Advisory
10/7 Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Operational efforts in McDowell County remain robust as we prioritize secondary searches to locate missing persons. Our dedicated teams are actively working to gain access to isolated communities, ensuring that no one is left behind, and that commodities continue to reach them until access is established. We encourage anyone who needs assistance and cannot travel or is unsure where to go to call the Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241.
Our current priorities are as follows:
Locations & Hours: FEMA representatives will be at the following locations, current hours are 09:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Additional locations will be forthcoming:
False Information: There are numerous false reports and misleading information circulating online about Hurricane Helene on social media. To ensure that you are receiving the most accurate information please sign up for Nixle by texting 28752 to 888777 or follow McDowell County 911/Emergency Management on Facebook.
Current Missing Persons Report (as of 3:00 PM, 10/7/24):
These numbers will continue to be reported as clearly and transparently as possible. We understand the importance of trust during this critical time, and we will keep providing the public with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Search and Rescue Operations Update
Today, teams from federal, state, and local Search and Rescue (SAR) units are actively conducting systematic searches across McDowell County. These operations include the support of specialized K-9 units, working tirelessly to locate both survivors and casualties. Secondary searches will continue around the clock, with updates provided to the public as new information becomes available. Our teams are focusing their efforts on the most affected areas, especially those with reported missing persons, while also striving to reach isolated communities and individual residences to ensure the safety of everyone in need.
Town of Old Fort Update
The restoration of water and sewer services in Old Fort has reached significant milestones, with 91% of water services and 80% of sewer collection systems now restored. To protect the health and well-being of the community, the town will continue to be under a boil water advisory until further notice. Residents are advised to boil all water used for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth for at least one minute until the water system is deemed safe for consumption through proper testing.
In addition to the ongoing restoration efforts, the Town of Old Fort remains under a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. until further notice, with exceptions for those traveling to work or in emergency situations. This curfew is in place to protect life, safety, and property due to the current State of Emergency and increased theft issues. Law enforcement officers from across the state are actively patrolling the town to maintain order and enforce all applicable laws and ordinances.
The town will continue to provide updates on the progress of restoration efforts and the status of the boil water advisory.
Safety Guidelines for Wells and Septic Systems
McDowell County officials are urging residents to prioritize the safety of their wells and septic systems. Contaminated water can pose significant health risks, so it is essential to follow these guidelines:
Well Water Safety:
Essential Supplies Distribution: Food, Water, and More
In collaboration with local churches and agencies, distribution points across the community are providing essential supplies, including food, water, toiletries, and other critical resources. The distribution points are open to all residents affected by the Helene and are fully stocked with items to support those in need.
For up-to-date information, visit www.mcdowellcares.org or call the McDowell County Helene Hotline at (828) 652-3241.
Media Contact:
McDowell County Emergency Operations Center
Incident Management Team
(828) 652-3241
10/7 Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2024
Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Ongoing Operations in McDowell CountyOperational efforts in McDowell County remain robust as we prioritize secondary searches to locate missing persons. Our dedicated teams are actively working to gain access to isolated communities, ensuring that no one is left behind, and that commodities continue to reach them until access is established. We encourage anyone who needs assistance and cannot travel or is unsure where to go to call the Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241.
Our current priorities are as follows:
- Search and Rescue Operations: This includes investigating missing person reports and systematically searching all impacted areas for any survivors or casualties.
- Food, Water, and Commodity Distribution: Points of Distribution (PODs) and warm meal locations are available. Visit www.mcdowellcares.org for more information.
- Recovery Support: We are working to ensure that all available resources are accessible to the public as they become available. FEMA is on-site, and the public can register for disaster recovery at the locations listed below or by downloading the FEMA app. Online registration is also available at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
Locations & Hours: FEMA representatives will be at the following locations, current hours are 09:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Additional locations will be forthcoming:
- McDowell Senior Center UPPER LEVEL ONLY, 100 Spaulding Rd. Marion, NC 28752
- Glenwood Baptist 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd. Marion, NC 28752
False Information: There are numerous false reports and misleading information circulating online about Hurricane Helene on social media. To ensure that you are receiving the most accurate information please sign up for Nixle by texting 28752 to 888777 or follow McDowell County 911/Emergency Management on Facebook.
Current Missing Persons Report (as of 3:00 PM, 10/7/24):
- Total Active Missing Persons Cases: 14
Our Commitment:
We are working tirelessly to ensure each report is investigated thoroughly. Every report is handled individually until we can confidently determine whether the person has been found, referred to another county, or confirmed as a duplicate.These numbers will continue to be reported as clearly and transparently as possible. We understand the importance of trust during this critical time, and we will keep providing the public with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Search and Rescue Operations Update
Today, teams from federal, state, and local Search and Rescue (SAR) units are actively conducting systematic searches across McDowell County. These operations include the support of specialized K-9 units, working tirelessly to locate both survivors and casualties. Secondary searches will continue around the clock, with updates provided to the public as new information becomes available. Our teams are focusing their efforts on the most affected areas, especially those with reported missing persons, while also striving to reach isolated communities and individual residences to ensure the safety of everyone in need.
Town of Old Fort Update
The restoration of water and sewer services in Old Fort has reached significant milestones, with 91% of water services and 80% of sewer collection systems now restored. To protect the health and well-being of the community, the town will continue to be under a boil water advisory until further notice. Residents are advised to boil all water used for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth for at least one minute until the water system is deemed safe for consumption through proper testing.
In addition to the ongoing restoration efforts, the Town of Old Fort remains under a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. until further notice, with exceptions for those traveling to work or in emergency situations. This curfew is in place to protect life, safety, and property due to the current State of Emergency and increased theft issues. Law enforcement officers from across the state are actively patrolling the town to maintain order and enforce all applicable laws and ordinances.
The town will continue to provide updates on the progress of restoration efforts and the status of the boil water advisory.
Safety Guidelines for Wells and Septic Systems
McDowell County officials are urging residents to prioritize the safety of their wells and septic systems. Contaminated water can pose significant health risks, so it is essential to follow these guidelines:
Well Water Safety:
- Test your well water: Contact the McDowell County Health Department, Environmental Health Division at (828) 652-6811 for information on testing your well water for bacteria and other contaminants.
- Disinfect your well: If your well has been flooded, it is crucial to disinfect it to prevent contamination. Contact the Health Department for guidance on the proper disinfection process.
- Use bottled water: Until your well water has been tested and deemed safe, use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
- Inspect your septic system: Look for signs of damage, such as pooling wastewater or sewage backups.
- Pump your septic tank: If your septic tank has been affected by flooding, it may need to be pumped to prevent backups.
- Avoid heavy traffic: Do not park heavy vehicles or equipment on top of your septic tank, as this can damage it.
- Clean and disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect your home and belongings after a flood.
- Dispose of waste properly: Properly dispose of any flood-damaged items to prevent the spread of disease.
Essential Supplies Distribution: Food, Water, and More
In collaboration with local churches and agencies, distribution points across the community are providing essential supplies, including food, water, toiletries, and other critical resources. The distribution points are open to all residents affected by the Helene and are fully stocked with items to support those in need.
For up-to-date information, visit www.mcdowellcares.org or call the McDowell County Helene Hotline at (828) 652-3241.
Media Contact:
McDowell County Emergency Operations Center
Incident Management Team
(828) 652-3241
Address/Location
McDowell County Emergency Management
129 Barnes Rd
Marion, NC 28752
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-652-3241
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP MCDOWELLEM followed by your message, to 888777
