Curfew in Effect 1 a.m. - 6 a.m.
As of Oct. 11, 2024, The Haywood County Board of Commissioners has amended its Hurricane Helene state of emergency to lessen the hours in which the curfew is in effect.
Avoid Sharing Rumors and Misinformation
It only slows down our recovery efforts Learn MoreFEMA FactsHaywood County's source for disaster preparedness and recovery information.
Here you will find links to preparedness information, disaster recovery efforts, online forms, and applications for assistance. Haywood AlertsEmergency PreparednessPlan & Prepare
The right time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens.
Recover & Rebuild
Find the resources to help increase resiliency and recover stronger.
Know Your Hazard
Learn more about the hazards that are common in Haywood County, NC.
Haywood County Helene Assistance Hotline
For Questions and Assistance related to Tropical Storm Helene recovery please call the hotline.
Hours: 8 a.m. –Â 5 p.m. Daily
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?
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.
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Stay Informed:
Tune into the following stations for live updates on the storm and other critical information:
- WPTLÂ 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
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
Still have FEMA questions?
Have questions about the FEMA application process, what to expect, next steps, or how to appeal?
Got a denial letter? Not sure what to do?
Disaster Assistance Teams going door to door
Disaster Assistance Teams from Haywood County and FEMA are heading into storm-affected communities beginning Wednesday, October 9.
Haywood County teams will be wearing brightly colored vests. FEMA teams will wear official badges and jackets.
Teams will carry information packets, applications for assistance, and basic food and water supplies.
They will be visiting:
Canton
Along the Pigeon River, particularly Asheville Hwy down to Chestnut Mountain
Clyde
Along the Pigeon River
(specifically the railroad tracks to the river and on the other side of the river along Thickety Rd.)
Near Harley Creek
Near Richland Creek
Waynesville
Hazelwood Community
Frog Level Brewery area towards Russ Ave
Near the Elks Lodge
Maggie Valley
Moody Farm along Johnathan Creek and Soco Rd
Near Johnathan Creek and the campgrounds/RV park
Debris Removal
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
Utility Restoration
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:Â 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.  Â
Assistance
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.
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
EBT Card Replacement
1-866-719-0141
Help for First Responders and Widows
The Gary Sinise Foundation is partnering with Never Alone Widows to provide critical support to first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS), active military, veterans, and widows of these groups.Â
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please visit the Gary Sinise Foundation’s website and fill out the assistance form. These organizations are here to help during this challenging time, ensuring that our community heroes and their families receive the support they deserve.Â
Renter’s Rights
Donate to Helene Relief
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
Schools
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.Â
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.
Government Services
Critical Phone Numbers
- Canton Police: 828-648-2376
- Waynesville Police: 828-456-5363
- Maggie Valley Police: 828-926-0867
- NC Highway Patrol:Â 828-298-4252
- Animal Control: 828-456-5338
- Department of Social Services:Â 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:Â 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.
Health & Wellness
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.Â
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.
Business & Economic Resources
Quick Links
Fire
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?
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