A message from Orange County Emergency Management:
Orange County has deployed multiple teams to Western North Carolina to support the response for those affected by Hurricane Helene. The best way to help right now is to donate funds to reputable disaster relief organizations. The State has also opened up a disaster relief fund for donations to go to support communities recovering from Hurricane Helene.
Unfortunately, the numbers of good-intentioned but unsolicited donations and spontaneous volunteers are starting to impact response efforts. There are limited accessible roads in and out of the Mountains with even fewer functional gas stations. While the outpouring of generosity is deeply appreciated, the roads need to be kept clear to allow for first responder and critical commodity (fuel, water, and food) access. State Highway Patrol has established several checkpoints on main thoroughfares to help this happen.
Monetary donations to verified and legitimate charities instead of items, will help keep roads clear. If you are a business attempting to donate supplies, you must receive approval from the Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC). Email Ian Fowler at Orange County Emergency Services: ifowler@orangecountync.gov for more information.
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