BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The food and water distribution center is serving more than 2,000 residents daily, Black Mountain officials said in their daily storm update. In addition to the official distribution point, more than 40 organizations are supporting the community through hot meals, food and water distribution and other needed services.

Over the course of storm response, more than 400 lives have been saved, officials said in the update. Basic needs are now being met in the town, and aid continues to arrive daily.

FEMA disaster assistance is available here.

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS. There have been reports of scammers in the area. Ask all personnel to show identification badges. All FEMA support will be in identifiable uniforms or vests.

Road access & fuel

Officials said 90 percent of town roads are clear. The remaining roads are closed because they are impassible or are not safe to travel on at this time.

With the restoration of power to the downtown area, several local gas stations have reopened.

  • If you come to an intersection with the stop lights out, please treat it as a four-way stop.
  • Be mindful that there is a shortage of barricades for safety purposes on damaged roads, please use caution when driving.
  • A townwide curfew remains in effect from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. until further notice.
  • Highway 9 is now passable but is one narrow lane in some spots. Spectator traffic is causing congestion, which is directly hindering utility services from conducting necessary repairs.

Electricity

Power has been restored to portions of downtown Black Mountain. The majority of Black Mountain, Montreat and Ridgecrest remain without power. Power restoration will occur as lines are cleared. Click here to check the status of power restoration.

The Black Mountain Fire Department pulled electrical meters from unoccupied damaged structures to mitigate any potential fire hazards as power is restored. Residents should turn off the water heater breakers at their homes if power is restored in order to keep it from burning up because of no water. Also, residents should turn off their ice makers.

Town Public Water System

Town water and sewer systems are still down. The Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department made substantial progress in repair of the water distribution lines. Public works crews have repaired the road down to the well, which is allowing Duke Energy crews to restore power to the wells.

Crews are fixing leaks and waiting on materials for one of the main water distribution lines. Crews are working with the city of Asheville to get one of the distribution lines back online. When water begins flowing to households, it may be inconsistent while systems are being tested. Please limit water use until systems are fully operational.

A boil water advisory will be in place – boil all water vigorously for at least one (1) minute and let cool prior to using.

Food and Water Distribution

Food and drinking water are available for distribution from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at Ingles in Black Mountain, 550 N.C. 9. Ice will be available. Food and water are continuously coming into the community. Many community organizations are also distributing hot meals, including area churches, restaurants and nonprofit organizations.

Trash

The Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters in two sites for Black Mountain residents– Tractor Supply, 125 Old US 70 E., and Ingles, 550 N.C. 9, near the car wash area. This must be household trash only. If the dumpsters are full, please be patient and kind. These drop-off sites are for Black Mountain residents, so be prepared to show identification.

No separate recycling is available at this time.

Yard waste, bulk items and debris collection are not available at this time.

Medical

A mobile urgent care clinic is available for residents in Ridgecrest at Excel College, 12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain. There is also a mental health and basic medical support center at the south entrance to First Baptist Church, 130 Montreat Road, that is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Charging & connectivity

A mobile charging and internet connectivity station is set up in the lower parking lot of First Baptist Church, at 130 Montreat Road. The town is working to also get Montreat and Ridgecrest communities a mobile charging and internet connectivity station.

Restrooms

Public restrooms (port-a-johns) and handwashing stations are available at the Black Mountain Ingles, 550 N.C. 9.

How to receive information

Information will continue to be posted on the town’s Facebook page, in the information tent at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and at the Ingles food and water distribution site.

NC 211 can assist those who may be looking for someone. Please dial 2-1-1 (1-888-892-1162) or go to www.nc211.org. You can also visit www.unitedwaync.org to fill out a request form and to add them to the search and rescue efforts.