{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-8-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #8 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-05", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 5, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nWe are turning a corner. Resources are here, the community is coming together, and it has been made very clear that victims are not in this recovery effort alone. Let me repeat that: You are not alone, and you will not have to recover from this hurricane alone.\n\nI want to start today\u2019s update by applauding every single person who has reached out to offer aid, traveled to Western North Carolina to help, donated their time, money, or supplies, or prayed for the people of these mountains.\n\nFor every new community I have visited over the past week, I have seen dozens of new volunteers serving North Carolinians in need, and this help isn\u2019t going anywhere anytime soon. Volunteers, you depict hope, which is something that has been desperately needed in NC-11 over the past week. Thank you.\n\nToday\u2019s update is jam packed. New information or resources have been added in just about every category and I\u2019ve added a few completely new categories as well. These include resources for farmers, prescription access for veterans and the uninsured, new federal nutrition program flexibilities, and arguably most in-demand - resources for how to vote in a post-Hurricane Helene environment.\n\nToday is update number eight and I will, of course, be continuing to provide you with more information over the coming days and weeks. As 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\n96 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\n37 treatment plants have reported having no power and 41 systems are out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is continuing to provide a minimum of 40 trailer loads of water and 20 trailer loads of food daily through at least October 6, per their promise to the people of Western North Carolina.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nTo date, FEMA has delivered 5.4 million meals and 6.3 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\nWalmart will also be 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\nResource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\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\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\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\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 takes place daily, starting at 9:00 a.m., 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\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution in Madison County:\n\n5580 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\n225 Carl Eller Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\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\nHicks Chapel Church\n\n6008 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts\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\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\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\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need:\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\nThe Roseland Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\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 - also has bathroom and shower stations\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., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.\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\nDebris 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\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, as of noon on Tuesday, October 1\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\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:\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\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\nThe following sites are attempting delivery where safe to do so:\n\nArden - 28704\n\nAsheville London Rd. - 28803\n\nAsheville S&DC - 28810\n\nBlack Mountain - 28711\n\nBrevard - 28712\n\nBurnsville - 28714\n\nCandler - 28715\n\nClyde - 28721\n\nColumbus - 28722\n\nEast Flat Rock - 28726\n\nEtowah - 28729\n\nFairview - 2873\n\nFletcher - 28732\n\nHendersonville Annex - 28792\n\nHorse Shoe - 28742\n\nLake Toxaway (cash only/PO box) - 28747\n\nMarion - 28752\n\nMars Hill - 28754\n\nOld Fort - 28762\n\nRutherfordton - 28139\n\nSaluda - 28773\n\nSapphire - 28774\n\nSpruce Pine - 28777\n\nTryon - 28782\n\nWeaverville - 28787\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\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\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\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\nOn Monday, October 7, at 11:00 a.m., USDA is hosting a virtual briefing to share information on disaster assistance programs.\n\nYou can join the event on Microsoft Teams using this link.\n\nAdd the event to your calendar: Google, iCal, or Outlook.\n\nPower and Gas\n\n174,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is on track to restore an additional 27,000 customers by Sunday evening, October 6.\n\nThe remaining outages are in the hardest-hit areas of Western North Carolina.\n\nIn the areas where catastrophic damage exists, 105,000 customers are without power.\n\nDuke Energy is working closely with the state on plans to address these areas as quickly as possible.\n\nThe number of customers seeing their power turn back on each day is slowing, but that is only because Duke Energy has been conducting significant work to repair and bring back online the 360 substations that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe substations are the backbone of our energy grid.\n\nOnce restored, service for private homeowners and businesses will rapidly begin to come back online.\n\nSo far, 95 percent of substations have been restored and significant substation work is continuing today.\n\nPower for the Greenwood Rock Quarry has been restored.\n\nRestoration of the quarry\u2019s power will help NCDOT to address gravel needs for road repairs.\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\no Outage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\no Generator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\no Power 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\nNCDOT continues to make steady progress reopening roads in response to Hurricane Helene.\n\nNew road reopenings include:\n\nU.S. 19 - Partially open with two-lane two-way traffic into Tennessee\n\nU.S. 321 - Cleared to the Tennessee line with a few one-lane stretches.\n\nBee Tree Road\n\nClearing of this road has restored critical access to the reservoir in Buncombe County.\n\nNCDOT is partnering with Duke Energy to reopen roads leading to their substations to restore power.\n\nIn addition to repair and debris removal efforts, NCDOT has provided support and helped coordinate relief efforts for many agencies near or in storm-impacted areas.\n\nAs of Friday, October 4, there has successfully been:\n\n472 evacuation trips\n\n2,003 people transported to safety\n\n523 trips to shelters\n\n2,076 people transported to the shelters\n\nAir traffic has increased 300% in Western North Carolina since Helene recovery began.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division is working 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.Air traffic has increased 300 percent in Western North Carolina since Helene recovery began.\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\nThe United States Forest Service is now and has been active in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests for the last few days.\n\nUSFS\u2019 primary mission is gaining access to remote communities through the forest.\n\nThis access is being used to:\n\nSupplement normal transportation routes\n\nHelp isolated communities get their water systems back online\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 diligently working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\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\nCell Service\n\nEven though you may have service again, you may notice it is different from your pre-storm service.\n\nThe temporary connection links put in place as a temporary fix while the fiber is being repaired can accommodate smaller amounts of traffic.\n\nNetwork capacity on temporary connection links may be maxed out more frequently, so service providers are encouraging customers to use the network sparingly to maintain room for first responders and community members who still need to reach help or critical resources.\n\nSupport and recovery personnel are also encouraged to minimize cell usage.\n\nService providers are working to add additional capacity to cell sites and move mobile assets where needed to accommodate data increases, so I am requesting a little more patience on their behalf as providers work to fully restore our community\u2019s network.\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\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\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) in Asheville, 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\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\nMore than 1,475 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\nFurther, more than 525 vehicles, including 90 high-water vehicles, and 50 rotary wing assets have been deployed to Western NC.\n\nGeorgia, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Ft. Liberty have all sent helicopters to assist with aerial initiatives in NC-11.\n\nAs of the afternoon of October 3, the National Guard has:\n\nRescued more than 1,000 Western North Carolinians, including almost 200 by hoist, and 150 animals.\n\nDelivered nearly 2 million lbs. of resources to impacted communities by air.\n\nThe National Guard is continuing C-17 transport of supplies to Asheville.\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\nMany of these soldiers have arrived in Western North Carolina and are supporting the delivery of food, water and other critical aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\n400 soldiers have already been stationed in Western North Carolina, with hundreds of others being positioned nearby to await directives while logistics are being finalized.\n\nThe Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.\n\nSeven CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Ft. Liberty have already been flying resupply missions for the past two days.\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, 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 $17 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 19,000 North Carolina households.\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\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\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-8-congressman-edwards"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.7400390934199095, "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"}