Advisory
10/3/24 Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Operational efforts continue strong in McDowell County. Rescue teams continue to expeditiously and methodically search and ensure the safety of residents isolated by blocked roads and storm debris. McDowell County Emergency Services Director, Will Kehler, said, “We won’t stop until we account for all our citizens and visitors and ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met. Every single day we are moving the needle protecting and saving lives. The spirit of this community is one of determination and resilience, and we will not fail!”
Search and Rescue Operations Update
McDowell County has received 330 missing persons reports through our call center and the online reporting form. As of this morning, 309 individuals have been safely accounted for, and their families have been notified. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement teams, have been working around the clock to locate the remaining missing persons. These teams are conducting extensive search operations throughout the county to ensure that all individuals are found and reunited with their loved ones.
As of this morning, we can confirm that the number of confirmed fatalities related to Hurricane Helene stands at 0. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones with missing family and loved ones.
We continue to prioritize search and rescue efforts and are working around the clock to search for missing persons. Our primary search efforts focused on locating individuals who were easily contactable and visibly in need of assistance. Now, our teams are conducting secondary searches, utilizing specialized resources such as search dogs and drones to thoroughly check areas that were previously cleared, ensuring that any missing or hard-to-reach individuals are located.
Shelter Locations & Updates
Food & Water Distribution
In coordination with logistics teams, the human services division is facilitating the delivery of essential resources, including water tankers, bottled water, MREs, and other food items, to affected areas throughout McDowell County. Operations are ongoing around the clock to ensure no one is left without access to these essentials.
For up-to-date information on food and water distribution, shelter availability, community meals, and disaster assistance, visit www.mcdowellcares.org or call the McDowell County Helene Hotline at (828) 652-3241.
Food and Water Distribution Centers
Distribution will take place daily from:
Warm meals are served daily at the following location:
Open Pharmacies
Individuals who are isolated and need access to insulin can contact the Helene Hotline for assistance.
Oxygen Assistance
Patients who are homebound or without power and need help with oxygen cylinders or charging oxygen concentrators can call the Helene Hotline at (828) 652-3241 for support.
10/3/24 Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 
10/3/24 Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Ongoing Operations in McDowell CountyOperational efforts continue strong in McDowell County. Rescue teams continue to expeditiously and methodically search and ensure the safety of residents isolated by blocked roads and storm debris. McDowell County Emergency Services Director, Will Kehler, said, “We won’t stop until we account for all our citizens and visitors and ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met. Every single day we are moving the needle protecting and saving lives. The spirit of this community is one of determination and resilience, and we will not fail!”
Search and Rescue Operations Update
McDowell County has received 330 missing persons reports through our call center and the online reporting form. As of this morning, 309 individuals have been safely accounted for, and their families have been notified. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement teams, have been working around the clock to locate the remaining missing persons. These teams are conducting extensive search operations throughout the county to ensure that all individuals are found and reunited with their loved ones.
As of this morning, we can confirm that the number of confirmed fatalities related to Hurricane Helene stands at 0. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones with missing family and loved ones.
We continue to prioritize search and rescue efforts and are working around the clock to search for missing persons. Our primary search efforts focused on locating individuals who were easily contactable and visibly in need of assistance. Now, our teams are conducting secondary searches, utilizing specialized resources such as search dogs and drones to thoroughly check areas that were previously cleared, ensuring that any missing or hard-to-reach individuals are located.
Shelter Locations & Updates
- YMCA (Red Cross General Public): 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC
- Glenwood Baptist (Persons with pets): 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC
- Senior Center Lower Level (Oxygen and Medical patients only): 100 Spaulding Rd. Suite 2, Marion, NC 28752
Food & Water Distribution
In coordination with logistics teams, the human services division is facilitating the delivery of essential resources, including water tankers, bottled water, MREs, and other food items, to affected areas throughout McDowell County. Operations are ongoing around the clock to ensure no one is left without access to these essentials.
For up-to-date information on food and water distribution, shelter availability, community meals, and disaster assistance, visit www.mcdowellcares.org or call the McDowell County Helene Hotline at (828) 652-3241.
Food and Water Distribution Centers
Distribution will take place daily from:
- 10:00 a.m. until supplies last
- 4:00 p.m. until supplies last
- Woodlawn (Hicks Chapel Church): 6008 Hwy 221 N, Marion
- North Cove (Former TJ’s): 8153 Hwy 221 N, Marion
- Old Fort (Columbia Forest Old Fort Warehouse): 1 Water Street, Old Fort, NC
- Dysartsville (Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church): 7860 Hwy 226 S, Nebo
- Marion (New Manna Baptist Church): 225 E. Court Street, Marion
- Sugar Hill (Zion Hill Baptist Church): 1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion
Warm meals are served daily at the following location:
- Grace Community Church: 5182 US 70 West, Marion, NC
- Meal times: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Open Pharmacies
- Ingles Pharmacy
- Marion Pharmacy
- Prescription Pad
- Walmart Pharmacy
- CVS Pharmacy
- McDowell Pharmacy of Old Fort is open until 3pm (no phone service)
Individuals who are isolated and need access to insulin can contact the Helene Hotline for assistance.
Oxygen Assistance
Patients who are homebound or without power and need help with oxygen cylinders or charging oxygen concentrators can call the Helene Hotline at (828) 652-3241 for support.
Address/Location
McDowell County Emergency Management
129 Barnes Rd
Marion, NC 28752
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-652-3241
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