Frequently Asked Questions:

Please check the basic information in the left-hand column boxes. We will update other questions here as they arise.

Q: How can I apply for FEMA assistance?

A. www.readyhaywood.com/fema

Q: How can someone check if a loved one is in a shelter?

A: Call Dispatch at 828-452-6666. Dispatch will assess each case individually.

Q: What donations are needed?

A: Bottled water, non-perishable food (no opened food items), baby supplies (diapers, wipes, unopened formula), cleaning supplies (squeezies, trash bags), tools, and rubber boots.

Q: How can I support local businesses as recovery progresses?

A. For Haywood County residents, consider shopping local whenever you can. For folks outside the county, check out this list of businesses that have online shopping options or gift cards: https://visithaywood.com/blog/give-the-gift-of-haywood/

Q: How can I replace lost Social Security Card?

A:  If you need a replacement, updated, or first-time SSN, complete an application online, then provide the required documentation in person.

Replacement cards – with no name changes – can usually be handled fully online without the need to visit an office.

Visit the SSN and Card webpage and answer a few questions to find the best way to apply.

Stay Informed:

Tune into the following stations for live updates on the storm and other critical information:

• WPTL 101.7 FM
• WRGC 540 AM + 105.7 FM
• Mix 96.5
• 99.9 Kiss Country
• WLOS-TV
• Blue Ridge Public Radio

Avoid sharing rumors and misinformation: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene-fact-vs-rumor

Stay Warm AND Safe

As we continue recovering from the impacts of Helene and prepare for colder temperatures expected next week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when staying warm. Never burn charcoal, propane, or any other fuel indoors. These can release dangerous carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless, and deadly.

Stay warm, but stay safe! If you need assistance or more information on safe heating methods, refer to this FEMA article.

https://community.fema.gov/…/Power-Outage-Avoid-Carbon...

REMEMBER the Emergency Shelter at 235 Armory Drive, Clyde is available if you need to come in out of the cold.

FEMA Assistance / Information

Apply: 1-800-621-3362

or visit www.disasterassistance.gov

Learn about the WNC Disaster Declaration: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4827

Learn more about the FEMA application process: www.readyhaywood.com/fema

Debris Removal:

• Place debris beside, not on the road
• Should be lined up next to state-maintained, not private roads
• Separate tree debris from construction material
• Take photos of debris for FEMA documentation

Need Help Cleaning Up?: Call 828-356-2020

Power Restoration

We understand some homes are still awaiting power restoration. Please continue to be patient. Crews are actively restoring power throughout the community.

Outages as of 10/12: 62

Outages as of 10/8: 500

Outages as of 10/5: 1,100

Outages as of 10/2: 7,400

Outages as of 10/1: 10,000

Outages as of 9/30:  13,000

Utility Cables:

Please do not cut any utility cables–whether on the ground or hanging. One cannot confirm when lines are hazardous or not. Cutting any line could delay the restoration of service and risk harm.

Telephone / Internet Outages

Spectrum is working with commercial power and state agencies to get service restored as quickly as possible.

The number of affected customers can be fluid during restoration due to additional damage to our network as people clear debris.

As of 10/7/24, we had 4,015 Haywood customers offline.  That was an improvement of 13,787 customers coming back online since 10/2/24.   

Official Points of Distribution

Woodland Baptist Church
545 Crabtree Road (Route 209), Waynesville
Hours:
M – F, 12 – 6 p.m.
Saturday 12 – 6 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Maggie Valley Pavilion
3987 Soco Road, Maggie Valley
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Canton First Baptist
208 Academy Street
Hours: Mon – Thurs 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Donations needed: https://cantonfirstbaptist.org/relief

Town of Canton
International Sports Complex
305 Silkwood Drive, Canton (I-40 exit 33)
Hours: Daily  8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hot Meals, Showers, bottled water, food, baby items, and more. Donations Accepted

New Covenant Church
767 Lee Road, Clyde
Hours: M – F, 12 – 6 p.m.

_________________________

Jonathan Valley Elementary — Both Locations Closed as of 10/10
Bethel Elementary

Welcome Centers

Interact with others to share information, provide mutual support, charge phones, etc.

• Pigeon Community Multicultural Center, 450 Pigeon St. Waynesville
  9 am – 4 pm
  Meals daily at 2:00
  The Center has water, power, charging stations, shovels, trash bags, and pet food
• Fines Creek Community Center, 190 Fine Creek Road, Clyde
• First United Methodist, 566 S Haywood St., Waynesville
  9 am – Noon
  Food, clothing, and shower access available

Housing Assistance

FEMA has approved Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Haywood County residents displaced by Tropical Storm Helene.

