Emergency Information

Henderson County has declared a State of Emergency due to Hurricane Helene. The State of Emergency is also proclaimed at the request of the Mayors in the Town of Fletcher, Town of Laurel Park, Village of Flat Rock and Town of Mills River.  The City of Hendersonville has also declared a State of Emergency as revoking all special event permits until the end of the state of emergency. 

There is still restricted travel along Highway 64, Highway 74 and Highway 9 in the Bat Cave and Gerton areas of Henderson County.

Emergency Contact Information

Currently, the Henderson County EOC is open 8AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday. 

• For emergencies call 911
• For routine non-medical requests contact our EOC Call Center at 828-771-6670 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday or email helene-info@hcem.org. 
• For Hendersonville Water & Sewer Customers - Call 828-697-3052 for city-related services and visit www.hvlnc.gov/helene for ongoing updates.

Citizens should also tune to local and regional radio and television stations for up to the minute emergency information from the Henderson County Emergency Operations Center.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

The Henderson County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is in the Blue Ridge Commons complex at 2111 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville NC 28791.

DRC HOURS 

• Sunday - Closed
• Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The DRC is a one-stop shop for residents to meet with the following organizations for help and assistance: FEMA, SBA, NC Emergency Management, Henderson County Permitting Office, Henderson County DSS (Food Assistance and Medicaid applications). On varying schedules, representatives from NC Works, NC Employment Security Commission (disaster unemployment applications), United Way, Council on Aging, Pisgah Legal Services, Hope Coalition, Smart Start, Safelight, True Ridge, El Centro, may be available at the DRC.

Hazard Mitigation Grants

The State Hazard Mitigation Team will be at the Henderson County DRC December 3-5 to assist homeowners with completing their HMGP grant applications. Visit www.NCDPS.gov/HM for an 8-minute video about the funding opportunity.

FEMA Extends Transitional Housing Assistance Program (TSA) 

FEMA is granting additional time for Helene survivors to stay in short-term, emergency sheltering in hotels and motels.

• At the request of the state of North Carolina, FEMA is extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program through Jan. 11. FEMA will continue providing hotel and motel rooms to Helene-affected families.

How to Apply for Disaster Relief 

In addition to the Disaster Recovery Center, you can apply for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has been extended to January 7, 2025.

Private Road Damage Information Form

Henderson County is collecting information from residents on private road damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Data will be shared with NC Emergency Management and FEMA as they continue to evaluate the need to assist with repairs to private bridges and roads. Note: This form is only for collecting information. It does not constitute a guarantee of repair or financial assistance.

This form is for privately maintained roads only: Submit Form 

FEMA Homeowner Assistance to Repair Private Roads & Bridges

FEMA funding is available to support repairs on private roads and bridges, even if the owner’s home is not damaged. These funds are available through the agency’s Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs.

Storm Debris Cleanup

Henderson County will provide free curbside storm debris removal to all county residents. The county is working with a contractor to pick up all storm debris on DOT, municipal and private roads. The county is partnering with the municipalities within the county for this pickup service as well.

Henderson County continues to look for potential storm debris sites as our curbside debris pickup continues.  If interested, please review this RFP for Lease of Real Property for Debris Sites. 

Report Storm Debris for Pickup 

Have storm debris from Hurricane Helene ready for free curbside pickup? You can now report it through this online form. This online form allows residents to describe the type of storm debris and submit photos, which will help plan cleanup efforts.

**Data collected will be shared with debris pickup contractors as they continue to evaluate debris pickup needs. This survey does not constitute a guaranteed timeline of debris pickup.

Community Resources 

You can dial 2-1-1 or visit the United Way of Henderson County's website for local community resources at www.liveunitedhc.org/community-resources. This page lists assistance available for housing repairs, tree cutting/removal, food pantries, utility assistance and more.

Food Resources 

Donated food is being distributed through participating community partners.  For a schedule of available food pantries visit the link above.  Additional local food resources can be located on the United Way Community Resources Page.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

The registration for D-SNAP ended on Thursday. October 24th at 4:00pm. 

Behavioral Health & Recovery Resources

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many in our community are facing tough challenges. You can call or text 9-8-8, or chat at www.988Lifeline.org to reach a trained counselor who can provide support in a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis. Visit the Behavioral Health & Recovery Resources page for additional updates and information for support.

Hurricane Helene Well Water & Septic Guidance

Our Environmental Health Department has compiled information for residents on well water and with septic systems. 

Soil & Crop Management Recommendations 

The N.C. Department of Agriculture has guidance and resources related to soil sampling and field management for individuals impacted by the hurricane.

Wellness Checks

Thanks to the help of our community and the work of our first responders, there are no remaining actionable missing persons cases related to the storm in Henderson County. If you have outstanding questions and concerns, please contact the Call Center at 828-771-6670. 

Henderson County Travel - Frequently Asked Questions

If you are planning to travel to Hendersonville or anywhere in Henderson County post-Helene and have questions, please visit the Hendersonville Welcome Center website for the latest information. 

Traffic and Road Conditions

Road closures are reported at Drive NC.

Travel is prohibited on U.S. Highway 74, U.S. Highway 64, N.C. Highway 9 or Grant Mountain Road beyond the area barricaded by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office in the direction of Gerton, Bat Cave or Lake Lure. See Exemptions 

Emergency Alerts

The public is encouraged to sign up for alerts from Henderson County Emergency Management (and partners) at: ConnectHC Alerts - Smart911 and download the Henderson County Sheriff's Office App.