online portal or call center.
• All Residents: Stay informed via the Buncombe County Facebook page and website for updates.
• City of Asheville Residents: Continue flushing cold water taps before use and consider lead testing if concerned.

The County is transitioning to a long-term recovery support operational framework, and the City of Asheville will continue monitoring water quality. The next opportunity to engage with county leadership is at upcoming Board of Commissioners meetings on November 19th, streamed live on the Buncombe County Facebook page. This briefing underscored Buncombe County’s commitment to supporting residents and businesses through the ongoing recovery process, encouraging community members to utilize available resources and stay informed.