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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.” 

County Operations 

Polk County Government is operating on a normal schedule beginning today, October 7.  

Debris Removal 

If you need help clearing debris or trees from your driveway or creating a path to your home, the Baptist on Mission group is here to assist. Please contact Jeff Shuford at (704) 477-1859 for assistance. 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.  

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.  

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 or FEMA helpline at (800) 621-3362.  

Essential Needs Distribution 

Starting Monday, October 7, the distribution point will be at Tryon International Equestrian Center (2676 John Shehan Road, Mill Spring, NC) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. From Tuesday, October 8, through Sunday, October 13, the center will be open daily from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. No more donations for human supplies are needed as the site is at capacity. If you wish to volunteer to distribute supplies, you can sign up at https://bit.ly/3YcW8jp.  

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 to protect yourself from fraud. Be cautious of fake contractors by verifying credentials, getting written estimates, and avoiding upfront payments. Watch out for fake charities by verifying organizations before donating. Scammers may pose as FEMA representatives; never share personal information unless you know their identity. FEMA representatives will have proper ID and will never ask for money. To report fraud, email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call 1-866-223-0814. To report price gouging, contact the North Carolina Attorney General at (877) 5-NO-SCAM.  

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.