Emergency Information & Services Update
Last updated: 10/11/24 at 1 p.m.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS/CONTACT INFO
Life-threatening emergencies including downed powerlines: 911
One Buncombe Call Center: 828-250-6100
Missing Persons: Call 211, text PERSON to 40403, or log online at United Way
Police Non-Emergency: 828-250-6650
Power Outages (Duke): 1-800-419-6356
Replacement Driver's License: NCDOT.gov
Dominion Energy: 866-366-4357
BC Alerts: Text bcalert to 99411
Report Damage to Personal Property
ALV Alerts Sign-up at ashevillenc.gov; texts sent in English and Spanish
ALV Airport: flyavl.com or call 828-684-2226
OPERATIONS STATUS – SCHOOLS
County Schools are closed but preparing to reopen; no date is set. Families, teachers and support staff will receive at least a 72-hour notice prior to the return of class. In the meantime, families are encouraged to keep their children reading, writing, and talking about their experiences.
Asheville City Schools are drilling wells on campuses in preparation for a return to school. No date is set but the earliest classes will resume is October 28. On October 14, Asheville City Schools will host bridge learning from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; specific information was sent to families.
AB Tech and UNC Asheville remain closed indefinitely.
OPERATIONS STATUS – LOCAL GOV
• All operations are paused as all available resources are being directed toward emergency response efforts. This includes Buncombe County administrative offices and Buncombe County parks. For the latest on municipal operations, visit:
OPERATIONS STATUS – CITY/COUNTY CURBSIDE COLLECTION
Do not remove debris along rivers/streams until searched. Debris removal from residential properties is planning stages and will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, start separating storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type: appliances, construction debris, vegetative debris, hazardous waste, electronics and mud/soil. Debris piles should not be on or near trees, poles or other structures like fire hydrants, meters and curbside trash carts. See personal safety below for reminders on keeping you safe during clean-up.
Household and commercial trash is accepted at the Buncombe County landfill, 85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander, weekdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Drop-off bagged trash only at Charles C. Bell Elementary School, 90 Maple Springs Road, Asheville and Owen Pool, 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hominy Creek Transfer Station is open for residential bagged trash only. No fee charged, and no commercial vehicles accepted. Hours are weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
WastePro is operating residential routes as mush as possible and servicing essential commercial customers only. WastePro recycling services are temporarily suspended.
Limited household waste curbside collection for certain areas of the City of Asheville resumed as of 10/7/24; download the AVL Collects App for notifications. Curbie Recycling has resumed in the city where roads are passable. Curbie is also accepting recycling from residents only at their facility, 116 N. Woodfin Ave, Asheville. City of Asheville will resume trash and recycling collection on its regular schedule beginning Monday, 10/14/25.
At this time, storm debris on private property can be piled out of the road until a collection schedule is established.
OPERATIONS STATUS – ART PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE
Limited ART bus service operations are in place as of 10/7/24. It is free to ride the bus. Due to the curfew, the last outbound trips end at 5 p.m. Riders are able to board the bus from any point by flagging a bus down. Starting Monday, 10/14, services are expanding and operating hours will run from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. For routes in operation, check here or call customer service at 828-259-5943.
OPERATIONS STATUS – BUNCOMBE COUNTY INSPECTIONS & PERMITS
Permit applications are available at electrical supply companies that are open and the Permits Office at 30 Valley Street, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Electronic permit applications are accepted on the Development Portal . Permits are being issued HOWEVER if you are in a special flood hazard area, you will have additional requirements specific to your project. Check your area and special requirements.
OPERATIONS STATUS – WATER & SEWER
The sewer system is operational but check lines on private property before using. Metro Sewage District administration building is now open, 2028 Riverside Dr, Asheville. Sewer emergencies should be reported immediately to 828-768-0540.
Repairs are underway around the clock on the Asheville water infrastructure. Water is reportedly high in sediment. If any water does come out of the faucet, it should only be used for flushing. The city of Asheville is not assessing late fees for water bills, sending delinquent notices, creating new bills, or doing any cut-offs for non-payment at this time. Call 828-251-1122 if you have billing concerns.
ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Rescue efforts underway in heavily affected areas and first responders continue canvasing neighborhoods. Targeted search efforts are happening to help locate missing persons. A firefighter is available at every fire station 24/7 for those unable to call 911 or who need medical assistance. As a reminder, burning yard waste is not permitted within city limits. Report hazardous materials to ncdwmspills@deq.nc.gov.
ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
The APD is operating at full patrol staffing with assistance from Federal and State agencies. A curfew in place; starting 10/11 the new curfew hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
ATMS
A mobile PNC Bank ATM is located on Weaver Boulevard, Weaverville.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Commissioners will be on Tuesday, October 15 at 5 p.m. to tend to critical business. Because the building is without water, the meeting will not be open to the public to attend in person. Instead, watch it livestreamed at facebook.com/buncombegov. Public comments can be submitted to the Clerk to the Board by email to sarah.gross@buncombecounty.org (subject line: Public Comment October 15, 2024). Residents wanting to provide remote public comment during the meeting should contact sarah.gross@buncombecounty.org by Sunday, Octobr 13 at 9 a.m.
CELL SERVICE
The following locations are temporary cell service sites:
Family Justice Center
35 Woodfin Street, Asheville
Limited cellular reception within several city blocks
Asheville Middle School
211 S. French Broad Ave
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
285 Livingston Street
Grace United Methodist Church
954 Tunnel Road, Asheville
COMMUNITY CARE STATIONS
Community Care Stations provide space for the public to shower, do laundry, use the bathroom, access cell towers and WiFi, get potable water and non-potable water, and access counseling services. It's open daily from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hot meals are served between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Please bring towels, shower shoes, and toiletries if possible; otherwise, items will be provided.
Swannanoa Community Care Station
2319 Hwy 70
AC Reynolds High School
1 Rocket Drive, Asheville
Also located at AC Reynolds High School, Novant Health will have a community care cruiser on-site available daily at this location. They will offer urgent care services, including connections to obstetric and pediatric care, as well as a mobile pharmacy. These medical resources will be available to all patients at no cost.
DUKE ENERGY UPDATE
Power is expected to be restored to most areas by 10/13.
• Outage map
• Ongoing restoration site
EBT/SNAP/NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
People and families enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program can use benefits to purchase hot food; full news release.
FOOD SERVICES PROVIDERS
Food service establishments that experienced an interruption in water or power need a visit from our office to re-instate their permit. We have been able to accommodate either same day visits or schedule a visit at a time convenient with the operator. Food service establishments that do not have a functioning municipal water source AND would like to reopen need to complete an Emergency Operations Plan application, those applications have been emailed out to all restaurants in our database. These plans are being reviewed by the state’s Environmental Health section. Once the plans are approved, our inspectors are making visits to reopen the establishments. Food service establishments with water and under a boil water advisory need to follow best practices as outlined on our Boil Water Fact Sheet found on buncombecounty.org/eh AND do NOT need to submit an Emergency Operations Plan AND do NOT need a visit from our office prior to opening. Food service establishments that did not experience an interruption in power or water need to reach out to our office and let us know. For any questions, please call 828-250-5016 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERS & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Non-profits, community partners and schools can request supplies for emergency outreach work. Supplies can be collected at 6 Commerce Way, Asheville. Fill out a request for supplies online or call 828-393-5628 or go to 6 Commerce Way, Asheville, to fill out in person.
INTERNET & CHARGING
The following locations are free charging stations:
• West Asheville Public Library (942 Haywood Road, Asheville) and Pack Memorial Library (67 Haywood St., Asheville), and Enka-Candler Library (1404 Sand Hill Road,Candler, 28715 The password is “readmore” (one word, lowercase).
• Mobile charging and internet connectivity station is set up in the lower parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Black Mountain (130 Montreat Rd.)
• Asheville YMCA: The Downtown Asheville YMCA is now open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to distribute essential items to the public. This location is also open (outside) for WiFi and charging.
MEDICINE
**Veterans who need medications should go to the Charles George VA pharmacy or call 855-679-0074 and press 1.
A full list of pharmacies can be found Here.
MEDICAL CARE
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911!
Mission Hospital
Providing all services
Brevard
22 Trust Ln
First Baptist Church
130 Montreat Road, Black Mountain
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Basic Medical Support Center
Foothills
140 W. Mills St
8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Mobile Urgent Care Clinic
Excel College at 12 Florida Avenue, Black Mountain
Mercy Urgent Care
West Asheville
1201 Patton Ave
Novant Go-Health Urgent Care
349 New Leicester Hwy
9 a.m.-6 p.m.Waynesville
120 Frazier St
Weaverville
61 Weaver Blvd
Medical Clinic by Community Paramedics 12 Florida Ave, Black Mountain 24/7 Medical care of any non-emergency needs except for withdrawls.
