ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the region, the Asheville Police Department and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office announced they are returning to regular operations when it comes to missing persons.
In a news release this morning, Oct. 16, APD Public Relations Manager Samantha Booth explained what the change meant.
“APD’s Helene Missing Persons Reporting form has been officially deactivated,” Booth said in the release. “This form was temporarily made available to help report missing persons and conduct welfare checks due to the communication disruptions following Hurricane Helene.”
The new method for requesting welfare checks or reporting missing persons in the old method: contact the APD and BCSO by phone, or dial 911 in an emergency situation.
For non-emergencies, the APD can be reached at: (828) 252-1110.
For non-emergencies, the BCSO can be reached at: (828) 250-6670.
“We appreciate the community’s cooperation and patience during this period and want to assure you that both agencies remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents,” the news release concluded.