Public officials are holding news briefings each day at 11 am. The briefings are streamed live at facebook.com/buncombeGov and broadcasted on Blue Ridge Public Radio 88.1 FM. You can also listen on the Asheville Media Group stations at 105.9, 96.5, 98.1, 105.5 and 97.3 (Spanish) and iHeart radio stations at 99.9, 104.3, 105.1, and 570 AM.
SOME ASHEVILLE PARKS TO REOPEN
After closing three weeks ago following a series of massively destructive storms, some Asheville parks are ready to safely welcome community members back to explore, connect, and discover. As of this morning, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) crews have reopened 32 parks and continue to clear debris, examine playgrounds and other equipment, survey playing fields, and take other actions to open more locations. You can follow the list of reopened parks at ashevillenc.gov/parks.
STORM DEBRIS COLLECTION
City staff and contractors are actively working to remove storm debris, starting with critical infrastructure areas. Due to the volume of debris, we cannot provide exact times and locations for collection. Collection will be ongoing.
- The community can begin to place storm debris to the curb in the right of way.
- Debris should be separated at the curb by category: construction, appliances, electronics, vegetative, andhazardous materials.
- The contractor cannot collect directly from private property. However, if your pile starts at the curb in the right-of-wayand stretches into your yard in a continuous manner, their equipment can reach about 18’, as long as there are no overhead lines or obstructions.
- Do not place or lean debris near or on trees, poles or other structures including fire hydrants, meters, and curbsidetrash carts.
- Do not block the roadway. Ensure access for large trucks & emergency vehicles.
- There will be multiple passes at collection – you do not have to have it all out at once.
- Do not attempt the cleanup process without proper protective equipment: long pants, safety glasses, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended.
- Information can be found at this link www.ashevillenc.gov/helene/debris-removal/
WATER UTILITY SERVICE
Water service continues to expand. Pressure will return to low-lying areas first. After tanks fill and water lines are purged of air, pump stations will activate and deliver service to higher elevations. It is of utmost importance to note: This water is NOT SAFE for drinking from the tap. Water must be vigorously boiled for at least one minute before consumption. The water is safe for laundry, showering (do not swallow water while showering), handwashing (unless immediately prepping food after), washing dishes at a minimum 170 degrees, and flushing toilets. Service restoration will continue to move generally westward. Water Resources has issued a Boil Water Notice to all customers, including those served by Mills River. This was done out of an abundance of caution. The practical effect for all customers remains the same: Any water intended for consumption (drinking, cooking, brushing teeth) should be boiled for at least one minute beforehand. The City of Asheville is not assessing late fees for water bills, sending delinquent notices, creating new bills, or doing any cuts-offs for non-payment at this time. We are still accepting payments online, IVR, and by mail for anyone that is trying to pay an existing bill. Please contact customer service at 828-251-1122 if you have billing concerns.
What to do before water service returns: Flip off the breaker to your water heater. Turn off water to your water heater. Turn off hot water under your sinks. Remove aerator (it typically unscrews) on faucets. Turn off the ice maker. Turn off water to your whole house filter, if you have one.
What to do when your water service returns: Flush your home plumbing by running the bathtub’s cold water faucet. Your water heater may be turned back on once your home’s plumbing has been flushed. It’s safe to flush your toilet after completing steps 1 and 2.
HOW TO HELP
Visit HandsonAsheville.org for volunteer information. The most impactful way to donate to the recovery effort at this time is monetary donations to recognized disaster relief organizations. Visit ncvoad.org/donate-2 for more information. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts, and if possible purchase with businesses local to the disaster which supports economic recovery.
FEMA DISASTER DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER
A Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, and apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more. The Buncombe County center is located at: A.C. Reynolds High School, 1 Rocket Dr. Open: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.
FIRE SAFETY
Burning yard waste and debris is not allowed within city limits due to many safety concerns. Report any hazardous materials to [email protected].
BUS SERVICE
- Weekday and Saturday bus service hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday hours will operate on a normal schedule.
- The following routes are now back in service: N1, 170 and S4.
- All routes have flag stop service, allowing passengers to signal the driver and board at their preferred location alongthe route (same side of road the bus is traveling) in addition to designated stops.
- Paratransit services have resumed where possible. Call (828) 250-6750 to schedule Paratransit transportation.COMMUNITY CARE STATIONS
Community Care Stations are set up in two locations in Asheville, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, offering hot showers, laundry, wi-fi, porta-johns, charging stations, water and meals. All amenities are free to the public. Please bring your own towels and toiletries for showering. Community Care Station locations:
- 980 Brevard Rd in the At Home Store parking lot
- 85 Tunnel Rd in the Innsbruck shopping center parking lotFOOD & WATER DISTRIBUTION
Food in the form of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE), drinking water and water for flushing toilets are available at the below listed distribution sites. Distribution hours are 9 a.m – 7 p.m. or until supplies run out. Bring your own containers for flushing water. These sites also have printed daily updates of important information and resources. Locations are shifting this week to allow schools to transition into regular operations.
- Pack Square Park, 70 Court Plaza
- Sky Lanes Bowling, 1477 Patton Ave (relocated from Asheville Middle School)
- Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd (no bulk water for toilet flushing at Shiloh)
- 980 Brevard Rd in the At Home store parking lot (relocated from Lucy Herring Elementary School)
- 85 Tunnel Rd (relocated from Oakley Elementary School)SHELTERS
- General public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center (pets accepted) – 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd, Fletcher
- General public shelter at AB Tech – 6 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville (use Victoria Road entrance)
- Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Cir, Asheville
- General public shelter at the Old Gold’s Gym – 1815 Hendersonville Rd, AshevilleASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened an assistance center at the Chamber of Commerce (36 Montford Ave). The focus is on relief in the form of low interest loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters impacted by the storm. Visit sba.gov for more information or visit SBA representatives in person at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Visit www.ashevillenc.gov for the latest information and updates.
Written by the City of Asheville.