Emergency Information & Services Update
NEW - QUESTIONS ABOUT LEAD
Added Nov. 14
- Buncombe County Public Health has set up a Blood Lead Information Line for healthcare providers and the public to call with any questions or concerns. Please call (828) 250-5205 and leave a message. A public health nurse will call you back as soon as possible.
- For information about testing your service line for lead and to receive a free testing kit, contact Water Resources by calling 828-259-5962 or emailing leadprevention@ashevillenc.gov.
- Additional details can be found at the City of Asheville's Water Resources website: ashevillenc.gov/leadawareness.
NEW - DONATED CLOTHING AND COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES
Eblen Charities, a community-based organization at 23 Hamilton Street in Asheville, is providing gasoline vouchers, warm winter clothing and other essential items such as hygiene and cleaning supplies, menstrual products, diapers, and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It also provides rent and mortgage assistance, medical needs including prescription costs and copays. Applications can be submitted in-person or online at eblencharities.org/programs. For those who would like to donate, Eblen is accepting blankets and hygiene items. To provide comfort to many with the upcoming holidays, Eblen will continue its Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, and its Christmas Toy Drive. For updates on this and more, visit its website at eblencharities.org or at its Facebook page.
Goodwill Donation Centers are providing vouchers for clothing for those in need accepting clothing donations and providing vouchers for those in need.
NEW - EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
To help food service establishments reopen as quickly and safely as possible, operators can complete the Emergency Operations Plan for Food Establishments and submit it online here.
Once you complete the form, you will receive a notification if Environmental Health requires a visit before you reopen.
If a visit is required, please make the request by emailing ehrequest@buncombecounty.org. If you do not receive this message, your establishment can reopen and Environmental Health will make a routine visit to ensure compliance.
ESTABLISHMENTS IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS/CONTACT INFO
- Life-threatening emergencies: 911
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance hotline- English: 919-629-3857 Spanish: 919-276-5698
- One Buncombe Call Center: 828-250-6100 (As of Oct. 30, the Call Center will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
- Power Outages (Duke): 1-800-419-6356
- If your power was restored and then went out again, text OUT to 57801, report it online at duke-energy.com/outages, or call 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
- If your electrical service has not been restored, please turn off all circuit breakers in your panel, especially your water heater. Once power is restored, please turn them on one at a time with a short pause between breakers. Start with lighting and outlets first before major appliances. Do not turn on the water heater until you have ensured the tank is full. Do not re-energize your home and leave. Monitor your home for smoking, discolored, or excessively warm outlets. Visually monitor your circuit panel for smoke or excessive heat.
- Replacement Driver's License: NCDOT.gov Free photo IDs are also available at the county's Elections Office, 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville.
- Dominion Energy: 866-366-4357
- Report Asheville water main breaks to the Water Customer Service Line at 828-251-1122.
- Buncombe County Alerts: Text bcalert to 99411
- Report Damage to Personal Property
- Asheville Alerts Sign-up at ashevillenc.gov; texts sent in English and Spanish
- Asheville Airport: flyavl.com or call 828-684-2226
- If you need to report a missing loved one and you’re within the city limits of Asheville, please call APD at 828-252-1110. In the County, call the non-emergency line at 828-250-6670 to start that report.
OPERATIONS STATUS - County Parks
The following parks are open:
- The main park at Lake Julian (406 Overlook Extension) will be open starting Monday, Dec 2 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The marina and disc golf course remain closed due to debris and unsafe trees. The lake will be open to kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, and paddle boards; the boat ramp is not accessible at this time.
- Buncombe County Sports Park (dog park, community garden, fields 1,2,8, and 9, and the playground area). Note: The walking path remains closed due to tree damage and erosion issues
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Cane Creek Playground: Open during daylight hours only.
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Hominy Valley Park: Open during daylight hours only.
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North Buncombe Fields: Open during daylight hours only.
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Bent Creek River Park: Open during daylight hours only. While the park is accessible, visitors are advised not to use the river at this time.
