With a winter storm watch taking effect tomorrow, January 10, Buncombe County officials are urging residents to prepare for wintry precipitation and extremely cold temperatures. These conditions will likely result in slick roads. Residents are advised to charge flashlights, stock extra water, have non-perishable food on hand enough for 72 hours, and stay off the roads.
Residents should:
- Use generators outdoors only
- Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite such as blue skin, slowed heart rate, and intense shivering
- Bring pets indoors
- Get real-time road conditions available at drivenc.gov
Closures and Community Resources
- FEMA Disaster Recovery Center: The FEMA center at the Asheville Mall will be closed tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday, including Hazard Mitigation Grant Program operations. They will reopen 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13. Centers are normally open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at disasterassistance.org.
- Community Care Stations: Stations at Bethel United Methodist, Fairview Ingles, Owen Pool, and Morgan Hill Baptist Church will be open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. On other days, the stations aim to operate daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. as the weather permits.
For updates on County closures, residents can sign up for Code Red Alerts by texting “BCAlert” to 99411 or visiting buncombecounty.org/codered.
Duke Energy Storm Preparedness
Duke Energy has implemented its storm response plan. This means crews, equipment, and supplies are ready and positioned to respond if outages occur. Duke Energy officials said in a community briefing that crews have made substantial progress in restrengthening their grid after Helene.
To report outages, text OUT to 57801, report online at duke-energy.com/outages, or call 800-419-6356.
Code Purple in Effect for Unhoused Community
The extreme temperatures have triggered Code Purple, which remains in effect today and tomorrow. Shelters are available for single men, single women, women with children, and families. During Code Purple events, the Register of Deeds Office and the Health and Human Services Building will be illuminated in purple to signal the availability of these resources.
Hurricane Helene Recovery Updates
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: This voluntary program offers funding for home elevation, reconstruction, and acquisition. Click here for details and the application.
- FEMA and Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadlines: Helene survivors have until Feb. 6, 2025, to apply for FEMA assistance or Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or des.nc.gov.
- Debris Removal: Crews continue to collect debris across the County. As of today, Thursday, January 9, 694,384 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the public right of way in Buncombe County, Black Mountain, and the City of Asheville. Residents who are unable to move storm debris to the public right of way can apply to have it removed for free here.
Energy Assistance
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): Now open to eligible households at epass.nc.gov.
- Disaster Energy Assistance Program: Applications open Wednesday, Jan. 15, at buncombecounty.org.
FEMA Seeks Properties for NC Survivors
FEMA is seeking solicitation of Direct Lease properties in 25 North Carolina counties to house survivors of Helene.
Direct Lease is a form of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance that allows FEMA to lease existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for survivors whose temporary housing needs cannot be met with other forms of assistance. FEMA will pay the property management company/vendor the cost of rent, while the survivor is responsible for utility costs and other expenses not covered in the lease.
Units are required in the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.
Counties and property management companies may find the Direct Lease solicitation here until Monday, Jan. 13.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on operations, recovery efforts, and emergency alerts:
- Visit buncombeready.org 24/7
- Visit Buncombe County Government on social media
- Call 828-250-6100 (M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
- Sign up for Code Red Alerts by texting “BCAlert” to 99411.