Helene Support to Western Carolina
FEMA will be spending the next few weeks doing a preliminary assessment prior to establishing Joint Field Offices in order to coordinate efforts with the NCDOT and the State Emergency Management Office. FEMA currently has field engineers in the affected areas who will provide technical assessments to the counties. Once needs are assessed counties will procure cost estimates and define the contracts available to be competed for by vendors.
NCDOT will be a primary player in the contracting in response to the hurricane. Even though this is an emergency, NCDOT is required to solicit vendors to compete for contracts related to the emergency response effort.
We are in the process of collecting credible information to support Western Carolina with supplies and recovery efforts. More to come soon.
North Carolina Department of Public Safety: The purpose of this page is to provide information and resources to North Carolina residents and visitors who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
- Hurricane Helene Response Website
- Unless it is an emergency, all roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed. Travel in this area for non-emergency purposes is hindering needed emergency response.
- Visit DriveNC.Gov for the most up-to-date information on roadway conditions from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. There may be closed roads not listed on the DriveNC.gov website, as many areas are not able to report at this time. The situation is still too fluid to recommend an alternative route to take in western NC.
North Carolina Department of Transportation:
- Connect NCDOT Home: Bringing Business and Government together with online collaboration.
- You must prequalify your business before working with NCDOT.
- Next steps after prequalification.
- Certification programs for small and underutilized businesses.
- Hurricane Helene Opportunities:
- Invitation to Perform as Fully Operated Rental Equipment Service for Tropical Storm Helene Cleanup. County: Buncombe, Burke, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, and Yancey.
Small Business Administration:
- SBA Launches Disaster Assistance for North Carolina Residents and Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene
- SBA Tropical Storm Helene Fact Sheet – Disaster Loans Available to Businesses and Residents in North Carolina
Working with FEMA:
Relief Assistance and Civilian Support. We will add to this list as more become available.
Operation Airdrop: Operation Airdrop is a Texas-based 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to providing rapid relief to communities impacted by natural disasters. Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Operation Airdrop mobilizes volunteer pilots and a diverse fleet of aircraft to deliver essential supplies to areas cut off from traditional aid routes. By partnering with local charities and organizations, they ensure that vital resources—such as food, medical supplies, and baby items—reach those in need within hours, not days. Operation Airdrop is actively providing aid to those affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina in an initiative titled Operation Helene. For more information and to see how you or your business can assist in this effort: https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene
Immediate Supply Need for Western Carolina: check with your local religious affiliations and school districts for regional collection sites.
- Oil & gas & chains for chainsaws
- 2 stroke and regular fuel
- Chewable Benadryl for the bee problem (yellow jackets are a current issue)
- Chains for tires
- Any grills for cooking
- Solar lights / lanterns, hand held can openers
- Candles, flashlights with batteries
- Work gloves ALL sizes including SM
- Generators for oxygen dependents
Monetary Donations can be made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
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