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Corcoran Paige River Park
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Click here for the most recent information.
View a full updated list of Asheville park openings and updates.
OPERATIONS STATUS – CITY/COUNTY CURBSIDE COLLECTION
SOLID WASTE
Updated Nov. 21: New drop-off sites for household bagged trash (times for all locations are 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.):
Drop off residential bagged trash at:
- County Landfill: 85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
- Hominy Creek Transfer Station: 190 Hominy Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
- Trash pickup resumed on Monday, Oct. 21.
Waste Pro
Waste Pro will continue household trash and recycling routes in accessible areas.
Waste Pro will operate normal routes for household trash and recycling. Residents should use the Transfer Station or Landfill if WastePro is unable to access them.
Household bagged trash pick up days
Wednesday: Waste Pro will also be located at Hearts with Hands for residents they are not able to access from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Household bagged trash only. Hearts with Hands is located at 850 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, NC 28778 at their circle drive near the entrance to the closed Owen Park.
Thursday: Waste Pro will also be located at the Ingles in Fairview for residents that are not able to access from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Household bagged trash only. Ingles Fairview is located at 225 Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC 28803.
Friday: Waste Pro will also be located at the North Buncombe Pool for residents they are not able to access from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. North Buncombe Pool is located at 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville, NC 2878.
Check Buncombe County's Facebook or check BuncombeReady.org for updates.
DEBRIS PICKUP:
Updated Dec. 5:
PRIVATE PROPERTIES:
Buncombe County property owners (unincorporated areas and cities) impacted by Hurricane Helene, who do not have debris removal insurance and cannot get their debris to the right of way, may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property for free through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.
What is eligible in the free PPDR program?
- Removal of hazardous limbs, trees, or other mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene that is near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a property.
- Removal of debris impacting a waterway.
- The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse. This may include concrete slabs.
What is NOT eligible under the program?
- Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas.
- Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock.
A Right of Entry (ROE) form, signed by all property owners, is legally required before contractors providing PPDR and/or demolition can access the owner’s private property. A right-of-entry is a voluntary document. Your land is private, and it is your decision to grant access. You may withdraw from the program at any time prior to the start of debris removal or demolition activities on your property.
To see if you are eligible for free debris removal or demolition of unsafe structures on your property, visit one of the PPDR application centers across the county:
- Asheville Mall, 3 South Tunnel Road (same location as the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center), Asheville – Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Barnardsville Fire Department Station 15, 100 Dillingham Rd., Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Swannanoa Fire Rescue, 510 Bee Tree Road, Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fairview library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview, Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apply online here.
Have these documents readily available when you apply:
- A copy of your insurance policy and proof/statement of loss from the company (if insured)
- A color copy of your driver’s license or valid U.S. government-issued ID (such as a passport)
- Proof of ownership such as a warranty deed, tax assessment, etc.
Hurricane Helene created an estimated 10 million cubic yards of debris in Buncombe County. Debris removal will be a lengthy process and we appreciate everyone’s collaboration as we begin to clean up our homes and communities.
For more information on the PPDR and other debris questions, call the One Buncombe hotline, 828-250-6100, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and select option “2.”
PUBLIC PROPERTIES:
Debris collection contractors are traveling to different areas each week.
Debris removal continues at critical infrastructures, including medical, sewer, and school facilities. Residential debris removal for Buncombe County and the City of Asheville has begun. County debris collection began on October 15, 2024, in the Swannanoa area. Multiple passes will be needed for debris cleanup, and this is the start of what will be a long process.
Separate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type: appliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste like pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.
Important Reminders:
- Debris removal is not a one-pass operation. There will be multiple trucks and passes, so residents do not have to place all debris out at one time or worry if they have debris left.
- Do not place debris near or on trees, poles or other structures. This includes fire hydrants, meters, mailboxes, and curbside trash carts.
- Do not block the roadway for large trucks/emergency vehicles.
- Contractors cannot pick up debris on private property.
- Do not attempt the cleanup process without proper PPE: masks, long pants, safety glasses, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended.
