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Polk County officials report that emergency responders are beginning to access previously impassable areas. Teams are working tirelessly to reach residents in the hardest-hit regions, particularly in the western part of the county, where communication has been scarce.

Responders are keeping meticulous records of every person they encounter to pass on to family and friends looking for information about their loved ones. Responders are noting the status of people they reach and whether they choose to stay in place, relocate to shelters, or require transportation to local hospitals.

For those still in affected areas, especially where power and water have been lost or where medical needs are critical, officials urge residents to evacuate to family, friends or to the Polk High School shelter that has been set up as a safe haven and will also serve as a central hub for distributing food, water, and essential supplies as they become available.

Travel is still treacherous, with many roads damaged or blocked, so authorities are asking everyone to limit movement to only the most essential trips—primarily for evacuation or obtaining critical supplies. Non-essential travel could slow down emergency operations and put more lives at risk.

For those in immediate need of help, residents can contact emergency responders through dedicated phone lines at 828-722-5025 or 828-722-5026. While officials are monitoring social media, they recommend using it only if no other communication option is available.

A food distribution event is set for Tuesday, October 1st, at Polk County High School. From 1  to 6 p.m (or until supplies run out), residents can pick up non-perishable food and prepared brown bag meals. Additional resources are on the way, and as soon as they arrive, they will be sent to the areas still isolated by the storm’s devastation.

Updates will be provided through verified Polk County government social media accounts, websites, community bulletin boards, and other official outlets each afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m.

For those outside the county looking to help, donations of non-perishable food and comfort supplies can be dropped off at Thermal Belt Outreach, located at 134 White Drive in Columbus, NC. Donations will be accepted from Tuesday, October 1st through Thursday, October 3rd, from 8 AM to 4 PM.