Recovery Efforts Ongoing for Displaced and Isolated McDowell Residents

Local Emergency Management representatives continue working in McDowell County communities to assist with urgent recovery efforts and meet the immediate needs of citizens. Teams are actively identifying residents who remain isolated due to access issues and have no other means of entering or leaving their homes. Temporary footbridge installations are underway for these individuals. Additionally, displaced residents are being assisted with temporary RV placements either on their property or at designated locations until repairs can be made. Citizens displaced from their homes and in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241.
Community Paramedics from McDowell EMS continue to deliver essential resources such as food, water, heaters, and cold weather gear to residents in isolated areas.

Adrienne Rivera Jones, McDowell EMS Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of community outreach, stating, "Our priority is ensuring that we have Emergency Management representatives in the hardest-hit communities, so no one is overlooked. It's easy to assume that those who need help have already found it, but we are still discovering individuals who are overwhelmed by the devastation and don’t know where to turn. We're here to provide support with power, water, shelter, and any other resources necessary to help our neighbors recover from such tremendous loss."

FEMA Teams Conduct Door-to-Door Assistance in Little Switzerland

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are now operating in the Little Switzerland community, going door-to-door to assess damage and offer direct support to residents. These teams are working to ensure that individuals receive the help they need for recovery. It's important to note that all FEMA representatives will have official identification, including a photo ID and badge, which they will display upon arrival. To protect yourself from scams, remember that FEMA does not charge for services or ask for personal information like Social Security or bank details over the phone or online. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent FEMA before providing information. For more tips on avoiding scams and fraud, visit FEMA’s official website at www.fema.gov.