News

Amid 'building anxiety,' Edwards urges calm

By Bill Moss, Published: October 2, 2024

On Day 5 of the post-Helene world, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards observes that surviving is giving way to anxiety.

"As we embark on day 5 post-disaster, I can sense a building anxiety amongst the people of Western North Carolina," he said in his daily update on Wednesday morning. "We’re all trying to adapt to the new normal — or whatever “normal” is supposed to look like when our entire world gets turned upside down — and it’s been difficult.

"Today, I have a simple message for you: Stay calm. Help is here, and it is only a matter of time before our beautiful mountains will return to that state of calm serenity that we are all so used to and familiar with. While it is true that we have a long road ahead of us, we are in this together and will make it through. Over the next few months and years as we try to rebuild what once was, we have a unique opportunity to mould our mountains into the future we want for our children and grandchildren who will live here after us.

"When times are getting tough and it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, just remember that your community is here for you, your state is here for you, your country is here for you, and I am here for you. Mountain people are strong, and we are resilient. It will take time, but I truly believe that our mountains will rebuild better than ever before."

UPDATES

Food and water

• Supplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews. 155 water systems are on a boil advisory, 54 plants have reported having no power and 26 systems are out of water.
• The state of North Carolina has promised 40 trailer loads of water and 20 trailer loads of food daily through at least October 6.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truck loads a day of food and water with no specified end date.

Resource pick-up locations in Henderson County:
Etowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729
Rugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
East Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726
North Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Mills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759
Fletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732Each family unit will be provided supplies for one day’s meal and water, as available.
Individuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.

Debris Removal

If your home has damages and you need assistance with cleanup, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386. Henderson County Transfer Station opened Monday.

United States Postal Service

Mail delivery update for 287: USPS still has many facilities in the 287 area that remain unable to resume regular operations. Despite this, delivery operations are being attempted in the 287 three-digit ZIP code area - including from facilities that currently lack power - where it is possible and safe to do.

Pharmacy Access

CVS currently has 16 pharmacies that remain closed, including two locations - 522 S. Main St., Hendersonville, NC and 2351 US 70 Hwy., Swannanoa, NC - are total losses and will not reopen.
CVS is actively working with USPS to better understand the plan and request mobile post offices in the blacked-out ZIP codes starting with 287, 288 and 289 to ensure mail delivery of medication can take place for customers that rely on it.
For individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:
324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704
505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806
371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792
111 S. Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786
How to Acquire a Prescription:
If a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy’s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.
Patients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.

For Individual Assistance through FEMA

North 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.

People 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.

Funds 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.
Individual 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 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST.

To date, more than 10,000 survivors have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.
To Connect with a Loved One

Residents 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.