Mercy Urgent Care clinic in East Asheville, located at 1272 Tunnel Road, will reopen tomorrow Sunday, October 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m
MOUNTAIN MOBILITY
Mountain Mobility is operating life-sustaining dialysis transport to dialysis centers as long as patients are accessible. Non-emergency trips, paratransit services and some trailblazer services have also resumed as of 10/9.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Text or call 988, or chat 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support. There is a Disaster Distress Helpline for those specifically impacted by or responding to disasters, including hurricanes: call or text 1-800-985-5990. In-person services are available at 130 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Other resources:
NC Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS-NC to speak to a peer living in recovery from mental health or substance use issues
Hope4NC available for volunteers and first responders, 1-855-587-3463
VAYA Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127
OXYGEN REFILL STATIONS
Palmetto Oxygen LLC
828-285-0239
Blue Ridge
828-232-1110
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Full tanks for empty tanks only
Rotech
828-456-8782
Lincare
828-255-4545
Bradshaw Oxygen LLC
828-380-6287
PERSONAL CARE IN POST-HURRICANE RECOVERY
Proper Wound Care
Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection. Take care of wounds:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, if possible.
- Avoid touching the wound with your fingers while treating it (if possible, use disposable gloves).
- Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing from the injured body part.
- Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wound to control bleeding.
- Clean the wound after bleeding has stopped. Examine wounds for dirt and foreign objects. Gently flood the wound with bottled water or clean running water (if available, saline solution is preferred). Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water. Pat dry and apply an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth.
- Leave unclean wounds, bites and punctures open. Wounds that are not cleaned correctly can trap bacteria and result in infection.
- Provide pain relievers when possible.
- Review the wound every 24 hours.
Cleaning Up Safely After a Disaster
Ensure you have the right safety gear: hard hats, goggles, N95 Masks, heavy work gloves, waterproof boots with steel toe and insole, earplugs if working with noisy equipment, and at least two fire extinguishers.
Protecting Your Respiratory Health During Disaster Clean-Up
Mold can cause many health effects. Protect your lungs from mold by wearing a respirator while cleaning up your flooded home. If there is mold in your home (or you suspect that mold growth has occurred), protect your mouth and nose against breathing in mold by wearing at least a disposable, NIOSH-approved N-95 filtering facepiece respirator (often called an “N-95 respirator” or “N-95 mask”).
Do not use ovens, burners, grills to heat indoor spaces. Generators should operate only outside of a home and away from open doors, windows and vents by at least 20 feet. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide: headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, loss of consciousness. Seek fresh air immediately and contact 911 if you need medical assistance. Be sure your carbon monoxide alarms are working.
A few reminders as water is being restored:
- Water contains sediment but is highly chlorinated to provide as much disinfection as possible.
- Boil water notice is in effect – boil vigorously for at least one minute
- Or you can use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth
- Turn off ice makers
- Close valve to hot water heater to prevent sediment from accumulating, open inlet once water is restored
- Pour any discolored water through your bathtub
PERSONAL FIRES/BURNING
People without power should turn off all breakers until power is restored. In Buncombe County, safely burn storm debris at least 15 feet away from structures and in piles no bigger than three feet wide/tall. Only burn items on your private property and made of natural materials. Burning within Asheville city limits is never permitted.
PET CARE
MedVet Asheville
677 Brevard Road, Asheville
7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Cedar Ridge Animal Hospital
Normal business hours; no phones but can text 828-575-2430
ROAD CLOSURES
All roads in Western NC should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited. For specific road status, visit drivenc.gov. I-40 East in Buncombe County is reopened. I-26 East in Western NC is reopened; I-26 West remains closed.
People leaving the Asheville area should use I-40 East or I-26 East. I-40 West is impassable in multiple locations. I-26 West is closed at the Tennessee state line
SHELTERS
Currently, we do have space at all shelters listed below:
AB Tech Conference Center
16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville
Medical Emergency Shelter (for individuals who are dependent on medical equipment requiring power)
10 Genevieve Cir, Asheville
Former Gold’s Gym (Novant Health) (recommended for families with children)
1815 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville
WNC Agriculture Center (recommended for families with pets)
765 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher
SHOWERS & RESTROOMS (FREE TO PUBLIC)
Black Mountain Ingles
550 NC-9
Public restrooms (port-a-johns) and handwashing stations
Reuter Family YMCA
Biltmore Park
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Showers, charging, WiFi, gym and playground
Corpening Memorial YMCA Marion
2-6 p.m.
Showers, charging stations
ADA showers are located at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, Buncombe County DHHS at 40 Coxe, and the Swannanoa Ingles.
