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AshevilleRelief.org

Open, crowdsourced, vetted info by people on the ground for people on the ground

Submit new info on the website or by email: submit@ashevillerelief.org

Curfew

City of Asheville: curfew hours are 11pm to 6am

Henderson County: 10pm to 8am, per Henderson County sheriff.

Water Precautions

As water pressure begins to be restored to parts of Asheville, please keep in mind that running water is NOT necessarily safe at this time. Exercise caution with any use. Continue filtering and boiling all water, and avoid washing, cooking, or drinking water that has an unusual, chemical, or oily smell, taste, or feel. For more information on mud and water safety practices, visit this crowdsourced document.

Animals and Animal Transport | Child Care & Supplies | Communication | Debris & Repairs | Disaster Assistance | Electricity | Healthcare | Hubs - General Distribution | Mental Health | Shelter & Temp Housing | Transportation  | Translators | Trash | Water, Showers & Laundry

Donation Opportunities | Mutual Aid | Volunteering Opportunities 

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High Priority Main Page Items

Water Precautions

As water pressure begins to be restored to parts of Asheville, please keep in mind that running water is NOT necessarily safe at this time. Exercise caution with any use. Continue filtering and boiling all water, and avoid washing, cooking, or drinking water that has an unusual, chemical, or oily smell, taste, or feel. 10/10

For more information on mud and water safety practices, visit this crowdsourced document.

BLACK MOUNTAIN–as you start to receive water service, do NOT drink this water, do NOT use it for any purpose other than flushing your toilet. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRINK EVEN IF BOILED! Do NOT give this to your pets! (source: county briefing 10/11 and Blue Ridge Public Radio, still current as of 10/15/24)

ASHEVILLE WATER SYSTEM NOTICE (10/15/24):

Water Service Restoration
Some customers who are very close to the North Fork Water Treatment facility in Lake Eden and Swannanoa have seen water service return. Water Resources is in the process of expanding service to Haw Creek and parts of Fairview. It is of utmost importance to note: This water IS NOT SAFE for drinking from the tap. Water must be vigorously boiled for at least one minute before consumption. The water is safe for laundry, showering (do not swallow water while showering), handwashing, washing dishes and flushing toilets. Service will return slowly and incrementally, moving in a generally westward direction from North Fork toward Asheville.

What to do before water service returns:

  1. Flip off the breaker to your water heater.
  2. Turn off water to your water heater.
  3. Turn off hot water under your sinks.
  4. Remove aerator (it typically unscrews) on faucets.
  5. Turn off the ice maker.
  6. Turn off water to your whole house filter, if you have one.

What to do when your water service returns

  1. Run cold water through a non-aerated faucet, such as a bathtub or a water hose, for about 15 minutes or until the water turns clear.
  2. Turn on your water heater and water heater breaker, and reattach your faucet aerator.
  3. It’s safe to flush your toilet after completing steps 1 and 2.
  4. 𝗕𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 before using it for cooking, brushing teeth, or drinking. It’s safe for showers, but avoid getting water in your mouth. Sponge baths are recommended for babies and small children. Do not use tap water to make ice until it is safe to consume.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁? Newly available water will contain more sediment than usual. These steps will allow sediment to flow freely out of the water system and prevent it from collecting where it shouldn’t, such as in your aerator and in appliances. Turning off your ice maker ensures that you will not ingest water that is not yet safe to consume.

 

  • All water in the City of Asheville is under a boil advisory. Boil all water vigorously for at least one minute before using it for any consumption, such as cooking, brushing teeth, and drinking.
  • The water is safe for showers, officials say, but residents should avoid getting water in the mouth. Parents and guardians should consider sponge baths for babies and small children.
  • If you remain without water, turn off the water heater to prevent fire risk.
  • If you see a leak in your area, please report it to customer service: 828-251-1122.


The City of Asheville is not assessing late fees for water bills, sending delinquent notices, creating new bills, or doing any cuts-offs for non-payment at this time. We are still accepting payments online, IVR, and by mail for anyone that is trying to pay an existing bill. Please contact customer service at 828-251-1122 if you have billing concerns.

Help Hotlines

Search & Rescue, Wellness Checks, and Family Reunification

If you get in contact with your loved one, please get back in touch with the search and rescue/wellness check resources where you made the request so we can put our efforts towards folks who are still missing or separated from their families.

  • DIAL 211 AND/OR text 40403 “PERSON” (you will potentially be put on hold calling 211 and then they will tell you to text) or visit NC 211's website: https://rdcrss.org/3rqObG1.
  • If out of state, 888-892-1162
  • AMERICAN RED CROSS Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Welfare checks and other assistance needs.  FB PAGE HERE for more info about lost loved ones.  General FB PAGE
  • Carolina Emergency Response Team Operation Rotor Blade has 12 helicopters.  They provide: Wellness checks, Evacs, Fly in supplies https://www.facebook.com/carolinacert
  • 99.9 country - 828-240-5477 (fill in email & they’ll announce on air)
  • CAJUN NAVY 833.225.8616 https://www.facebook.com/pinnaclesearchandrescue/
  • JAARS (Helicopters) https://www.facebook.com/JAARSinc
  • solutions@totalflight.com 919-497-5511 Ext 1
  • REACH OUT WORLDWIDE responders@roww.org (boots on the ground, debris removal and chainsaw crew)
  • Madison County: Resident welfare checks contact Madison County Emergency Operations Center at 828-649-1955 or email e911@madisoncountync.gov
  • The Horseshoe Farm ( @thehorseshoefarm ) is “working closely with Global Empowerment Mission, Aerial Recovery Group & other search and rescue from the Farm. If you know anyone in need of dire aid or rescue, please DM us with the exact address or coordinates of their location. Please know we are compiling this information and creating a list of priorities based on need and severity.”
  • If you're safe, you can text any message to (828) 888-0440. If you're trying to find a loved one, visit DisasterCheckin.com to see if they've checked in. If you don't have internet access, text "SEARCH XXXXXXXXXX" (replace the X's with their phone number) to (828) 888-0440 to check if they've registered with us.
  • Evacuation / Resupply / Welfare Check https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nc-aid

Housing Rights

Article

Know Your Rights: Renter Information –  Pisgah Legal Housing Attorney David Bartholomew shared important information about the rights of renters with Blue Ridge Public Radio yesterday.

