Town of Black Press Release: 10/12/2024
Black Mountain, NC – October 12, 2024.
(New updates will be bolded)
Situation Report -
On October 10th we reconnected with Asheville’s water supply. This water is not drinkable, even if you boil it. It is NOT TO BE USED for anything other than flushing toilets. This warning will be in effect until further notice. Due to the high amount of sediment in the water, expect to see discoloration. If you are not receiving Code Red alerts, please go to www.TownofBlackMountain.org to register for water and emergency updates.
Due to the high number of leaks, you may not have water pressure yet.
Buncombe County Health and Human Services reminds food establishments that operation during a water outage or sewage back-up in the kitchen area is prohibited. Violations can cause imminent health hazards and may lead to suspension or revocation of a permit. Please contact Environmental Health (828-250-5016) for any related needs.
There are over 150 personnel supporting the town in response to Hurricane Helene. Resources have arrived from all over the east coast, with a team coming in from Maine to support local emergency responders. We are continuing to work closely with our State and Federal partners.
For your safety, avoid getting into the rivers and streams, and avoid our town park facilities until they are officially reopened.
The Town has suspended all development fees through June 30, 2025. You must still obtain a permit from the Town prior to beginning any work.
Please 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.
NC building inspectors and members of the Red Cross will be assessing structures in the Black Mountain area over the next week. They will have proper identification cards and will be able to present them to you.
Road Access -
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 extreme caution when driving.
Electricity -
Visit tinyurl.com/y6w5j7pz to check outage status.
Residents should turn off the hot water heater breakers at their home when 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 -
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, please contact the Town Water Department at 828-419-9300 and request someone shut it off for you. This helps us maintain necessary water pressure and will expedite full restoration.
Please limit water use until systems are fully operational, even if water resumes.
Cold Weather Safety -
As the weather starts to get cooler, make sure you are taking precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.
Never run generators indoors. Never use a gas oven to heat your home. Make sure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a portable heater. If your heat goes out, keep warm indoors by closing off rooms, dressing in layers, and wearing a cap.
Clothing is available at Phil’s BBQ Pit at 701 NC 9 Hwy and the Ingles Distribution Site at 550 NC 9 Hwy.
Food and Water Supplies -
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.
Supplies are available at the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, 117 Montreat Rd., Monday-Friday 10am to 4pm., Saturday 10am to 2pm, and Sunday 1pm to 4pm.
Supplies and meals are available at The Railyard, 141 S. Richardson Blvd., 11am-5pm daily.
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.
Trash and Sanitation -
The Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four dumpsters in two sites in Town for Black Mountain residents for household trash only. These locations are at the Black Mountain Ingles, 550 NC-9, near the car wash area, and a new location in the public parking lot on Terry Estate Dr. The Tractor Supply location is no longer available.
Do NOT overfill, and do not leave bags outside the dumpsters. We are working on a solution for yard waste, bulk item and debris collection. Drop off sites are for Black Mountain residents only; be prepared to show identification. Collection is not available on Sunday.
Public restrooms (port-a-johns) and handwashing stations are available at the Black Mountain Ingles, 550 NC-9.
If you have questions regarding sewer backup, call the Metropolitan Sewerage District at (828) 768-0540.
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.
Visit buncombecounty.org/default-water.aspx for medical and mental health information.
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
New resource and recovery website launched by the Town: www.blackmountainrecovery.org.
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.
Visit tinyurl.com/t7ak2b3p and buncombecounty.org 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.
Hurricane Disaster Relief and Recovery information for small businesses and non-profits can be found at: https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance is available at Swannanoa Library, 101 W Charleston Ave, Swannanoa.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/4stxxabh for election information.