SPECTRUM UPDATE
Significant progress being made. For outage and restoration information, click here. Open Chat and type or select, "Am I in an outage?" Select, "I'll provide my phone number." Type in the phone number and ZIP Code of the area. Chat will then provide you with an update. Check social media for updates
USPS MAIL UPDATE
USPS has temporarily suspended retail and delivery operations for some postal facilities throughout WNC until further notice. Full update.. Customer service can answer specific questions at1800askusps.
• Facilities where operations are temporarily suspended, and services have been relocated to a nearby facility:
o Alexander 28701, operations moved Weaverville 28787
o Bat Cave 28710, operations moved to Lake Lure 28746
o Fleetwood RMPO, 28626, operations moved to Boone 28607
o Green Mountain, 28740, operations moved to Burnsville 28741
o Marshall 28753, operations moved Weaverville 28787
• Facilities where operations are temporarily suspended, and services will be relocated:
o Barnardsville 28709
o Cedar Mountain 28718
o Creston 28615
o Edneyville 28727
o Hot Springs 28743
o Lansing: 28643
o Lineville 28646
o Montreat 28757
o Penland 28765
o Plumtree 28664
o Rosman 28772
o Swannanoa 28778
o Banner Elk 28604
o Chimney Rock 28720
UPS UPDATE
UPS delivers to locations deemed safe; if roads are not clear, they can pick up at UPS Asheville NC, 301 Sweeten Creek Industrial Park Drive, Asheville.
WATER & FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The following locations are offering both drinking and flushing water; bring your own container.
AC Reynolds High School
1 Rocket Drive, Asheville
Asheville Middle School
211 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville
Until 7 p.m.
Big Ivy Community College
540 Dillingham Rd., Barnardsville
Buncombe County Sports Park Complex
58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 2288061
2-4 p.m.
Black Mountain Ingles
550 NC-9, Black Mountain
12-4 p.m.
Fairview Elementary School
1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
12-4 p.m.
Swannanoa Ingles
2299 US 70, Swannanoa
Leicester Elementary School
31 Gilbert Road, Leicester
12-4 p.m.
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
121 Shiloh Road, Asheville
Until 7 p.m.
Lucy Herring Elementary School
98 Sulphur Springs Road
9 a.m.-7 p.m.
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
20 Doan Road, Weaverville
12-4 p.m.
Pack Square Park
70 Court Plaza,
1 p.m. until dark
Oakley Elementary
753 Fairview Rd, Asheville
William W. Estes Elementary School
275 Overlook Road, Asheville
12-4 p.m.
WELL INFORMATION
A flooded well is a well where water was over the top of the well at any point in the storm. Flooded or damaged wells need to be disinfected. Here’s how to disinfect wells. After disinfection, water will need to be sampled. Beginning 10/10/24, you can get well water testing kits at 30 Valley Street in Asheville daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Directions For Collecting Water Sample
Follow well shock chlorination instructions provided. Pay close attention to step #6 of the process. Do NOT run the chlorinated water through your drains into the septic tank.
1. When collecting a distribution tap sample, the water in the service line should be completely flushed.
- Do not sample from taps surrounded by excessive foliage (leaves, flowers, etc) or taps that are dirty, corroded or leaking.
- Never collect a sample from a hose or any other attachment fastened to a faucet.
- The sample bottle should never come in contact with the faucet.
- Do not lay the sample container lid down, splatter water on the lid or container, and never touch the inside of the container or lid.
- Make sure to disinfect your well using the provided instructions BEFORE collecting the sample.
2. The water sample to be tested for bacteria must be collected in the sterilized bottle you received when you applied. The bottle contains a dechlorinating agent, sodium thiosulfate. If the bottle is damaged or the lid is loose, do not use the bottle. Contact this office for replacement.
3. It is best to take your sample from a frequently used distribution tap such as the kitchen faucet.
4. Before taking sample, let the water run from the tap 5 minutes. Before taking sample, ensure cleaning of faucet head with alcohol swabs.
5. When taking the sample, let nothing but the water itself come in contact with the mouth of the bottle or the inside of the cap. Fill the bottle at least to the 100 ml line, but do not fill bottle completely. Leave ½ inch of air space at the top of the bottle.
6. Bring all samples back to Environmental Health at 30 Valley St. the same day of collection. Samples must be analyzed within 30 hours of the collection. Do not mail samples.
7. Do not place a label or sticker on the side of the bottle.
Samples must be returned to 30 Valley Street weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Results will be provided in 48 hours by phone or email.
Additional Well Water Resource and Info - https://nc-helene-data-nu.hub.arcgis.com/pages/well-water-resources/
A permit for drilling a well is needed and can be found online at buncombecounty.org/eh.
Updated Oct 12, 2024 06:46 PM