Hurricane Helene Community Briefing | November 18, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: Key Updates and Next Steps for Buncombe County & Asheville

On November 18, 2024, the Hurricane Helene Community Briefing provided a comprehensive update on recovery efforts following the recent storm impacting Buncombe County and Asheville. The meeting, attended by key officials including County Manager Avril Pender, FEMA Representative Mark Wilham, and City Manager Deborah Campbell, focused on outlining available resources and addressing ongoing concerns for residents and businesses. The primary objective was to inform the community about progress made, available assistance programs, and crucial safety precautions.

A significant decision announced during the briefing was the official lifting of the boil water notice for Asheville, a welcome development following extensive testing and confirmation that the water system is now safe for normal use. Officials, including Clay Chandler from Water Resources, emphasized that residents with plumbing installed before 1988 should continue to flush their cold water taps for 30-60 seconds before consumption as a precautionary measure. The meeting also highlighted the substantial financial assistance being provided by FEMA, with over $240 million approved for North Carolina residents and $79 million allocated to Buncombe County. FEMA is actively hiring locally, with opportunities listed on usajobs.gov.

Discussions centered around several key areas crucial to the community’s recovery. The Buncombe County is offering Home Resilience Grants, providing homeowners with funding for projects that mitigate the risk of future natural hazards. For-profit businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 through Mountain BizWorks to cover recovery expenses not covered by insurance. Debris removal efforts are ongoing, with over 174,000 cubic yards already collected. Residents are encouraged to continue sorting debris and placing it at the curb for collection, utilizing the One Buncombe Call Center (828-250-6100) for any questions. Community Care Stations remain operational, providing essential services like water distribution, laundry facilities, showers, and emergency supplies. A critical safety message was delivered regarding lithium-ion batteries – residents are urged to report any suspected flood damage to local fire departments and avoid improper disposal methods.

While no direct public comments were taken during the briefing, officials acknowledged the community's resilience and ongoing support. The City of Asheville is operating under a structured recovery framework, with a detailed virtual briefing scheduled for tomorrow at 9 a.m. on AshevilleNC.gov/Helene, providing further insights into the city's progress across seven key focus areas: housing, debris removal, economic recovery, water, infrastructure, arts/culture, and functional support.

Looking Ahead: Residents are encouraged to take action by applying for available grants through the provided links, registering with FEMA if they require assistance (disasterassistance.gov or 800-621-3362), and staying informed through the City Council briefing. Tetra Tech, a recovery partner, will provide an update on application and intake features tomorrow. The ongoing collaboration between county, city, and federal agencies demonstrates a commitment to supporting the community’s recovery from Hurricane Helene.

Key Contact Information:

• One Buncombe Call Center: 828-250-6100
• FEMA: disasterassistance.gov or 800-621-3362
• Mountain BizWorks (Business Grants): mountainbizworks.org/abgrants