Catawba County News
Post-Hurricane Helene Info
Published: September 26, 2024
News
October 5th Update (Governor's Office): Hurricane Helene Recovery Progresses in Western NC
October 4th Update (Catawba County): Catawba County Emergency Services Completes Damage Assessment
Recovery Assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance Program applications are also available at disasterassistance.gov. Guidance on how to apply for FEMA assistance has been provided by the NC Department of Public Safety here.
FEMA Fact Sheet
What to Expect After Applying for Assistance with FEMA
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans for Residents and Small Businesses.
SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet
SBA Recovery Centers
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
For local resources to assist with storm recovery, visit The Chamber of Catawba County's Hurricane Helene Business and Community Resources guide.
If disaster strikes your home or vehicle: Post Disaster Guidance.
Red Cross List of Shelters in Western NC
WNC Disaster Recovery Newsletter
State Resources and Updates
NC Department of Public Safety - Helene
ReadyNC.gov.
Road Closures
The only road currently closed in Catawba County due to storm-related damage is Finger Bridge Rd. at the bridge. For details about this closure, including an updated NCDOT road closure map in Catawba County and across Western NC, visit DriveNC.gov. Please note the map may not include local roads that are not maintained by NCDOT.
Donations
The Catawba County United Way has reached capacity and will not be accepting donations for the Hurricane Helene relief efforts after Wednesday, Oct. 9. As we move toward longer-term recovery for our region, material distribution to those in need in Western NC will be increasingly handled by state and federal resources.Residents wanting to help are encouraged to consider donating financially toward these efforts locally at Catawba County United Way and statewide at the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Funds that have been established for hurricane recovery donations include the following:
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
Catawba County United Way
North Carolina Community Foundation (several funds established)
United Way of North Carolina Recovery Fund
North Carolina Network of Grantmakers (list of several established funds)
From North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM): If you plan to move people, resources, or equipment into western North Carolina, you MUST coordinate plans and movements through NCEM’s Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC). Until further notice, roads in Western NC are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approves shipments coordinated through NCEM-BOEC. Please do not self-deploy resources or supply logistics without coordinating with the BEOC. There is a high likelihood that your team(s) will be turned away at various checkpoints. NCEM-BEOC will prioritize movements and provide safe routes with an escort, if needed. Email your supply logistics or movement requests to: BEOC@ncdps.gov. Begin subject line with: Logistics Support. Please include the following info:
- What are you moving? Why do you need special access?
- When do you plan to move and from where?
- Where are you going?
- When will you arrive at the “border to Western NC” and where?
Volunteer
To sign up for disaster recovery volunteer opportunities across Western NC:
Volunteer NC
NC Voluntary Organizations in Action
Safety
Duke Energy encourages boaters to stay off area lakes to avoid floating debris and creating wakes that impact neighbor properties. Report non-emergency floating debris by calling 1-800-443-5193 or emailing LakeServices@duke-energy.com.
Eat Safe Food after a Power Outage
What to Do to Protect Yourself in a Power Outage
Keep Food Safe after a Disaster or Emergency
Click here for more resources from Ready.gov.
Click here for more resources from ReadyNC.gov.
Power Safety After a Storm from Duke Energy: Click here for guidance from Duke Energy.
Food and Water Safety from FDA: Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods
Flood Cleanup Guiance from EPA: Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your HealthNews UpdatesCounty Operations
All County offices and facilities are operating as usual. All four County Parks have also been reopened.
Rumor vs Fact
State Emergency Response Team Publishing Guide Highlighting Trusted Information Sources | NC DPS
Hurricane Helene: Fact vs. Rumor | NC DPS
FEMA Rumor Response