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POLK COUNTY—In a public notice shared with Polk County residents, the local government provided information about FEMA assistance, damage repair and debris removal, and services and supplies provided by the county.

“In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Polk County stands united in the spirit of rescue and recovery,” said County Manager Marche Pittman. “Together, we will support one another, heal our community, and build a future grounded in hope and resilience.” 

Damage Repair and Information 

If your home or property has sustained damage, take clear photos of the damage before making any repairs. These photos are crucial for insurance claims and repair assessments. For added accuracy, include a frame of reference in the photos—such as a person, a tape measurer, or another familiar object—to help provide perspective on the extent of the damage. Proper documentation can save time and ensure the repair and recovery process goes smoothly.

Disaster Recovery Center

County leaders have contacted FEMA representatives to coordinate Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) plans. This effort will help organize support and resources for residents affected by Hurricane Helene, with more information expected in the upcoming week. Residents can register for FEMA assistance now by visiting https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/road-to-recovery. An additional Individual and Public Assistance Information Hotline (919)-605-8105.

Debris Removal

Avoid placing debris on exposed utility or cable lines, as crushing them can delay repairs and lead to broader outages. For a graphic on properly sorting and preparing debris for pickup, visit https://www.fema.gov/node/debris-removal-guidelines.

Food and Nutrition Services

Residents of Polk County enrolled in Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) who Hurricane Helene impacted will automatically receive 70% of their September benefits as a replacement on their EBT cards, with no action required. This applies to 23 Western North Carolina counties, including Polk, and provides over $24 million in aid to more than 200,000 people. FNS participants can check their balances via the ebtEDGE website, app, or by calling 1-888-622-7328. Additionally, participants can temporarily use benefits to purchase hot food until November 3, 2024.

Stay Alert

After a disaster, scammers often target survivors. Stay alert and protect yourself from fraud:

• Fake contractors: Always verify credentials, get written estimates, and avoid upfront payments.
• Fake charities are cautious with unsolicited donations. Verify organizations before donating.
• Identity theft: Scammers may claim to be from FEMA or other agencies. Never share personal info unless you’re sure of their identity. FEMA reps will have proper ID and never ask for money.
• Ways to report fraud:

Email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov

Call: 1-866-223-0814

Fax: 202-212-4926

Essential Needs Distribution

Sunday was the final day all distribution locations were open. Beginning Monday, October 7, the supply distribution and donation drop-off point will be centrally located at Tryon International Equestrian Center (25 International Boulevard, Mill Spring, NC). They will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to help distribute supplies daily from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Tryon Equestrian Center. You can sign up to volunteer at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGDojawX0iiwsMXecYldGnjnqe8_5SpjTT1RROH_ZEIO4gew/viewform. 

Laundry Services

Laundry services will be available at Polk County High School on Tuesday, October 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.