Plus, the IRS announces disaster tax relief for NC.
 
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Today’s Forecast

77º | 8% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 7:04 p.m.
 

In today’s newsletter
  • A forum for questions
  • FEMA application help and small business + artist resources
  • Updates from Friday-Sunday news conferences
Did you know? You can sign up for Buncombe County’s BCAlerts emergency notification system, you can text “BCAlert” to 99411.
 

How can we help you?
Morning, Asheville. City Editor Grace here. I hope everyone is faring the best they can and finding moments of joy and community as we come together to rebuild.

Last week, we used this section of our newsletter to update you on information shared in Buncombe County’s daily press briefings. We’ll continue to share that information, but wanted to change things up today to ask what you need from us here at AVLtoday.

Here are some of the questions we’ve received that we’re working hard to answer for you:
  • What will voting and election planning look like in WNC? While we work on getting some more specific answers, check out these resources from the NC State Board of Elections for voting in the 2024 General Election after Helene. Reminder: The deadline to register or update your registration to a new location is Friday, Oct. 11.
  • Are there any accessible mental health resources or counseling options?
  • Are there any resources from mental health professionals about how to talk to children about this disaster?
If you have more questions you want answered, we’ll add them to our list. You can send us an email or hit reply on any of our newsletters.

Additionally, if you have expertise in any of the subject matter listed above, please reach out to us.
 
News Notes
Community
  • Pisgah Legal Services is hosting a walk-in clinic today, Oct. 7, offering free help for those applying for aid from FEMA. You can visit the Asheville office at 62 Charlotte St. or the Hendersonville office at 440 S. Church St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Biz
  • The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration to establish a Business Recovery Center. Business owners can receive guidance on disaster loans or any support needed for recovery efforts. Head to the Visitor Center Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Traffic
  • Hendersonville Road/Biltmore Avenue is closed from All Souls Crescent to Meadow Road through October 13 during the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of emergency vehicles. Traffic will be routed to McDowell Street bridge to allow for clean up of Biltmore Village.
Announced
  • The IRS has announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by Helene, including the entire state of NC. The deadline for various federal individual + business tax returns and tax payments has been extended to May 1, 2025.
Arts
  • ArtsAVL has shared a list of emergency support resources for local artists and arts organizations. It includes information on several relief grants, FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, pro bono legal services, and more.
Number
  • 34. That’s how many first responders from the New York Fire Department and NYPD have arrived in Buncombe County to assist with the aftermath of Helene. The team is working to establish Community Reception Centers with portable bathrooms, showers, laundry, and more.
 
Community

Community resources + updates

Hurricane Helene, Oct. 7-13: Updates + need-to-know information
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New water distribution sites have opened at Lucy Herring and Oakley elementary schools. | Photo via City of Asheville
The following article is being updated on our website daily. We’ll include the latest news here, in our newsletter. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.

Sunday, Oct. 6 updates
Buncombe County’s Sunday briefing took place in Black Mountain, beginning with remarks from Black Mountain Mayor Mike Sobol on the town’s long-term recovery.

Power update
  • As of Sunday afternoon, 73,000 Buncombe County residences remain without power. You’re asked to stay out of communities that have been badly damaged like Swannanoa and Garren Creek so traffic doesn’t impede crews working to restore power.
Search and rescue
  • Currently, there are 14 Urban Search and Rescue teams operating in the county, targeting central Buncombe County and eastward. Primary searches are expected to be completed within the next one to two days, but targeted searches in areas with more damage will take more time and specific resources.
Click the button below for more information on ART bus routes, distribution centers, and a new geotagged photo tool.
Oct. 4-6 updates
 
The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Grace
From the editor
I want to extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to all the first responders and volunteers who have stepped up to help the community during this time.

For the folks working in disaster response, the NC Department of Health and Human Services has the Hope4NC Helpline available to offer mental health resources. The free, confidential service is live 24/7 at 1-855-587-3463.
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