Catawba County News
Post-Hurricane Helene Info
Published: September 26, 2024
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.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans for Residents and Small Businesses. SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet
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
ReadyNC.gov.
NC Department of Public Safety - Helene
Road Closures
For 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.
In Catawba County, in addition to what is listed on DriveNC.gov, Finger Bridge Rd. is closed at the bridge over Jacob Fork River and is expected to remain closed indefinitely.
Donations
United Way Drop-off Locations / Items / Volunteer
For volunteer opportunities coordinated by the State of North Carolina, visit the Volunteer NC website.
Financial Donations to Relief Efforts:
American Red Cross
United Way NC
North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
Volunteer
NC Voluntary Organizations in Action
For volunteer opportunities coordinated by the State of North Carolina, visit the Volunteer NC website.
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 Health
News Updates
Please see the announcement below 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).
Help keep critical supply lines open. 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?
Until further notice, roads in Western NC (generally anywhere west of Hickory, NC) are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approves shipments coordinated through the BEOC.
County Operations
All County offices and facilities are operating as usual. All four County Parks have also been reopened.