Hurricane Helene Resources
Last week our state was hit unexpectedly by Hurricane Helene and caused significant damage to both the east and west of Iredell County. Our local municipalities, utility partners, existing industries, and community partners have been quick to respond mobilizing efforts to get supplies to relief organizations and to those impacted by the destruction. With the help of Statesville Regional Airport, Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief, a nonprofit organized through the support of volunteer pilots, has collected over 53,000 pounds of donations and as of Monday, September 30 completed over 100 flights into Western North Carolina. Companies across the community are supporting the effort by serving as donation collection spots and providing volunteers. You can learn more about this effort on Facebook at Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief | Facebook. On the page you will find a list of verified drop off locations and a link to an amazon wish list for those who would like to order items and have them delivered directly to the hanger.
The NC Chamber of Commerce has created a page to share information with the local business community. If you have something you want them to share with the North Carolina’s business community, please email it to Kate Payne. A summary of information from the NC Chamber of Commerce and other resources can be found below:
Moving People, Resources, or Equipment
Until further notice, roads in Western NC (generally anywhere west of Hickory, NC) are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approved shipments coordinated through the N.C. Emergency Management Business Emergency Operations Center (NCEM-BEOC). Therefore, if you plan to move people, resources, or equipment into western North Carolina, you MUST coordinate plans and movements through the NCEM-BEOC. You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to: [email protected], make sure to begin your Subject Line with: Logistics Support.
Please include the following info:
- What are you moving? Why you need special access.
- When do you plan to move and from where?
- Where are you going?
- When will they arrive at the “border to Western NC” and where?
Road Closures – DriveNC
Small Businesses and Local Chambers
The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s National Disaster Help Desk can help businesses and organizations both in the impact area and looking to support the impact area. It can be reached at 888-MY-BIZ-HELP (or 888-692-4943).
Additionally, they offer this online resource to help businesses take care of their employees’ needs, communicate the impact, address financial matters (e.g., insurance, disaster assistance), restoration operations, and organize recovery.
The U.S. Small Business Administration also has this resource available.
Farms and Agribusinesses
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Farmers can also find recovery resources here.
Homeowners and Renters
North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Learn more here. FEMA
Public Safety
The N.C. Department of Public Safety has compiled a list of resources here.
Donating, Volunteering, and More
WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR news source, compiled this list of organizations that are currently providing relief and accepting support. Additionally, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce and McDowell Chamber Community & Business Impact, Inc. are taking donations here and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting contributions here.
Cash donations can also be made to the State Disaster Relief Fund, managed by United Way of NC, at this link. To coordinate messaging around major donations, please click here. The Foundation For The Carolinas has multiple verified groups to support families in need.
Important phone numbers to share:
Emergencies 911
Non-life-threatening 828-250-6650 (trees, etc)
Missing/unaccounted persons: Call 211, 828-820-2761 or Text 40403 or fill out the form at United Way of North Carolina (unitedwaync.org)
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