- Residents should not attempt to bring storm debris to the landfill or debris staging sites. Mud/soil will not be accepted at any Buncombe County disposal facility.
- If it is difficult to move debris to the right of way, please contact 211.
OPERATIONS STATUS – ART PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE
ART has resumed normal service hours and is reintroducing two modified routes. Sunday service hours will continue as normal. In this new phase, the ART system will reintroduce routes N2 and WE1-East in addition to the routes currently operating. 170 Black Mountain and 170 Circulator will be combined into one route. See below for more details about the first and last trips from the ART station and modifications to select routes. ART bus service will continue to be free of
charge to all community members until further notice.
Bus Fares: ART services will continue to be free of charge during this phase until further notice.
Route WE1: Storm impacts to roadways have resulted in indefinite stop closures on S Tunnel Rd and Swannanoa River Rd. Until further notice, route WE1 East will detour to the VA Medical Center by turning around on S Tunnel Rd near the Asheville Mall. This route will now provide service to passengers using stops on Tunnel Rd between I-240 and the VA Center. Click here to view the new route schedule and map.
Route 170: This route will resume its normal frequency by departing the ART Station every 90 minutes. On weekdays and Saturdays, service will be provided from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM and on Sundays and holidays between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
For routes in operation, check here or call customer service at 828-259-5943.
ART BUS SERVICE AND PARKING UPDATES
On-street parking meters and enforcement have resumed starting on December 2, 2024. On December 2, you will have to
pay for parking if you park at a metered on-street parking space. Parking fees for city-owned and managed garages and
ART bus service will continue to be free until the end of the year, with the exception of event parking fees at the
Harrah’s Cherokee Center garage. Fees will resume on January 2, 2025.
OPERATIONS STATUS – BUNCOMBE COUNTY INSPECTIONS & PERMITS
Permit applications are available at electrical supply companies that are open and the Permits Office at 30 Valley Street, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Electronic permit applications are accepted on the Development Portal .
- All permits for storm restoration projects are currently free.
- If a home is located within a special flood hazard area and significant damage occurred, call the flood plain administrator for guidance at 828-250-4830.
- A permit is required for a project when the cost is more than $40,000.
- Always work with a licensed general contractor.
- A permit is required for any structural repair or for any trade work such as electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and gas piping.
- Be cautious of door-to-door offers of repairs services and flyers.
- If you are in a special flood hazard area, you will have additional requirements specific to your project. Check your area and special requirements.
Visit buncombecounty.org/permits to learn more about the permitting process or call 828-250-5360.
Inspections: When performing damage assessments, the goals are to determine safety, evaluate the structural aspects and any non-structural risks, and rate the damage of the building. Once these factors are determined by the building inspector, a placard is placed on the building. A yellow placard alerts that the structure has damage, and entry is identified on the placard as to where people can and cannot go within the structure. Yellow may also indicate that a person can enter only for retrieval of personal items. A red placard illustrates that the inspector has determined there are serious issues such as structural or electrical damage and the building should not be occupied. Those with questions about the placards can call the office at 828-250-5360.
Emergency Permitting Frequently Asked Questions
FEMA housing inspector explains inspection process. (youtube.com)
Facts About FEMA Home Inspections (youtube.com)
OPERATIONS STATUS – WATER & SEWER
Update Nov. 18: Click here for information about the City of Asheville's water testing and other water-related FAQs
Boil Water Notice Lifted: Based on lab results and the flushing process that began on Oct. 30, the City of Asheville Water Resources Department has lifted the Boil Water Notice. Raw water has been replaced with treated water throughout the system. Customers may resume normal usage of the water system. They encourage customers to temporarily avoid large-volume activities like filling bathtubs, watering landscaping, filling swimming pools and abnormally long showers.
Lead Awareness: Water Resources advises that residents with plumbing installed before 1988 follow a flushing protocol with each water use by running cold water for 30 seconds to two minutes before gathering water for consumption. That process should be followed daily. More information about lead and testing kits can be found here.
Call (828) 251-1122 for billing questions.
