Full Notification

Publc Notice to Polk County Residents - October 9
Essential Needs Distribution
The last day for the distribution of human supplies at the Tryon International Equestrian Center is today, Wednesday, October 9. The center will continue to distribute hay, all livestock feed, chicken feed, dog and cat food, and cat litter daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for as long as supplies last. 

Damage Assessments – Polk County Health and Human Services / Building Inspections
Polk County Health and Human Services and Building Inspections teams will visit properties across the county over the next several days to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and provide property owners with information on restoring wells (if applicable).

FEMA Disaster Assistance
Polk County residents affected by Hurricane Helene may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance. This aid can help with essential needs such as temporary lodging, home repairs, and personal property loss. Residents can apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA App, or calling 800-621-3362, with support available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. To apply, you'll need a contact number, your current and disaster-related addresses, your Social Security number, a list of damages (with photographs of the damage), and banking information if opting for direct deposit. If insured, file a claim promptly, as FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits. If you applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene, you'll receive an eligibility letter detailing your application status and any aid provided. Review the letter carefully to understand the amount and use of disaster funds. If you have questions or disagree with the decision, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 for clarification.
The county is working with FEMA to determine a location for a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), a one-stop shop for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene, to meet with local, state, and federal representatives to access resources. Once this site has been established, the location and hours/dates of operation will be shared with the community.

Debris Removal
Residents with debris from Hurricane Helene should place it curbside, within 10 feet of the road, ensuring it doesn't block property access, the roadway, or downed utility and cable lines. The County is coordinating debris removal on public roadways and will share details once plans are set. Individuals with debris on private roads are responsible for debris removal.
Separate debris into five categories: construction materials, vegetative debris, large appliances, hazardous waste, and electronics. Additionally, document the clean-up process with photos before and after debris removal. Look for communication from the County for updates. For a graphic on properly sorting and preparing debris for pickup, visit https://www.fema.gov/node/debris-removal-guidelines
 

Local Resource List

Disaster Response

• FEMA Helpline: CALL 1-800-621-3362
• General Emergency Management Information from FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/
• FEMA Español: https://www.fema.gov/es
• FEMA NC Referrals (Local & State): https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/disaster-survivors/state-local-referral-lists/north-carolina
• US Disaster Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• NC Extension Disaster info: https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/
• North Carolina Emergency Management: CALL 1-919-825-2500
• ReadyNC: https://www.readync.gov/
• NC DEQ—Situation Report Tracking System: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/deq-dashboard
• SBA Disaster Assistance: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/hurricane-relief/hurricane-helene.html

• NCDOT: https://www.ncdot.gov/Pages/default.aspx
• North Carolina Road Conditions/Closures on DriveNC: https://drivenc.gov/

• NC DEQ—Report Environmental Emergency: CALL 1-800-858-0368
• Polk County Health and Human Services (Environmental Health): CALL 828-894-2114
• Polk County Soil & Water: CALL 828-894-8550

• NC Dept of Ag Emergency Services: https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/disaster-information
• American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergency-care/pets-and-disasters
• Polk County Cooperative Extension: CALL 828-894-8218

• NC Dept of Insurance: https://www.ncdoi.gov/press-release-terms/disaster
• NC Dept of Insurance: CALL 1-919-807-6800

• Report Fraud: EMAIL [email protected] or CALL 866-223-0814
• Report Price Gouging: CALL 877-5-NO-SCAM

• Polk County Building Inspections: call 828-894-3739

Replacing Lost Documents

• Insurance policy information: Call your insurance company or agent and request a copy of your policy, including the Declaration Page.

• Birth and death certificates: Order certificates online at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.
   
• Driver Licenses: If your driver license has been lost or stolen, you may apply for a replacement at any driver's license office. Standard licenses may also be replaced online at https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/renewal-replacement/Pages/default.aspx. If there is a change of address, North Carolina driver license or ID card holders have 30 days to update their address on the credential.
   
• Social Security Cards: You may be able to do this online, or you can fill out an application for a Social Security card and bring it to your local office along with unexpired identification. Documents must be original or have a signature, stamp, or raised seal from the issuing agency, no photocopies. For more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card.
   
• Medicare cards: To replace your card, call Medicare at (800) 633-4227 (TTY 877-486-2048), visit your local Social Security office, request a new card through your online account with Social Security or visit MyMedicare.gov.
   
• Green Card: Go to uscis.gov and complete the Form I-90 application to replace a permanent resident card, and file it online or by mail.
   
• Passports: For information on how to replace your passport, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html.
   
• Federal Tax Returns: For information on how to request a copy of your tax return, visit https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506.
   
• Military Records: For information on how to request copies of military records, visit https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.