FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2024

Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Missing Persons & Welfare Check Update
Active missing persons cases under investigation: 1
Confirmed fatalities: 1, with 1 additional death pending investigation.

FEMA Updates
Marion: The Disaster Recovery Center remains open and ready to assist citizens. The McDowell County DRC is located at: McDowell County Senior Center, 100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, N.C. 28752.  The DRC is open daily 8AM - 7PM.  Find a center nearest you at FEMA.gov/drc.
Old Fort: FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Teams are actively working in Old Fort, NC, going door to door to help residents sign up for disaster assistance following the recent storm impacts. These teams are offering direct support to ensure that individuals affected by the disaster can access the necessary resources and aid. In addition to the door-to-door efforts, FEMA representatives are also available at the Old Fort Post Office from 9 AM to 4 PM, where a mobile unit is stationed to provide in-person assistance. Residents are encouraged to visit the mobile unit or speak with FEMA personnel to address any disaster-related concerns.
Pop Up Events: MATCH, West Marion, Inc & Foothills FoodHub are partnering to provide local in person assistance with FEMA registrations and application, food stamp applications, Medicaid, emergency home repairs, and other types of assistance. Food, water, and other supplies will be available. No appointment needed.
Locations & Times of MATCH Events:
Marion Train Depot (45 Depot St. Marion, NC)
Wednesday 10/16 10am-6pm
Thursday 10/17 10am-6pm
New Horizon Baptist Church (5878 US 221 N, Marion, NC)
Thursday 10/17 10am-6pm
 
 
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
McDowell County residents impacted by Hurricane Helene can now apply for help buying food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). The program will begin on October 18, 2024, and is available to residents of McDowell County, among others, who have been directly affected by the storm. Eligible individuals can receive financial assistance to purchase groceries, ensuring they have access to essential food resources during recovery. Individuals currently receiving SNAP (FNS) benefits do not qualify for D-SNAP assistance.
Important Dates:

• Online pre-registration begins: October 15, 2024, at epass.nc.gov
• Register By phone: Residents are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by calling 1-844-453-1117 (Hours of Operation are the same as in-person registration)
• In-person registration: October 18-24, 2024, at the YMCA of Marion, 348 Grace Corpening Dr, Marion, NC 28752
  • Weekday hours: Friday, October 18; Monday, October 21; Tuesday, October 22; Wednesday, October 23; and Thursday, October 24 from 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Weekend hours: Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20 from 9 AM to 2 PM

Debris Removal Update
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 ensure an efficient debris pickup process. Over the 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 cost of debris removal will be covered by State and Federal funds.
 
Residents are encouraged to move debris to within 10 feet of the right-of-way for collection and ensure that it is properly separated into the following six categories: large appliances, construction debris, vegetative debris, hazardous waste, electronics, and household waste. Proper separation of debris into these categories is crucial for timely collection. Please note that we will provide information regarding the start date of this service as soon as it becomes active.
 
EMS Station Update 
During Helene, flash flooding from Curtis Creek affected EMS Station 2 and caused water damage inside the crew living area. Restoration efforts are ongoing as we seek to fully restore this station. Since the storm, the Old Fort Fire Dept. has graciously housed our crews. A temporary trailer was brought in thanks to NCEM and FEMA so MCDEMS can continue operating out of the East Main Street location in Old Fort until the permanent station is back in operation. We wanted to pass this information on to you as the exterior of the station looks a little different right now! Thanks to everyone for your continued support as we all work together to recover from this disaster.
 
Board of Elections Update
The 2024 General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with voting hours from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM at your designated voting precinct. Please note that there will be no voting on Election Day at the Board of Elections Office. Early voting will be available at the McDowell County Board of Elections, located at 2458 NC 226 S, Marion, NC, from Thursday, October 17, through Saturday, November 2. Early voting hours vary by date, with extended hours available on weekdays. Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Old Fort Early Voting Site will not be open this year.
 
Thursday - Friday, October 17-18: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 19: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday, October 21-25: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 26: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday, October 28 - November 1: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 2: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
These early voting hours will be held at the McDowell County Board of Elections, located at 2458 NC 226 S, Marion, NC.
 
Need a ride to cast your vote? McDowell County is offering free rides to the polls through the Transit Department! Simply call 828-559-0744 and schedule your ride today. Be sure to schedule your ride by 10:00 AM the day before, and if you need to cancel, do so at least 2 hours before your pickup time.

Additional Resources In McDowell County

• Comfort Station Old Fort Baptist Church
  Location: 203 E Main St, Old Fort, NC
  Services Provided: Showers, Laundry, and Bathrooms
• Comfort Station New Horizon Baptist Church
  Location: 5878 US 221 North, Marion, NC
  Services Provided: Showers, Laundry, and Bathrooms
• FREE Medical Clinic, Old Fort
  Location: 25 W. Main St. Old Fort, NC 28762
  Hours: 8AM-8PM

Food & Water Distribution Centers As Of 10/16/24

 

Community	Location	Address	Hours
Glenwood	Restoration Church	2344 Ashworth Rd. Marion	9am to 5pm
Marion	New Manna Baptist	225 E. Court Street, Marion	10am – 12pm & 4pm - 6pm
Marion	Centro Unido Latino Americano	79 Academy St. Marion	9am - 5pm
Marion	First Baptist Church of Marion	99 N. Main St, Marion	9am - 5pm
Old Fort	Cherry Springs (Old Fort)	6 Bull Walker Rd. Old Fort	Sundays 2pm-6pm / Wednesdays 4pm - 7pm
Old Fort	First Baptist Church of Old Fort	203 E Main St, Old Fort	4pm - 7pm M-F
Old Fort	Camp Grier	985 Camp Greir Rd. Old Fort	10am - 1pm & 4pm-7pm
Pleasant Gardens	Tom Johnson's Camping Center	348 Resistoflex Rd. Marion	Weekends 11am - 4pm / Weekdays 9am - 5pm