Sewer emergencies should be reported immediately to (828) 255-0061.
PROPERTY REAPPRAISAL DELAYED
On October 15, 2024, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to delay the 2025 reappraisal until January 1, 2026. At this time, it is unknown how market values across the county will be impacted by the damage to real estate and personal property. The Property Assessment team is in the data collection and analysis phase and will be spending the remainder of the year working diligently to ensure damaged properties, whether real estate or personal, are assessed as accurate and equitably as possible. A recording of the meeting is available on Facebook.
COMMUNITY CARE STATIONS: Showers, Laundry, Food, and Water Resources
Community Care Stations provide space for the public to shower, do laundry, use the bathroom, access cell towers and WiFi, get potable and non-potable water, and access counseling services. They are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hot meals are offered at each Community Care Station at lunchtime and dinnertime. Please bring towels, shower shoes, and toiletries if possible; otherwise, items will be provided.
New schedule for December
After assessing community needs all water distribution sites and Community Care Stations in both the City and County will close and demobilize, with the exception of four community care stations in the most impacted communities that will continue operating until further notice:
Ingles Market Community Care Station in Fairview (ADA Showers and Bathrooms)
225 Charlotte Highway
Asheville, NC
Bethel United Methodist Community Care Station (ADA Showers and Bathrooms)
1050 Riceville Road
Asheville, NC
Morgan Hill Baptist Church Community Care Station (ADA Showers and Bathrooms)
594 Barnardsville Highway
Weaverville, NC
Owen Pool Community Care Station (ADA Showers and Bathrooms)
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, 28778
EBT/SNAP/NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
People and families enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program can use benefits to purchase hot food; full news release.
FOOD SERVICES PROVIDERS
Food service establishments that experienced an interruption in water or power need a visit from our office to re-instate their permit. We have been able to accommodate either same-day visits or schedule a visit at a time convenient with the operator. Food service establishments that do not have a functioning municipal water source AND would like to reopen need to complete an Emergency Operations Plan application. Those applications have been emailed out to all restaurants in our database. These plans are being reviewed by the state’s Environmental Health section. Once the plans are approved, our inspectors are making visits to reopen the establishments. Food service establishments with water and under a boil water advisory need to follow best practices as outlined on our Boil Water Fact Sheet found on buncombecounty.org/eh AND do NOT need to submit an Emergency Operations Plan AND do NOT need a visit from our office prior to opening. Food service establishments that did not experience an interruption in power or water need to reach out to our office and let us know.
For any questions, please call 828-250-5016 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MEDICAL CARE
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911!
The Buncombe County Health and Human Services Board has waived fees for vaccinations for flu, COVID, Tdap, and hepatitis A for adults as well. As well as Environmental health fees for Food Service Plan reviews for existing facilities greater than 500 square feet, renovations and additions for facilities less than 500 square feet, all well permit fees, all self-collect water samples, and well water samples.
Most medical facilities are open. Please contact your medical provider or visit your closest urgent care.
MOUNTAIN MOBILITY
Mountain Mobility is operating life-sustaining dialysis transport to dialysis centers as long as patients are accessible. Non-emergency trips, paratransit services and some trailblazer services have also resumed as of 10/9.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
- Feeling overwhelmed and need support immediately? Text or call 988, or chat 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support.
- Disaster Distress Helpline for those specifically impacted by or responding to disasters, including hurricanes: call or text 1-800-985-5990 24/7, 365-day-a-year. Help is available in English and Spanish. Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL callers can call or text through their preferred Relay provider. In-person services are available at 130 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- NC Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS-NC to speak to a peer living in recovery from mental health or substance use issues
- Hope4NC available for volunteers and first responders, 1-855-587-3463
- VAYA Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127
- The Disability Disaster Hotline, 800-626-4959, provides information, referrals and guidance to people with disabilities and their families during disasters. Help is available 24/7.
Opportunities for Connection
Reconnecting Through Hard Times Tuesdays through November 19
11 a.m. to noon or Thursdays through November 21, 3 to 4 p.m.
