McDowell County EOC Intensifies Recovery Efforts to Aid Citizens
McDowell County, NC—October 20, 2024—As the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene continue, the McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains committed to addressing the needs of our communities. In a proactive approach, McDowell County has assigned local EOC representatives to each community, ensuring a dedicated and responsive presence on the ground. These representatives are tasked with swiftly resolving issues as they arise, such as coordinating the urgent distribution of space heaters and ensuring access to clean water for those experiencing long-term water outages.
In addition to local representatives, our Community Paramedics are working diligently to answer calls for homebound commodity requests. We are providing essential supplies such as warm weather gear, space heaters, animal food, and more, to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are supported during this critical time.
Damage assessment teams continue their daily efforts across McDowell County, documenting both private and public property damage. This ongoing documentation is vital to demonstrating the full impact of Hurricane Helene to state and federal officials. By doing so, we are ensuring that essential resources and aid continue to flow into McDowell County to assist with long-term recovery.
We are grateful for the dedication of our local fire departments, EMS, rescue services, and law enforcement agencies, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in our response and recovery. We also extend our deepest thanks to the volunteers, faith- based organizations, and community groups who work tirelessly each day to support recovery efforts. Along with the support of our EOC representatives and the resilience of our communities, we are working together to ensure McDowell County recovers stronger than ever.
For additional information or to request assistance, please contact the McDowell County Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241 or visit mcdowellcares.org.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open Daily in McDowell
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) remain open in McDowell County, offering residents convenient, face-to-face access to a variety of recovery services. These centers provide personalized assistance for individuals who have experienced property damage or other disaster-related losses. With no long lines and multiple services available, the DRCs make it easier for residents to get the help they need, including assistance with FEMA applications, information on recovery programs, and other support options. The centers are located at the Senior Center of Marion, 100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC, and the
A.C. “Bud” Hogan Community Center, 909 East Main St., Old Fort, NC. Both
locations are open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Partnerships Have Made Recovery Possible

The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) has teamed up with McDowell County EOC to construct and install footbridges in communities impacted by recent events. These footbridges provide essential access for residents. Thanks to generous donations from Duke Energy and Lowe’s Home Improvement, citizens across McDowell are gaining improved access to their homes until more permanent solutions are in place. A special thank you to the dedicated teams at NCFS for their hard work and commitment to making recovery possible!
 

Temporary Cell Tower Restores Emergency Phone Access

McDowell County Emergency Services has deployed a Verizon SPOT temporary cell tower at Sunnyvale Church on NC 80 to provide critical cell service to citizens experiencing long-term phone outages. This temporary tower ensures residents have access to reliable communication for emergencies as recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene continue. We are committed to restoring essential services and supporting our community’s safety and well-being during this recovery phase.