Buncombe County’s Hurricane Helene briefings are held Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. You can livestream the updates on the Buncombe County Government Facebook page or tune into Blue Ridge Public Radio 88.1 FM or the iHeart radio stations, including 99.9, 104.3, and 105.1 FM and 570 AM.

Here's what we know:

Wednesday, Nov. 27

There will be no briefings on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29.

Water Resources talks lead testing and frozen pipes

According to Water Resources Department PIO Clay Chandler, the City of Asheville has received ~5,000 requests for lead testing kits and is continuing to receive 50-100 requests per day. At this time, results have a 4-6 week turnaround time, but the city is working on a plan to decrease this turnaround. More details will be shared soon.

Bonus: The Water Resources Department will be at the Stronger Together Community Resource Fair to hand out lead testing kits, on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As we head into the cold weather of winter, Chandler also shared how residents can avoid frozen pipes, saying, "Most of these are common sense."

Disconnect and drain all garden hoses and install covers on outside faucets.
Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. Learning the location of these valves may come in very handy during an emergency.
Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape. This will prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
During really cold weather, open the cold and hot water tap and let the water run at a trickle to keep the water in the pipes moving.
If a faucet does not have separate hot and cold water handles, drip lukewarm water.

Stay safe as we head into the holiday

Buncombe County Deputy Fire Marshall Chris Brown reminded folks of some safety essentials before Thanksgiving.

Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
Set a timer to remind you of cooking times.
Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop.
Ensure a 3-foot, kid-free zone around your cooking area.
Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge and use the back burners when possible.
When cooking, wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves.
If you have a fire in your microwave, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed.
Small grease fires should be extinguished by smothering the flames.
For oven fires, turn off the oven and leave the door closed.
Plug the microwave directly into an outlet and do not use an extension cord that can overload the circuit.
Keep a fire extinguisher available in the kitchen.

Make sure you're up to code

Buncombe County Permits and Inspections Director Bob Haynes shared details of county permitting after the storm, "I know the process of making repairs or rebuilding can seem overwhelming, but we want to help our community understand the process and the importance of rebuilding and making repairs safely. Permitting the work and following the codes is all about safety."

Here are the steps for permitting damaged structures:

Ask contractors for their NC State license number (each trade has its own board).
Obtain multiple bids.
Call the permits office with any questions at 828-250-5388.
Connect with the planning department to obtain approval.
Apply for the permit.

Note: Emergency permits are free through December.

He added that FEMA disaster assistance can help those who do not have anywhere to go, "If you are in a situation where you are living in substandard conditions, there are options through FEMA assistance. You do not have to choose between a tent and a safe shelter."

Mark your calendar for a resource fair

Sponsored by A-B Tech, the Stronger Together Community Resource Fair will connect locals with essential resources after Helene. Stop by the fair on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the A-B Tech's Ferguson Auditorium.

Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, FEMA, Land of Sky, United Way, NC Works, MANNA FoodBank, and more will be in attendance. This is a great opportunity to get help with hurricane recovery — including applications, donations, employment, and more. Plus, the Water Resources Department will also be there to hand out lead testing kits, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vaccine clinic gets new hours

Buncombe County is offering free flue vaccines, and the schedule for next week will have updated hours.

Monday, Dec. 2 at Bethel United Methodist Community Care Station and Sky Lanes Bowling Alley from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Bounty and Soul Market at 55 Adams Hill Rd.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 at AB Tech Stronger Together Resource Fair

Most distribution sites and community care stations will close on Monday

At the end of the day on Monday, Dec. 2, all water distribution sites and community care stations in both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County will close, with the exception of four community care stations in the most impacted communities:

Morgan Hill Baptist Church, 594 Barnardsville Hwy.
Bethel United Methodist, 1050 Riceville Rd.
Owen Pool, 117 Stone Dr., Swannanoa
Fairview Ingles at 225 Charlotte Hwy. by Reynolds High

Thursday is a Code Purple Night

A Code Purple Night has been called for Thursday, Nov. 28. The longstanding community initiative provides safety for people experiencing homelessness by expanding emergency shelter access in cold weather — Code Purple is called based on forecasts from weather.gov.

One of the initiative’s partners, ABCCM, provides expanded sheltering at the following locations:

20 20th St. — For single men
Transformation Village, 30 Olin Haven Way — For single women and women with children

Find additional information on intake and exit times + transit routes.

Community members interested in being added to the Code Purple notification distribution list can email bcnc.homeless.coalition@gmail.com.

ABCCM is seeking volunteers for their Code Purple sheltering efforts. If you’re interested in volunteering, email homelessstrategy@ashevillenc.gov.

Don't forget your property tax bill

Property taxes remain due by January 6, 2025, as NC law does not allow waivers or exemptions for natural disasters. For assistance, visit the Tax Office (94 Coxe Ave.) or call 828-250-4910. Payment plans and FAQs are available at buncombecounty.org/tax.

Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance applications, which is for those who missed work or are continuing to miss work because of the storm, are due by Monday, Dec. 2. Apply at des.nc.gov. You can also call 919-629-3857 (English) and 919-276-5698 (Spanish), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday 12-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Accessing mental health help

The holidays can be tough for many, especially after the loss the community has experienced this year. For anyone experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, or a mental health crisis or just needing someone to talk to, free help is available through the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ (NCDHHS) Hope4NC Crisis Counseling Program. The Hope4NC Helpline is accessible 24/7 at 1-855-587-3463.

The NCDHHS has also partnered with Somethings mentorship services to provide free mental health services to teens.

Find out if you're eligible for private property debris removal

Reminder: Buncombe County's private property debris removal (PPDR) program is underway. To find out if you're eligible to receive the no-cost debris removal services, you can visit one of the four PPDR application centers or apply online. Just be sure to check the holiday hours before you go.

Applications open soon for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program

Starting Monday, Dec. 2, households with a member who meets the following requirements can apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program:

Is age 60 or older or a person with a disability receiving services through the NCDHHS Division of Aging
Currently receives Food and Nutrition Services
Received a LIEAP payment during the 2023-2024 season

It isn't a storm-related program, but a federally funded program providing a one-time payment to a household's heating vendor to help pay bills.

Households meeting the requirements for the automatic payment are being notified of eligibility and do not need to reapply. You can apply at epass.nc.gov, by calling 828-250-5500, or in person at 40 Coxe Ave.

STRs aid with emergency housing

The NC Short-Term Rental Alliance is helping connect displaced residents to available short-term rentals. Both those needing shelter and STR owners can join the program.

$5 billion estimate for roadway repairs

The NCDOT has reopened 1,100 roads since Helene hit and reported that fewer than 270 roads remain closed. The NCDOT's Western Communications Manager David Uchiyama said that as of last week, the department has identified 8,795 damaged locations in WNC, including 813 bridges and 852 culverts. Engineers are working to refine estimates for the work that needs to be done, determine what can be done in-house, and draw up contracts for site-specific repairs. "Current general estimates are about $5 billion to restore roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure," Uchiyama shared.

Like every year, traffic increases around the holidays. Before you hit the road, it's recommended you check drivenc.gov for real-time traffic info and the best routes.

I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge is closed in NC and will remain closed until approximately the beginning of January, when one lane is expected to open in each direction. Uchiyama warned that traffic will be slow going, with a speed limit of 40 mph — the lanes will also be open to 18 wheelers. As for long-term restoration, it's still very early stages. A project manager, designer, and contractor have been hired, but there is no cost estimate at the moment.

NCDOT Division 13 Engineer Tim Anderson shared specifics of the work going on here in Buncombe County. Crews have identified nearly 2,000 damaged locations, with severity ranging across the sites. Anderson said that 90 bridges have been damaged and 27 need to be replaced. He also gave updates on specific locations:

The US 70 Bridge near Exit 55 is expected to reopen in mid-December.
Fill work on Swannanoa River Road is mostly completed, with preparations being made for paving. Once a time frame is set for debris pickup, an estimated reopening date will be determined.
Rock embankment repairs have been completed in the NC 9 area, and contractors have mobilized to install retaining walls — then, paving crews will patch up areas as needed.
Crews are working to open the gravel portions of NC 197. The roadway is passable — but not for two-lane traffic — and shoulder areas still need repairs.
In Barnardsville, temporary bridge installations and paving are ongoing.

FEMA recovery programs

So far, FEMA has distributed more than $81 million to families here in Buncombe County.

Right now, there are nearly 1,700 Buncombe County residents in FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which pays for hotel rooms for people impacted by Helene. On the evening of Nov. 25, the state and FEMA announced an extension of the program until Thursday, Dec. 12 — it was originally authorized until Tuesday, Dec. 3. People in the TSA program will receive help from FEMA representatives in finding long-term housing options.

FEMA representative Hannah Vick encouraged residents to stay in touch with FEMA, especially if they are reaching out to you via voicemail or text message. As your needs change, they can help connect you with resources.

If you have not yet registered for disaster assistance, you can do so by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center in the Asheville Mall, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or apply online at disasterassistance.gov.

Monday, Nov. 25

There will be no briefings on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29.

Buncombe County addresses temporary housing misinformation

According to Buncombe County, misinformation circulating on social media about county policies has caused unnecessary confusion. A recent false claim suggested that tiny homes are prohibited in Barnardsville. In reality, the structures in question were storage sheds that do not meet North Carolina Building Code requirements for safe habitability. You can check out the codes here.

Emergency housing measures are in place

One of the ways that the county is allowing emergency housing for people displaced from the storm is through the updated Zoning Ordinance, recently approved by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. This ordinance permits emergency housing in response to the storm — including travel trailers, manufactured homes, or other FEMA-approved shelters.

