{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-10-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #10 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 7, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nHere\u2019s to hope: 6,586 people have been rescued, evacuated or assisted by search and rescue teams since Hurricane Helene hit, including 39 survivors being rescued on Saturday, October 5, over eight full days into rescue efforts.\n\nMore than 4,000 first responders, national guardsmen, and active-duty military are in Western North Carolina looking for your friends, your family, or if you\u2019re still stranded waiting for help - they\u2019re looking for you. And they won\u2019t stop until every missing person is accounted for.\n\nI\u2019m sure many of you have heard that there is a second hurricane brewing on the coast of Florida. It is not expected to hit Western North Carolina, but if it maintains it\u2019s intensity as a Category 4 hurricane, it is expected to be catastrophic. I\u2019m here to tell you that we will support Florida in any way we can, but I am also committed to making sure Western North Carolina does not get left behind in place of the newest natural disaster.\n\nThe resources and help I have listed over the last nine days are here to stay.\n\nToday is update number 10 and includes details on where to find critical health care services including orthopedic care, dialysis treatments, and oxygen tanks, and an updated timeline on power restoration for individuals in the hardest hit areas. More information is to come in the following days.\n\nAs always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFood and Water\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n84 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\n24 treatment plants have reported having no power and 33 systems are out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 13 million meals and 13 million liters of water utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - in the Parish Hall\n\n234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMonday to Friday\n\nHot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nRugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEast Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726\n\nNorth Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nFletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nNewfound Artisan\n\n22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThrough today, October 6.\n\nHours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Church at Sapphire\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nThrough October 10.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThere will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.\n\nResidents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service will resume today, October 7, for regular Monday route customers.\n\nRecycling services are currently suspending while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe service fee is waived through October 8.\n\nBeginning on October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers were expected to resume operations by yesterday, October 5.\n\nNo update has been published, but I will keep you posted once I have received confirmation that the facilities have been reopened.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail or delivery:\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nThe following site is closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 1800 Four Season Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternative location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternative location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternative location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternative Location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternative location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nDue to internet outages and connectivity issues, the following sites are providing retail services with cash only, PO Box only:\n\nDana - 28724\n\nEnka - 28728\n\nFlat Rock - 28731\n\nHendersonville MPO - 28739\n\nLake Lure (OIC) - 28746\n\nLittle Switzerland - 28749\n\nMountain Home - 28758\n\nNaples - 28760\n\nPisgah Forest - 28768\n\nRidgecrest - 28770\n\nSkyland - 28776\n\nZirconia - 28790\n\nBostic - 28018\n\nMultiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.\n\nThe Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings in North Carolina are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.\n\nDelivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nLocations open from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room (mental health services only)\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nThe following emergency orthopedic offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily:\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nPlease Note: Emergency orthopedic phone services are down so patients will be seen on a walk-in basis without appointment.\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower and Gas\n\nAbout 117,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nCustomers whose properties are inaccessible or not able to receive power may be without electricity for an extended period of time as Duke Energy works to rebuild critical infrastructure.\n\nRestoration of service for all other customers in the heavily impacted areas is anticipated within a week, by Sunday, October 13.\n\nCrews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.\n\nAs work on substations conclude, Duke Energy is moving personnel to work on the power grid\u2019s thousands of miles of lines and poles that serve individual homes and businesses.\n\nThis work can feel slower because the same amount of work restores fewer customers.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nA total of 2,050 DOT employees are working to restore and repair road access in WNC.\n\nNCDOT also has:\n\nDOT also has:\n\n1,100 pieces of heavy equipment for debris clearance and road repairs in affected areas, including dump trucks, backhoes, loaders, graders, etc.\n\nMore than 50 personnel from neighboring states on the ground providing assistance.\n\nNCDOT is reporting about 650 road closures, 106 of which are to primary routes.\n\nNow that communications have been largely restored, NCDOT has a more comprehensive picture of debris blocking roadways, road damage, and necessary repairs in our mountains.\n\nAt least 100 bridges are irreparable and will require replacement.\n\nAll roadways in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, and Wilkes counties are accessible, although some are requiring four-wheel drive.\n\nWhile none of the above-listed counties are in NC-11, they are a welcome sign of what\u2019s to come.\n\nProgress has been made on NCDOT and Tennessee DOT's plans for reconstruction of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.\n\nBids for stabilization of the westbound lanes of I-40 where the eastbound lanes no longer exist will be opening today, October 7.\n\nA contract will be awarded shortly after the bid closes.\n\nNCDOT is working to expedite the necessary repairs to restore mobility to the area as soon as possible.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nRestoration timelines are not available at this time.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNewfound Artison through today, October 6\n\nHigh-speed internet and charging outlets\n\nAvailable 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nCommunications in the region are improving rapidly.\n\nCell service providers reported significant gains in service coverage on Sunday, October 6.\n\nRoughly 80 percent of access to cell service has been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nMore than 100 temporary network assets have been deployed across all service providers in NC-11 to assist with service quality.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAlmost 1,800 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThe total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.\n\nThe National Guard has more than 700 vehicles and 50 helicopters from six states and two active-duty units in Western NC for rescue and recovery, debris clearing, and other missions.\n\nSo far, the National Guard has:\n\nDelivered more than 2,614 tons of commodities to affected areas\n\nCleared 1,052 obstacles\n\nRescued nearly 1,000 individuals\n\nThe Guard\u2019s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:\n\nDelivery of essential relief supplies to points of need\n\nClearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nOn October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).\n\nNearly all 1,000 of the authorized active-duty soldiers have been mobilized to support the residents and affect counties devastated by Hurricane Helene in Western NC.\n\nThese soldiers are providing additional manpower and logistics capabilities to reach the hardest hit areas as quickly as possible.\n\nIn addition to the 1,000 previously authorized soldiers, another 500 troops with advanced technological assets were approved for deployment to Western NC to provide greater situational awareness on the ground.\n\nThese troops are not yet in NC-11, but coordination is taking place for rapid deployment over the coming days.\n\nThe Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nThe FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.\n\nMore information to follow.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $30 million in housing and other types of assistance and more than 96,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 5:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCane River Middle School\n\n1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-10-congressman-edwards"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.923504052683711, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}