Town of Black Press Release: 10/06/2024
Black Mountain, NC – October 6, 2024.
Situation Report-
There are over 150 personnel supporting the town in response to Hurricane Helene. Resources have arrived from all over the east coast, with teams coming in yesterday from Maine to support local emergency responders. We are continuing to work closely with our State and Federal partners, including.
For your safety, avoid getting into the rivers and streams or visiting our town park facilities until they are officially reopened, due to bacteria levels that could be harmful.
Do NOT burn brush within the Town limits. Fire Danger is increasing and could present a serious danger.
A Townwide curfew remains in effect beginning at 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. until further notice.
Resources are available for citizens for FEMA disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov. BEWARE OF SCAMMERS. We have had reports of scammers in the area. Do not give your personal information to any personnel without an identification badge. All FEMA support will be in identifiable uniforms or vests.
Updates will continue to be posted through the usual channels. Recorded video updates from Town Department leaders will be released this week on our Town’s Facebook Page.
Road Access & Fuel -
Fire and police are asking that citizens and visitors avoid any non-essential travel. Increased traffic is causing congestion, which is hindering necessary repairs. Damaged roadways may not be able to support heavy traffic.
Be mindful that there is a current shortage of barricades for safety purposes on damaged roads. Not all hazards are marked. Please use caution when driving.
90% of town roads are clear within the Town of Black Mountain.
A map of closed and hazardous roads will be posted on the Town’s Facebook page and Town website, www.townofblackmountain.org.
Electricity -
Power has been restored to portions of Black Mountain. We encourage you to visit https://outagemap.duke-energy.com/#/carolinas.
The Black Mountain Fire Department pulled electrical meters from unoccupied damaged structures in order to mitigate any potential fire hazards as power begins to be restored.
Residents should turn off the hot water heater breakers at their home if power is restored in order to keep it from burning up due to no water. Also, residents should turn off their ice makers.
If your power is still out, please turn your front porch light on, this helps linemen tell if the power is restored quicker and streamlines electricity restoration operations.
Town Public Water System -
Town water systems remain down. Black Mountain Public Works Department made substantial progress in repairing the water distribution lines.
We are continuing to work with the City of Asheville to get one of the distribution lines back online.
Please limit water use until systems are fully operational.
As water distribution is restored and begins to flow, ensure all faucets are turned off at your residence. If you notice a leak or dripping faucet, please shut off the water main from your meter box. You will not receive a penalty for this. If you notice a leak at your residence, and are unable to shut your meter off yourself, please contact the Town’s Water Department at 828-419-9300 and request someone to come and shut this off for you.
This helps us maintain necessary water pressure and will expedite restoration.
A Town-wide boil water advisory will be in place once water begins to flow. Please boil all drinking water vigorously for at least one (1) minute and let cool prior to consuming.
Food and Water Distribution -
Supplies of food and drinking water are available daily for distribution from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ingles in Black Mountain, 550 NC-9. Ice will be available. Food and water are continuously coming into our community.
Residents can visit the Black Mountain Pool area located at 401 Laurel Circle Dr. from Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 10am-6pm for potable water, supplies, a landline phone, and solar showers.
Donations of food and water can be taken to the Ashley Kitchen and Bath building at 2950 US Hwy 70 in Black Mountain. The Black Mountain Presbyterian Church is distributing supplies daily on site at Ashley Kitchen and Bath from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There are many community organizations also distributing hot meals including area churches, restaurants and non-profit organizations.
Trash and Sanitation -
The Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four (4) 15-yard dumpsters in two (2) sites in Town for Black Mountain residents. These locations are at Tractor Supply, 125 Old US 70 E., and at the Black Mountain Ingles, 550 NC-9, near the car wash area. This must be household trash only.
If these dumpsters are full, please be patient and kind. No separate recycling is available at this time. Yard waste, bulk item and debris collection are not available at this time. These drop off sites are for Black Mountain residents, so be prepared to show identification. Dumpster collection is not available on Sunday.
Public restrooms (port-a-johns) and handwashing stations are available at the Black Mountain Ingles, 550 NC-9.
Medical -
There are medical services available at the Ingles Black Mountain point of distribution.
There is a mental health and basic medical support center at the South entrance to the First Baptist Church at 130 Montreat Road that is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Sunday they will be open at noon.
Charging & Connectivity -
A mobile charging and internet connectivity station is set up in the lower parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Black Mountain, located at 130 Montreat Rd.
How to receive information
Official information will be posted on the Town’s Facebook page at www.fb.com/townofblackmountain, and can be found at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, and the Ingles food and water distribution site. To avoid any misinformation, please follow these official pages and press releases from the Town on status updates and resources.
Visit: www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene for helpful resources.
If you need help cleaning up damage, call (844) 965-1386 to ask for help. We will connect you with volunteers who may be able to assist. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Friday, October 25, 2024.
We also encourage you to utilize NC 211 who can provide assistance to those who may be looking for someone. Please dial 2-1-1 (or 1-888-892-1162) or by visiting www.nc211.org. You can also visit www.unitedwaync.org to fill out a request form and to add them to the search and rescue efforts.
Information on Disaster Unemployment Assistance can be found on here: https://www.des.nc.gov/, or by calling 919-629-3857.