What is emergency housing? A travel trailer, manufactured home, building-code compliant habitable structure, or other FEMA-approved shelter, which is temporary and is needed due to a declared federal, state, or local disaster.
Who qualifies? Folks who are experiencing homelessness or inadequate shelter from disaster-related damages or someone who is assisting with disaster recovery efforts through a government agency, nonprofit, or company.
Where are they allowed? Emergency housing is allowed in all zoning districts in Buncombe’s unincorporated area (city or town limits may have different requirements).

Buncombe County does not allow this housing to be placed in a floodway (which is different than a floodplain). "Our community has experienced enough loss and devastation in the wake of this storm," said Director of Communications Lillian Govus. "It would be reckless and irresponsible to put our residents in harm’s way again."

Paid parking enforcement about to begin again

On Monday, Dec. 2, parking fee enforcement will resume for street parking in the City of Asheville. However, parking in city-owned garages is still free until Thursday, Jan. 2 — with the exception of event parking fees in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center parking garage.

Partnerships on rental assistance

The City of Asheville is working with Eblen Charities to provide $500,000 in city-funded rental assistance to city residents. Eblen has begun expanding their staff and volunteer base to handle the additional volume and are processing 40-50 applications a day.

Additionally, the city is working with Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church to support their efforts in providing rental assistance to community members. The city plans to provide $250,000 in city funds to make available for rental assistance for low income families in Asheville. Residents can apply for assistance by visiting Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church (789 Merrimon Ave.) daily from 12 to 4 p.m.

Check out the new financial transparency dashboard

Buncombe County's Strategy and Innovation Department has launched a financial transparency dashboard to allow the community to see how county funds are spent, particularly around Helene recovery. The dashboard includes actuals, which are funds that have been paid, as well as obligations, which are funds that will be paid. Explore the fully searchable site. It will be updated monthly.

Most distribution sites and community care stations will close next week

At the end of the day on Monday, Dec. 2, all water distribution sites and community care stations in both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County will close, with the exception of four community care stations in the most impacted communities:

Morgan Hill Baptist Church, 594 Barnardsville Hwy.
Bethel United Methodist, 1050 Riceville Rd.
Owen Pool, 117 Stone Dr., Swannanoa
Fairview Ingles at 225 Charlotte Hwy. by Reynolds High

Local parks make progress

The City of Asheville's riverfront parks were the most storm-impacted city parks. There are spaces that are largely devastated, but the city is working to rebuild smarter, stronger, and more resilient to natural disasters such as floods. Work is being done to have adaptable infrastructures.

As of today, the majority of parks and community centers are open, and some have damage such as debris and downed fencing. Staff ask the public to stay out of closed areas so repairs can take place and ensure safety. Facilities and parks that will continue to be closed until further notice include Azalea and John B. Lewis Soccer Fields, the west portion of Carrier Park, French Broad River Park, Recreation Park, River Arts District Park, and APR Maintenance.

In the next few days the following parks will reopen:

Riverbend Park
Carrier Park, east side: This side includes a parking lot, natural areas, and a picnic shelter
French Broad River Greenway: The entire section that runs through Carrier Park will open. Community members can access the greenway between Amboy Riverfront Park through Carrier Park to Hominy Creek River Park.
Richmond Hill Park: Some trails and disc golf baskets reopen, along with the picnic shelter and restrooms.

The west side of Carrier Park, with the exception of French Broad River Greenway, will remain closed as it saw substantial damage. Basketball courts, lawn bowling, multipurpose fields, sand volleyball, restrooms, the skating rink, and velodrome all remain closed and off limits at this time.

USACE presents on its ongoing projects

The US Army Corps of Engineers shared details of the three projects it has going in the area.

The project to aid turbidity reduction at the North Fork reservoir will be operational in the next weeks. This project was happening concurrently with the City of Asheville’s in-reservoir water treatment to serve as a backup.
No exact timeline was provided, but the USACE represenative shared that the project to aid turbidity reduction at Bee Tree reservoir will be operational in the next weeks.
The water treatment site at UNC Asheville is currently operational, but it will be removed in the middle of December.

New FEMA hours start today

Beginning today, Monday, Nov. 25, in-person FEMA assistance is open at the Asheville Mall from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. For the holiday, the center will be closed from Thursday through Sunday.

Waste routes and trash drop-off

Waste Pro will operate normal routes for household trash and recycling on Monday, Nov. 25 and on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Residents should use the transfer station or landfill if Waste Pro is unable to access them. Note: The landfill and transfer station will be closed on Thursday. It will reopen on Friday.

Bagged Trash drop-off can be made from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on:

Wednesday: Hearts with Hands
Friday: Ingles Fairview
Saturday: North Buncombe Pool (open until 1 p.m.)

Keep your helping hands cautious

Buncombe County offered a reminder surrounding donations and aid. "We cannot urge folks strongly enough to only make financial contributions to well-established, reputable charities and organizations with a proven track record of disaster relief, local community foundations, or other recognized non-profits operating in the affected area," said Govus. "Avoid donating to unknown or newly formed organizations that may not effectively distribute aid. Check if the organization is registered and actively working in the disaster zone. Watch out for scams — don't give personal information or donate to organizations claiming to be affiliated with FEMA when they are not."