EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

For Immediate Help

Dial 9-1-1 for Police and Fire

Dial 2-1-1 for Welfare Check

Non-Emergency

Black Mountain Police
828-250-6670 

Emergency Assistance FAQs

  • Is the town water supply safe to drink?

    Yes. As of Nov. 18, the Town of Black Mountain lifted the Boil Water Notice for all customers. Click here for more information.

  • What is the process for debris pick-up?

    Debris removal throughout the Town of Black Mountain has begun! AshBritt, a contractor for the Army Corps of Engineers, is leading the debris removal effort. CLICK HERE to find out how to participate.

  • What should I do if my power is out?

    If you are without power, Duke Energy asks that you text O-U-T to 57801. Visit outagemap.duke-energy.com to check outage status.

  • What should I do if I notice a new water leak?

    Turn off the water main at your meter box to prevent water loss. If you can't shut it off yourself, contact the Town Water Department at 828-419-9300 for help.

  • Is there a curfew in place?

    No. The Town curfew was lifted on October 22, 2024.

  • How can I report suspicious activity or a scam?

    Call 911 immediately to report any suspicious activity. Stay alert and do not engage with unfamiliar individuals acting suspiciously. To report a scam or price gouging, call 877-566-7226.

  • Should I avoid certain areas in town?

    Yes, for your safety, avoid entering rivers, streams, and park facilities until they are officially reopened. Damaged roadways may also pose hazards, so only travel if essential.

  • Is there a risk of fire in the area?

    Yes, fire danger is extremely high. Please do not burn brush or debris within town limits, as this could pose a serious risk. Visit our FAQs for more information.

  • How do I prepare for cold weather safety?

    As the weather starts to get cooler, make sure you are taking precautions to keep yourself and your family safe. Info about obtaining clothing and supplies can be found on the Emergency Assistance page.

  • Who do I call for unemployment assistance?

    Disaster Unemployment Assistance info can be found at https://www.des.nc.gov or by calling 919-629-3857.

  • Who do I call if I see a sewer issue? 

    Call the Metropolitan Sewerage District at 828-768-0540.

  • What happens during a FEMA damage assessment?

    A damage assessment focuses on estimating the extent of damage to infrastructure, public services, and residential and commercial properties to help determine levels of needed support. CLICK HERE to view informational videos.

  • Is it possible to get flood insurance in the event of a future natural disaster? 

    Yes. CLICK HERE to learn about the National Flood Insurance Program. In addition to protecting your residential or business property, your NFIP participation benefits our entire community.

  • Does the Town have guidelines for temporary housing? 

    Yes. If your primary residence has been damaged or destroyed, the Town’s codes allow for certain types of temporary housing to be placed on your property while you make repairs or rebuild. CLICK HERE to learn more.

  • Can FEMA help me if I can’t live in my home?

    Yes. FEMA can help homeowners and renters who can’t live in their home because it was damaged by Helene. CLICK HERE to learn how, including how to receive a mobile home or temporary housing unit.

More FAQs

Everyone who experienced Helene needs some kind of help. Here is our list of crisis intervention resources available to serve the immediate needs of our community.

Disaster Aid

FEMA and North Carolina

Hurricane Helene disaster relief, recovery funds, and information are available to Black Mountain residents through both the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of North Carolina. FEMA recovery funds are available for a number of assistance categories, including the repair or replacement of privately owned roads or bridges that are the only access to the property.

The fastest way to apply for FEMA relief is through DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. CLICK HERE for a video on how to apply for assistance.

Applicants for FEMA assistance who disagree with a decision may appeal. Submit your appeal within 60 days of the date of the decision letter. If you have questions regarding the letter you received or how to file an appeal, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Additionally, Disaster Recovery Centers provide survivors with information from FEMA and the US Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process, and get updates on applications. Meanwhile, hundreds of Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) staff members continue to work alongside us in Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Asheville, and our neighboring communities.