If you’ve applied for disaster assistance, you may be eligible for a short-term stay in a hotel or motel covered by FEMA while you work on your long-term housing plan.

https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241003/north-carolinians-may-be-eligible-transitional-sheltering-hotels

FEMA Emergency Hotel Information

Emergency Shelter

235 Armory Drive, Clyde, NC 28721

As of October 11 at 9:46 a.m. there were 33 people sheltering in Haywood County.

The shelter remains open. If you need shelter from storm damage or colder weather please know you are welcome.

Mountain Projects

Jobs Assistance

• NC Works

EBT Card Replacement

1-866-719-0141

Renter’s Rights

Renter’s Rights

Monetary Donations

The United Way of Haywood County is manging all monetary donations to support recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. Your contributions will directly assist local families and individual impacted by the storm.

You can donate securely:
-By mail: Send checks to PO Box 1139, Waynesville, NC 28786–Please note Tropical Storm Helene Relief in headline
-Online: https://www.uwhaywood.org/

Money Raised: $139,523.53 – includes mail in, online and $15K in Amazon Credits.

Medically Credentialed Volunteer Opportunities

Haywood Public Schools

Schools are closed through October 14 for students, it is an optional workday for staff.

Tuesday, October 15, schools will be on a two-hour delay. 

Regular schedule resumes Wednesday.

Haywood Community College

HCC will be closed October 7 – 13. Employees will return on October 14 and students will return on October 16. Employees and students should check their email for more information.

Critical Phone Numbers

• Canton Police: 828-648-2376
• Waynesville Police: 828-456-5363
• Maggie Valley Police: 828-926-0867
• NC Highway Patrol: 828-298-4252
• Animal Control: 828-456-5338
• Department of Social Services: 828-452-6620
• Road Conditions: DriveNC.gov

Solid Waste

• White Oak Landfill
  Opening Noon, Tuesday, October 1.
• Materials Recovery Facility and Convenience Centers Open: Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Jonathan Creek, Jones Cove, Mauney Cove, Highway 110.

Well Testing

Call 828-452-6638

Flush your system until the water runs clean. Follow state-recommended procedures.

Agriculture Support

• Updated Ag assistance number: 828 452 2741 ex 3
• NC Department of Agriculture: 1-866-645-9403
• Haywood Cooperative Extension Website
• Livestock Sheltering: Large Animal Sheltering is available at the WNC Livestock Exchange off exit 33.
• For assistance related to farm animals, crops, food safety at home, or family activities, visit Haywood County NC Cooperative Extension. They are ready to provide support and information to help you manage during this time.
• Hay and livestock donations can be taken to the Smoky Mountain Event Center, 758 Crabtree Road, Waynesville, to support our local agricultural community in the aftermath of Helene.

Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For questions or more information, call 828-565-7010.

Courts

On Monday, October 7, Haywood County court will be opened to handle emergency hearings and statutorily required hearings.

Flood-related Health Concerns

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) urges caution and care in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Local, state and federal partners are actively working together to repair infrastructure and aid cleanup efforts; however, there may be environmental hazards present that may pose risks to the public. Additionally, cleanup efforts should follow waste and air regulations and/or guidance to ensure contamination is not spread. 

Learn More

Mental Health Support Available

• Hope4NC Helpline: 1-855-587-3463 provides support for first responders and volunteers working on Hurricane Helene response
• 988: National mental health crisis helpline for immediate support. You can call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org
• The Pearl Institute, 55 Academy St., Waynesville, is offering counseling services for residents, workers, volunteers, first responders Noon – 6 pm M-F. Appointments are drop-in, telehealth or telephone check-ins. Email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or text/ call 828-400-7091
• The national Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year resource dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people impacted by a natural disaster or emergency. Help is available in English and Spanish. Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL callers can call or text through their preferred Relay provider.

Free Medical Services

Urgent Medical Care, Tetanus Shots, Rx Refills, Physicians and Nurses on-site

Location: Haywood County Health and Human Services parking lot

1800 Paragon Parkway Clyde

Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Provided by: Heart to Heart International www.hearttoheart.org

Watch for Yellow Jackets

As a result of the flood waters, yellow jackets are swarming in larger than normal amounts.

Haywood County EMS has responded to several insect sting calls.

Please use caution when cleaning debris and working outdoors.

• Haywood Chamber of Commerce
• Tourism Information

Fire

Burn Permits

Flood

NC Flood Risk Information System — Searchable by address

National Flood Insurance Program — Learn about and apply for NFIP @www.floodsmart.gov

FEMA Flood Map — Searchable by address

Air Quality

Visit AirNow.gov,  Home of the U.S. Air Quality Index

County

Permitting — Who permits what in Haywood County?

Haywood County GIS