Advisory
10/11/24 Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
The DRC provides vital assistance to individuals, families, and businesses affected by recent storms and other natural disasters. At the center, survivors can meet with representatives to receive guidance on the recovery process.
You do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone. Citizens in the region can visit any DRC in Western North Carolina to receive assistance. To see all active DRC locations visit fema.gov/drc
The disaster recovery center will be open daily, with hours of operation: Sunday-Saturday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Disaster recovery centers provide community members direct access to FEMA representatives and additional wrap-around services to support those in need.
Debris Clean Up
As McDowell County continues its efforts to clear debris and restore normalcy after Tropical Storm Helene, residents and businesses are urged to follow essential guidelines to facilitate an efficient debris pickup process.
Over next several weeks, contractors hired by McDowell County will begin removing storm debris from public roadways in the Town of Old Fort, the City of Marion, and along State secondary roads in the County. The debris pickup cost will be covered by State and Federal funds. In the coming days and weeks clearing debris will become an important focus of our recovery efforts. That will include separating debris into the following categories: 1) large appliances; 2) construction debris; 3) vegetative debris; 4) hazardous waste; 5) electronics; and 6) household waste. Debris needs to be separated into these six categories in order to be properly collected.
Be wary of anyone who approaches you offering debris removal or water testing services. Scammers often use disasters as an opportunity to take survivors’ money. Do your research before doing business with a company. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have complaints against the company. Be sure companies you do business with are licensed and insured. If they want you to pay in full up front, walk away.
Volunteer Help is Here
For those in need of assistance with chainsaw work, mud-out services, or other storm recovery efforts, please call the McDowell County Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241. Our team is ready to help connect you with volunteer resources to support your recovery. If Hurricane Helene has caused damage to your home or belongings, it is crucial to document the damage for reimbursement purposes. Be sure to take photos before beginning any cleanup efforts, make a list of damaged or lost items, and gather receipts. Citizens can also visit www.mcdowellcares.org and click on "Homeowner Assistance" to request help online.
Mobile Health Clinic Opens in Old Fort
A mobile health clinic is now open in Old Fort, NC, to support the community's medical needs following Hurricane Helene. Located at 25 W. Main St., Old Fort, NC, the clinic operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, providing convenient access to healthcare services for residents. The clinic is equipped to offer a range of medical care, ensuring that those affected by the storm have access to the support they need during this challenging time.
Comfort Stations Established in Old Fort and Woodlawn Communities
To support residents facing utility outages and isolation, Comfort Stations have been set up in the Old Fort and Woodlawn communities. These stations are designed to provide essential services and support during this challenging time. The locations and services offered are as follows:
10/11/24 Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2024
Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Marion
In response to recent natural disasters affecting McDowell County, local and federal officials have announced the opening of a disaster recovery center (DRC) at the McDowell County Senior Center, located at 100 Spaulding Road, Marion, NC. The DRC officially opened its doors on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 8:00 AM.The DRC provides vital assistance to individuals, families, and businesses affected by recent storms and other natural disasters. At the center, survivors can meet with representatives to receive guidance on the recovery process.
You do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone. Citizens in the region can visit any DRC in Western North Carolina to receive assistance. To see all active DRC locations visit fema.gov/drc
The disaster recovery center will be open daily, with hours of operation: Sunday-Saturday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Disaster recovery centers provide community members direct access to FEMA representatives and additional wrap-around services to support those in need.
Debris Clean Up
As McDowell County continues its efforts to clear debris and restore normalcy after Tropical Storm Helene, residents and businesses are urged to follow essential guidelines to facilitate an efficient debris pickup process.
Over next several weeks, contractors hired by McDowell County will begin removing storm debris from public roadways in the Town of Old Fort, the City of Marion, and along State secondary roads in the County. The debris pickup cost will be covered by State and Federal funds. In the coming days and weeks clearing debris will become an important focus of our recovery efforts. That will include separating debris into the following categories: 1) large appliances; 2) construction debris; 3) vegetative debris; 4) hazardous waste; 5) electronics; and 6) household waste. Debris needs to be separated into these six categories in order to be properly collected.
Be wary of anyone who approaches you offering debris removal or water testing services. Scammers often use disasters as an opportunity to take survivors’ money. Do your research before doing business with a company. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have complaints against the company. Be sure companies you do business with are licensed and insured. If they want you to pay in full up front, walk away.
Volunteer Help is Here
For those in need of assistance with chainsaw work, mud-out services, or other storm recovery efforts, please call the McDowell County Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241. Our team is ready to help connect you with volunteer resources to support your recovery. If Hurricane Helene has caused damage to your home or belongings, it is crucial to document the damage for reimbursement purposes. Be sure to take photos before beginning any cleanup efforts, make a list of damaged or lost items, and gather receipts. Citizens can also visit www.mcdowellcares.org and click on "Homeowner Assistance" to request help online.
Mobile Health Clinic Opens in Old Fort
A mobile health clinic is now open in Old Fort, NC, to support the community's medical needs following Hurricane Helene. Located at 25 W. Main St., Old Fort, NC, the clinic operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, providing convenient access to healthcare services for residents. The clinic is equipped to offer a range of medical care, ensuring that those affected by the storm have access to the support they need during this challenging time.
Comfort Stations Established in Old Fort and Woodlawn Communities
To support residents facing utility outages and isolation, Comfort Stations have been set up in the Old Fort and Woodlawn communities. These stations are designed to provide essential services and support during this challenging time. The locations and services offered are as follows:
- Old Fort Baptist Church
Location: 203 E Main St, Old Fort, NC
Services Provided: Showers, Laundry, and Bathrooms - New Horizon Baptist Church
Location: 5878 US 221 North, Marion, NC
Services Provided: Laundry Services (Shower services have been requested and will be available soon)
McDowellCares.org: Your Hub for Community Resources
An updated list of PODs (Points of Distribution) and community groups providing commodities will be maintained at the end of this release and updated daily. For comprehensive information on recovery resources, visit McDowellCares.org. The website serves as a hub for community resources, including locations for PODs, warm meal sites, and other essential services available to residents. Stay informed and access the support you need.Food & Water Distribution Centers
| Location | Center | Hours |
| OLD FORT | Krantz Industrial Park. 2 Water Street, Old Fort | 9am – 4pm |
| DYSARTSVILLE | Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church, 7860 HWY 226 S | 10am – 12pm & 4pm - 6pm |
| NEW MANNA BAPTIST | 225 E. Court Street, Marion | 10am – 12pm & 4pm - 6pm |
| ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH | 1036 Zion Hill Rd. Marion | 10am – 12pm & 4pm - 6pm |
| NORTH COVE CHURCH OF GOD | 14698 US221 N. | |
| WEST COURT BAPTIST | 355 West Court Street, Marion | 9am - 5pm |
| LIVING WATER TABERNACLE | 344 Moffitt Hill Church Rd. Old Fort | 10am - 3pm |
| RESTORATION CHURCH | 2344 Ashworth Rd. Marion | 9am to 5pm |
| CROSS MEMORIAL | 15 Cross Memorial Baptist Church Loop. Marion | Tues. & Thurs. 2pm-8pm |
| EAST MARION PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS CHURCH | 900 Baldwin Ave, Marion | |
| GLENWOOD BAPTIST | 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd. Marion | |
| CENTRO UNIDO LATINO AMERICANO | 79 Academy St. Marion | |
| FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF OLD FORT | 203 E Main St, Old Fort | 4pm - 7pm |
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