Disaster Recovery Center
A. C. Reynolds High School
1 Rocket Drive
Asheville, NC 28803

OPEN
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
DRCs will be closed Nov. 28–Dec. 1

For additional locations, CLICK HERE.

FEMA Helpline
800-621-3362
TTY: 800-462-7585

Assistance for Veterans

Are you a U.S. Veteran or V.A. staff member in need of support in the aftermath of Helene? The Department of Veterans Affairs has created a hub for disseminating information and critical updates to at-risk veterans and staff.

Don’t Wait to Clean Up or Make Repairs

Residents with home damage don’t need to wait for a FEMA home inspection or insurance adjuster before beginning to clean up or make repairs. Use the information found in the FEMA Clean-Up Fact Sheet (click below) as your guide. Before you start any structural work, you must get a building permit from the Town of Black Mountain. The Town is waiving permit fees until June 2025. For help with clean-up, call the clean-up assistance hotline at 844-965-1386. Volunteers may be able to assist you, though services are not guaranteed due to high demand. The hotline will be open until October 25, 2024. 

I applied for FEMA assistance. What's next?

Whether or not you have insurance, it is recommended that you create an online FEMA Disaster Assistance Center account. There, you can review your disaster assistance application, provide updates pertaining to your personal information and needs, view messaging sent to you by FEMA, and more.

If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company when you apply for FEMA assistance because FEMA cannot aid with losses covered by insurance. If your insurance doesn’t cover all your losses or is delayed, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance regarding your unmet needs. If you do not have insurance, there is a process for FEMA to verify your disaster-caused losses.

FEMA Housing Assistance Programs

Programs include:

  • Direct Temporary Housing Assistance

  • Transitional Sheltering Assistance

  • Displacement Assistance

  • Rental Assistance

Local Emergency Assistance

United Way of North Carolina
Call 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162
nc211.org

NC 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual health and human services information and referral system that helps connect people to the resources they need. NC 211 is available 24 hours a day throughout the state.

United Way also provides local relief funds and grants for individuals and families.

North Carolina ePASS

You may be eligible to receive benefits through State of North Carolina ePASS programs, including Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), medical assistance, energy assistance (LIEAP/CIP), or TANF-Work First. CLICK HERE for more information.

Help with Utility Bills

Are you having trouble paying your utility bills? To receive financial assistance through the Duke Energy: Share the Light Fund, you must be a Duke Energy Progress residential customer and have a past due balance, unpaid deposit for utility service, or unpaid reconnection charge. Learn more at duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/share-the-light or call 800-662-7020. Dominion Energy also offers energy assistance; call 877-776-2427 for information.

Local Resources

To use the interactive map below, select the resource option(s) in the left column that you want to view. If you select 'Yes' to multiple resources, the map will only display locations that include everything you selected.

Additional resources throughout the county are listed on our Recovery Resources page, Business Recovery page, and the Buncombe County website.

Mental Health Support

Disaster Distress Helpline in English, Spanish and ASL provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-985-5990 (call or text).

Employee assistance programs
Some employers provide free, short-term counseling through health insurance plans or their human resources department. Check with your HR benefits advisor for availability.

Stay in the Know

Sign up to receive updates and urgent notifications.

  • CodeRED

    The CodeRED system is a free emergency notification service for all Black Mountain residents. Through CodeRED, you'll receive notices directly from Town officials about emergency conditions, road detours, water line breaks, weather-related directives, closures, and other service-related information. You can choose to receive information through phone calls, text messages, emails and/or social media.

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  • Notify Me

    Notify Me allows you to receive notices from the individual Town of Black Mountain departments of your choosing. For instance, you can sign up for news flashes, departmental updates, bid postings, job openings, and messages from Town Council, Commissions, and Boards.

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  • Town of Black Mountain Facebook page

    The Town of Black Mountain Facebook page is an excellent source of breaking news as well as updates regarding roads, water, trash, sanitation, safety, connectivity, and the growing/changing variety of services.

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