Call 646-876-9923 (meeting ID?859 8501 0699) or click here to access the meeting.
Listening Circles for Therapists Tuesdays through November 19
8 to 9 a.m.
Call 646-876-9923 (meeting ID?836 0452 5149) or click here.
OXYGEN REFILL STATIONS
Palmetto Oxygen LLC
828-285-0239
Blue Ridge
828-232-1110
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Full tanks for empty tanks only
Rotech
828-456-8782
Lincare
828-255-4545
Bradshaw Oxygen LLC
828-380-6287
PERSONAL CARE IN POST-HURRICANE RECOVERY
WOUND CARE
Prompt first aid is essential for helping small wounds heal and preventing infection. Here's how to care for a wound:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, if available.
- Avoid touching the wound with your fingers—use disposable gloves if possible.
- Remove any jewelry or clothing around the injured area.
- Apply direct pressure to control bleeding.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound. Check for dirt and foreign objects, and gently flood the area with bottled or clean running water (saline solution is preferred if available). Clean around the wound with soap and water, then pat dry and cover with a bandage or clean cloth.
- Leave unclean wounds, bites, and punctures open, as improperly cleaned wounds can trap bacteria and lead to infection.
- Administer pain relievers if possible.
- Review the wound every 24 hours for signs of infection or other changes
Learn more about proper wound care
TETANUS
Tetanus is a rare but serious disease that requires immediate medical attention. You may know it as "lockjaw." It’s caused by a toxin produced by bacteria commonly found in the environment, such as soil, dust, and feces. These bacteria can enter the body through broken skin, especially through injuries.
The risk of infection increases when:
- A wound is contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva (such as from an animal bite)
- The injury is a deep puncture wound, like from a nail or needle
- The wound involves dead tissue, as seen with burns, crush injuries, or frostbite
Symptoms of tetanus usually appear three to 21 days after exposure. The first sign is often muscle spasms in the jaw, or "lockjaw." Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms, often in the stomach
- Painful muscle stiffness throughout the body
- Seizures
In the U.S., 1 out of 10 people who contract tetanus die from it. Vaccination and proper wound care are the best defenses against tetanus.
Tetanus vaccination is recommended for anyone who
- Has an unknown vaccine history, or
- Is unvaccinated, or
- Did not have at least 3 prior doses of tetanus vaccine, or
- Has a clean or minor wound and received their last tetanus vaccine 10 or more years prior, or
- Has a dirty or major wound (wounds contaminated with dirt, soil, feces, or saliva; puncture wounds; avulsions; wounds resulting from crushing, burns, and frostbite) and received their last tetanus vaccine 5 or more years ago.
No tetanus vaccination is needed if you:
- Have had at least 3 doses of tetanus vaccine, AND
- Received your last tetanus vaccine less than 5 years ago
CLEANING
- Wear safety gear: hard hats, goggles, N95 masks, heavy work gloves, waterproof boots
- Protect your lungs from mold by wearing respirator while cleaning up your flooded home.
Learn more about cleaning up safety after a disaster.
STAYING WARM
- Do not use ovens, burners, or grills to heat indoor spaces. Generators should operate only outside a home and away from open doors, windows, and vents by at least 20 feet.
- Carbon monoxide symptoms: headache, dizziness, shortness of breath confusion, loss of consciousness. Seek fresh air immediately and contact 911. Check your carbon monoxide alarms.
STAYING WARM DURING POWER OUTAGES
When the power goes out, and temperatures drop, keeping warm is essential. Here are some practical tips to help you stay cozy and safe:
- Dress in Layers: Wear several layers of clothing, such as thermal underwear, sweaters, and thick socks to trap heat.
- Utilize Blankets: Wrap up in blankets, sleeping bags, or any warm fabric you have on hand. Layering multiple blankets can offer extra insulation.
- Consolidate Space: Select a smaller room to heat with your body warmth. Close off doors to minimize heat loss.
- Create a Warm Hub: Gather with family or friends in one area. The collective body heat will help everyone stay warmer.
