Multiple County departments provide relief to storm-ravaged areas
Published on November 14, 2024
Following the destruction of Tropical Storm Helene in Western North Carolina, Cabarrus County deployed personnel and equipment from multiple departments to help areas affected in the region.
Emergency Management Director Jason Burnett and Cabarrus County Sheriff Van Shaw gave presentations about the efforts during the Cabarrus County Commissioners October Regular Meeting.
Burnett highlighted multiple County departments that sent resources, including Construction Standards, Cooperative Extension, Department of Social Services (DSS), Emergency Management and Fire Services and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Before giving the rundown, Burnett said: “First, on behalf of all public safety agencies here in Cabarrus County, our hearts go out to all those that are affected. So many lives have forever been changed...those affected will continue to need our prayers and support over time.”
Here’s a breakdown of assistance provided by County departments:
Construction Standards
Seven employees were deployed to provide damage assessments in Buncombe, Henderson, Mitchell and Rutherford counties.
Cooperative Extension
Two employees provided greenhouse industry assessments in Burke County, while one employee is assisting with food distribution in Avery County.
Social Services
Four employees provided shelter support in Caldwell and Henderson counties, and multiple employees are assisting remotely with processing Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) applications.
Child Support Services Program Manager Susan Dillon had the opportunity to serve at a local shelter in Fletcher, NC. There, she says she gained tremendous insight from the shelter residents and saw firsthand the impact the storm made on their daily lives.
“I was honored to help meet the immediate needs of those who were housed at the shelter,” Dillon said.
Emergency Management
Two employees provided administrative-level support in both operations and logistics with North Carolina Emergency Management, specifically focused on the western branch regional coordination center in Catawba County.
A rapid deployment shelter, equipped with heating and cooling support, was sent to Swannanoa for immediate support operations. Vehicles, trailers and other resources were provided to partner agencies to help carry out missions.
County and Municipal Fire Departments
Several volunteer and career fire departments deployed personnel, trucks and other support vehicles to various impacted areas.
The Allen Fire Department provided an engine and five personnel to cover multiple stations in Buncombe County, while the Cold Water Fire Department deployed an engine and seven personnel to cover the Black Mountain Fire Department.
The Harrisburg Fire Department deployed swift water rescue equipment with eight team members to Buncombe County.
An engine, staff vehicle and five personnel were sent from the Midland Fire Department to provide coverage for the Tryon Fire Department in Polk County.
The Northeast Cabarrus Fire Department provided two personnel, and the Rimer Fire Department provided a tanker and five personnel to cover the City of Asheville for fire calls.
EMS
Cabarrus County’s Emergency Medical Services provided multiple teams for care and assistance between September 30 and October 28.
The first team consisted of eight employees that helped Buncombe County EMS with 911 response and utilized ATVs to perform wellness checks in areas inaccessible by vehicles. Community Paramedics also provided shelter medical coverage and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services.
The second group of seven employees included community paramedics that provided medical coverage at a local retirement community while continuing to assist with MAT.
The last deployment of two personnel brought the community paramedic vehicle for general assistance.
EMS also held numerous donation drives and transported four loads of donated items to various locations during the deployment. The department delivered donations using a box truck and trailer.
Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO)
CCSO sent multiple groups for various assignments in Buncombe, Henderson and McDowell counties between September 28 and October 11.
Initially, 11 employees for search and rescue and two telecommunicators were sent to Buncombe County. There, the special vehicle response team performed welfare checks and rescue and recovery missions, while telecommunicators worked in the local 911 center. A second group replaced the first after about a week.
Deputies also helped prepare and serve food to officers from other jurisdictions and first responders. The team served over 8,535 meals, Shaw reported.
Four animal shelter employees were sent to Henderson County on two separate deployments. Teams set up the Companion Animal Shelter Trailer (CAST), which has the ability to house up to 44 domestic animals.
CCSO also sent six officers to McDowell County, where they assisted in patrol calls, welfare checks and security patrols.
“It wasn’t glamorous work, but it made you feel good helping to keep this machine of providing support and services going,” Shaw told commissioners.
At the conclusion of the presentation, the crowd gathered in the commissioner chambers stood and applauded the efforts.
Cabarrus County FEMA programs
Due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene Cabarrus County received an Individual Assistance Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Homeowners and renters who had uninsured losses or damages due to Tropical Storm Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
FEMA recently extended the deadline to apply through January 7, 2025.
FEMA assistance may be able to help financially with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. There are many types of assistance available.
Homeowners and renters affected by the disaster can apply several ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Via the FEMA App (fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products)
- Calling 800-621-3362