ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If you’ve been on social media in recent weeks, you’ve probably seen posts about people living in tents with no heat or electricity in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Those reports, which popped up after Helene slammed the area in late September and left dozens dead and hundreds homeless, have gotten the attention of Buncombe County officials.
They are being shared and elevated through social media, often by people from all over the country, who may or may not be on the ground in the region, officials said. Buncombe County has addressed these concerns while ensuring that individuals are receiving the resources they need, officials said during a recent storm briefing.
Buncombe County Emergency Services and FEMA staff conducted field assessments in several areas to assess the living conditions of displaced residents following Hurricane Helene, county officials said. This included working with local fire chiefs to identify residents who may be living in tents who might need additional resources. Canvassing efforts focused on Swannanoa, Garren Creek, Fairview and Barnardsville.
“The canvassing efforts confirmed that most tents observed in the affected areas were either heated or not primary residences,” a news release from the county said. “These heated tents are cold-weather canvas tents that are equipped with approved heating sources, cooking areas, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, among other features.”
Officials said their canvass also found a few individuals living in tents or cars who had been doing so before the storm and declined assistance.
Assistance was provided where necessary, and ongoing support is available for those impacted by Helene. Resources available include FEMA Disaster Assistance and the American Red Cross.