- Use Battery-Powered Heat Sources Wisely: If available, use battery-operated heaters or heating pads to warm small spaces, ensuring safety guidelines are followed.
RESPIRATORY HEALTH
Ensure you have the right safety gear: hard hats, goggles, N95 Masks, heavy work gloves, waterproof boots with steel toe and insole, earplugs if working with noisy equipment, and at least two fire extinguishers.
Protecting Your Respiratory Health During Disaster Clean-Up
MOLD
Mold can cause many health effects. Protect your lungs from mold by wearing a respirator while cleaning up your flooded home. If there is mold in your home (or you suspect that mold growth has occurred), protect your mouth and nose against breathing in mold by wearing at least a disposable, NIOSH-approved N-95 filtering facepiece respirator (often called an “N-95 respirator” or “N-95 mask”).
Ideally, to reduce the risk of mold exposure, before moving back into a flood-damaged building:
- The building must be completely dry.
- Dirt and trash left by the flood should be removed from the building.
- Moldy or mildewed items must be completely cleaned and disinfected or thrown away. If not, mold and mildew will return and possibly cause health problems.
- Remove and discard drywall and insulation that was flooded.
- Items that cannot be cleaned and dried well or quickly enough to prevent mold and mildew from growing must be thrown away, including items like carpet, carpet padding, mattresses, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
- Clean mold on hard surfaces using a mixture of 1 cup of household bleach in 1 gallon of water.
- Wear goggles; vinyl, nitrile, or rubber gloves; and an N95 respirator.
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners; this produces a poisonous gas.
- Never use bleach in a closed space—open doors and windows first to ensure enough fresh air to prevent eye, nose, or throat irritation.
People at risk of severe health problems from mold exposure should not take part in cleanup. This includes:
- People with allergies to mold
- People with weakened immune systems or underlying lung disease
- People with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD
CARBON MONOXIDE
Do not use ovens, burners, grills to heat indoor spaces. Generators should operate only outside of a home and away from open doors, windows and vents by at least 20 feet.
It is produced when fuel is burned in vehicles, gas- and oil-burning furnaces, gas stoves and grills, portable generators, charcoal grills, and fireplaces.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Breathing in large amounts of carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death. People who are sleeping can die from carbon monoxide poisoning without experiencing any symptoms.
While everyone is at risk, certain groups are more vulnerable, including infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart and lung problems or anemia.
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Never heat your house with a gas oven.
- Never burn charcoal indoors.
- Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors.
- Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
- Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
- Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector every 6 months, just like with smoke detectors.
Seek fresh air immediately and contact 911 if you need medical assistance. Be sure your carbon monoxide alarms are working.
PERSONAL FIRES/BURNING*
Many residents and businesses are turning to open burning as a means of disposal, but as our region dries out, our fire chiefs and our Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency urge community members NOT to burn. Storm debris collection is beginning, so please use the collection services that are offered. Today, debris collection trucks will be in Swannanoa, Barnardsville, and outside of Woodfin.
For storm debris that is being gathered with the intention of conducting open burning including the use of air curtain burners, permission is required by the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency and there are certain requirements that must be met. Please contact the Agency at 828-250-6777, airquality@buncombecounty.org, or abairquality.org. Never burn synthetic materials or trash.
If you determine that you absolutely must burn, help prevent wildfires by following this guidance from our fire marshal:
- Keep debris burning to small, three-foot in diameter and height piles.
- Do not ever leave a fire unattended.
- Have a method of extinguish a fire: water, dirt/sand, motorized equipment, or fire extinguisher.
- Keep all burn areas clear of any combustible debris or vegetation.
- Stay 25 feet or more from structures and all wooded areas.
- We have increased this recommendation from 15 feet based our current conditions.
*This information is analyzed daily by the “fire weather forecast” as published by the NC Forest service. We are constantly monitoring the conditions and the forecast.
Reminder that burning debris is never allowed in municipalities.