If tenants are confused about their rights or suspect that a landlord may be taking illegal actions against them, Pisgah Legal Services can be contacted online@pisgahlegal.org or 828-253-0406.

Civilian Deliveries and Volunteer Safety

Dangerous Environmental Health Hazards

FIRE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT The fire department has confirmed that mud has hazmat toxins in it. You must wear gloves and masks! Be careful-not a good time to need the hospital. SMART to assume mud in the entire area is affected.  Until state environmental regulators conduct thorough tests, assume every possible contaminant.

Learn more here: MountainTrue contacts EPA, state environmental regulators over chemical-floodwater concerns

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Avoid ANY exposure to skin and eyes (waterproof gloves, safety goggles, water-resistant clothing + no gaps for mud to get under, and rubber boots),

MASKS: Use an air-purifying respirator (chemical cartridge/gas mask respirator, PAPR, SCBA) to prevent illness and injury. If these masks are inaccessible, the next best protection is a well-fitted, over-the-head n95 (ex. 3M Aura). While it does not protect against hazardous chemicals, it is effective protection against airborne viruses, mold, and dust inhalation. 10/3 (From Hall Fletcher Neighborhood listserv & Discord)

Staying Warm without Electricity

If you have no power and the temperatures are dropping, here are some cold-weather tips to keep you warm and safe:

  • 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗽: Wear multiple layers of clothing, including thermal undergarments, sweaters, and socks. Don’t forget a warm hat!
  • 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: Wrap yourself in blankets, sleeping bags, or anything warm you can find. Layering blankets can provide extra insulation.
  • 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺: Choose a smaller room to heat with body warmth. Close off doors to keep the heat in.
  • 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀: Use towels or clothing to block drafts from windows and doors. This will help keep the warmth in.
  • 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗨𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀: If you have a way to heat water, enjoy hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to stay warm from the inside.
  • 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: Keep your blood circulating by moving around gently. Do some light exercises to stay warm.
  • 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝘇𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲: Gather in one area with family or friends. Body heat from being together can help keep everyone warm.
  • 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆-𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: If you have a battery-operated heater or heating pad, use it carefully to warm small areas.
  • 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱: Keep a battery-powered radio or your phone charged for updates on the power restoration and weather.

 

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼:

  • 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀: Never use gas-powered generators inside your home or garage due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀: Avoid using candles or other open flames for light or heat, as they can pose a fire hazard.
  • 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: While it’s important to stay warm, don’t bundle up so tightly that you risk overheating or restricting circulation.
  • 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹: While it might seem like a good idea to drink alcohol for warmth, it can actually lower your body and dehydrate you.
  • 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: Do not use stoves (gas & electric), camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors, all of which produce carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas.

If you have questions about safe heating practices, please call or visit your local fire department.

Voting Information for Upcoming Election (Buncombe County specific)

​​Buncombe County Elections Office is open 9am-5pm to assist you. Absentee voting is happening now. Early voting will run from October 17th to November 2nd. Election Day is November 5th.

Same-day registration means that during early voting you can register and vote on the same day. See Board of Elections: Same-day Registration:

Eligible individuals who reside in a county but are not yet registered to vote there may register during the in-person early voting period. After registering, the newly registered voter can immediately vote at that same site. This process is called “same-day registration.”

Note that there are some restrictions on same-day registration. These include proof of residency and a requirement that you must have resided in the county where you are registering for at least 30 days before election day. See the above link (Board of Elections: Same-day Registration) for details.

Photo ID: you will be asked to show a photo ID to vote this year. See Board of Elections: Voter ID for more information. If you need a photo ID for voting you can get one for free at the Board of Elections office.

If you lost your photo ID due to Helene, there’s a Photo ID Exception Form for victims of natural disasters. See this page for more.

Early voting hours and locations: see the Board of Elections early voting page.

Additional info: see Board of Elections: Voters Affected by Helene and Buncombe County Board of Elections Approves Modified Early Voting Plan.

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Archive (Staff Use Only)

  • Asheville/Buncombe County Specific:
  • The Buncombe County Register of Deeds has developed a web-based form to help people in locating and connecting with residents of Buncombe County. This resource allows individuals to tell the county about anyone who they believe is missing or cannot be reached. This resource is available to anyone within or outside of Buncombe County. This form is available at this link.
  • Call (828) 820-2761. Please leave a voicemail and someone with Register of Deeds will contact you as soon as they canOR
  • If you get in contact with someone who you submitted a form or called in about. Please email register@buncombecounty.org or call (828) 820-2761 to let them know they have been found. This will help us prioritize our long list of names.
  • To volunteer for door-knocking and wellness checks with Buncombe County visit the Register of Deeds (205 College St.) from 10am - 5pm to get started.

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