YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. — Emergency services and recovery operations continue in Yancey County as the community works to recover from the impact of Tropical Storm Helene. The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office is receiving extensive support from departments across the state, as well as from FEMA and the National Guard.
Emergency services:
The Yancey County EMS has ordered two ambulance strike teams, adding 10 Advanced Life Support (ALS) units to aid the county’s medical response. Blue Ridge Regional Hospital remains fully operational on generator power, and a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) has set up on-site to support patient care. Burnsville Health Center’s urgent care facility is open today from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Cell phone service:
Efforts to restore cell phone service are ongoing, with crews working to clear roads and access tower sites to bring them back online.
Distribution of supplies:
Points of Distribution (POD) sites are currently operating out of local fire stations, distributing water, meals ready to eat (MREs), and ice. The county plans to transition to two centralized distribution sites by Thursday, with preparations underway.
Shelter availability:
Blue Ridge Elementary School has reached full capacity, and a second shelter has been opened at Cane River Middle School. A third shelter site is available if needed. The American Red Cross is managing these shelter locations.
Utility services:
Electricity is gradually being restored to areas that can safely receive it. The Burnsville Public Works Department is working to restore water service. Once the water plant is operational, residents will need to boil water until the system is flushed and sanitized. Water will be usable for showering and flushing toilets during this time. The wastewater treatment plant remains offline pending major repairs.
Volunteer donations:
Donations are being directed to Altec for distribution.
Comfort stations:
Mobile laundry facilities are now available in the GO Grocery parking lot, with updates on shower and bathroom facilities to follow.
The county will continue to provide updates as recovery efforts progress.