SHELTERS
Currently, space is available for storm-impacted families with chilren or pets at the shelter listed below:
Former Gold’s Gym (Novant Health) (recommended for families with children and pets are allowed at this location)
1815 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville
TRASH
SOLID WASTE
Updated Nov. 21: New drop-off sites for household bagged trash (times for all locations are 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.):
Drop off residential bagged trash at:
County Landfill: 85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
Hominy Creek Transfer Station: 190 Hominy Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Trash pickup resumed on Monday, Oct. 21.
Waste Pro
Waste Pro will continue household trash and recycling routes in accessible areas. For areas still inaccessible, household bagged trash drop-offs will be available from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at:
Wednesday: Hearts with Hands (850 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa) Thursday: Ingles Fairview (225 Charlotte Highway)
Friday: North Buncombe Pool (734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville)
Daily drop-off sites change daily based on routes. Check Buncombe County's Facebook or check BuncombeReady.org for updates.
TRASH SERVICE TRANSITION (SIGN UP FOR FCC)
Buncombe County is resuming transition to our new trash and recycling pick-up service provider, FCC Environmental Services.
Waste Pro customers will need to sign up for service with FCC Environmental to continue household trash and recycling pick-up after Jan. 1. We know it is really tough to add one more thing as we’re going through our disaster recovery response, but we ask you to get signed up now so your trash and recycling can be picked up in the new year.
If your trash cans currently have a Waste Pro logo, that means you need to subscribe to FCC by Dec. 15, 2024, to avoid any service interruption. No payment is due when registering. To sign up call 828-820-7022 or visit fccenvironmental.com/buncombe-county.
WELL INFORMATION
A flooded well is a well where water was over the top of the well at any point in the storm. Flooded or damaged wells need to be disinfected and tested for bacteria pollution. Here’s how to disinfect wells.
Do Not Drink Well Water Until Safe
If your well was flooded during the storm, do not drink the water until it has been disinfected and tested. Contaminated water can pose serious health risks.
- Safe Water Alternatives - Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. If bottled water isn’t available, boil tap water. First, filter cloudy water, then bring it to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet). Let it cool and store in sanitized containers.
Well Disinfection Process
If your well was flooded but not damaged, you can disinfect it using the following steps:
1. Turn off power to the pump at the circuit breaker.
2. Open the well and check for damage. If there is any, contact a licensed well driller.
3. Mix disinfectant: In a 5-gallon bucket, mix water and bleach (5.25% chlorine). Use a funnel to pour the solution into the well.
4. Recirculate water: Turn the pump back on, attach a garden hose to an outdoor faucet, and run it back into the well for at least 30 minutes to circulate the disinfectant.
5. Run disinfectant through all taps until you smell chlorine. Let the chlorinated water sit in the system for at least 8 hours or overnight.
6. Flush the system: Run the water until the chlorine smell is gone.
7. Reconnect devices such as water filters and softeners following manufacturer instructions.
Water Testing Instructions
After disinfection, water must be tested to confirm it is safe. Applicants will complete the application online and bring their case number to 30 Valley St to pick up a water sample kit Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Water Sample Collection:
Flush the tap for 5 minutes before collecting the sample.
Use the provided sterilized bottle, following the instructions carefully.
Return the sample to 30 Valley Street the same day. Samples must be analyzed within 30 hours. Results will be provided within 48 hours by phone or email.
Well Maintenance After Flooding
Check that your well cap is secure and undamaged. A damaged well cap can allow contaminants into your well system.
If you notice unusual odors, discoloration, or particles in your water, contact a professional well contractor. Flooding can cause significant damage to your well system that may not be visible.
Septic System Reminders
If your home uses a septic system, avoid running large amounts of water through the system while it may be saturated from flooding. Do not run chlorinated water from the well disinfection process into the septic tank.
Additional Resources
For more details on disinfecting wells, water testing, and alternative water options, visit the Well Water Resources Page.
For assistance, contact your local health department or a licensed well contractor at 828-250-5016.
Learn more and watch a video demonstration.
Updated Dec 05, 2024 12:50 PM