Is the town water supply safe to drink? 

Yes. On November 18, the Town of Black Mountain lifted the Boil Water Notice first issued in the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. Laboratory results from sampling conducted Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 have confirmed that the water supply is free from contaminants for all Black Mountain water customers. The Town is confident that there is no detectable level of lead in its source water. Normal usage for consumption may resume, including drinking, cooking, hygiene, and dishwashing. CLICK HERE for more information.

If you are on Black Mountain water, you can sign up for water updates at TownofBlackMountain.org. If you pay your water bill to Asheville, follow their announcements for water updates.

What do I do if I still don’t have water? 

If you do not have water, contact the Town Water Administration department at 828-419-9313. Bottled water will still be available at the Emergency Assistance locations.

How do I get updates about all Black Mountain utilities? 

You can sign up for water and other utilities updates at TownofBlackMountain.org. 

What should I do if I notice a water leak? 

Turn off the water main at your meter box to prevent water loss. If you cannot shut it off yourself, contact the Town Water Department at 828-419-9313 and they will assist you. For more detailed information, visit our Media/Town Updates page. 

Who do I call if I see a sewer issue? 

If you have questions regarding sewer backup, call the Metropolitan Sewerage District at 828-768-0540.

What should I do if my power is out? 

If you are still without power, Duke Energy asks that you text O-U-T to 57801. Visit outagemap.duke-energy.com to check outage status. If your power is still out, please switch your front porch light on, this helps linemen tell if the power is restored and streamlines electricity restoration operations.

Where can I get food, water, and other supplies? 

Visit the Emergency Assistance page for our directory. Additional locations and resources throughout the county are listed on the Buncombe County website. Additionally, BMT Volunteer Corp is inviting all residents of Black Mountain, Swannanoa Valley, and other local areas to request assistance through an online household needs assessment. This will help the Corp distribute donated supplies according to critical needs. CLICK HERE to take the survey in either English or Spanish.

Where can I get assistance for missing persons? 

Use the NC 211 service by dialing 2-1-1 or calling 1-888-892-1162. You can also visit unitedwaync.org for assistance with search and rescue efforts and welfare checks.

Where can I access medical and mental health services? 

Locations and resources throughout the county are listed on the Emergency Assistance page and the Buncombe County website.

How do I apply for FEMA disaster assistance? 

Apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov. More information is available on this site’s Emergency Assistance, Recovery Resources, and Business Recovery pages. For a helpful Q&A about FEMA resources available to individuals, read our blog story at blackmountainrecovery.org/blog/q-and-a-with-fema-about-recovery-resources-for-individuals

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

Yes, FEMA can help renters and homeowners who can’t live in their home because it was damaged by Helene. There are several kinds of assistance, including Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Displacement Assistance, Rental Assistance, Direct Temporary Housing Assistance (such as a trailer or mobile housing unit), and FEMA Individual Assistance. The first step is to apply. CLICK HERE to learn how.

Can I appeal a FEMA decision or award amount? 

Yes, you can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending additional documents, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc., that show you qualify and need more help. Each decision letter from FEMA explains why you are ineligible and the types of documents to help you appeal. For more details, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-appeal-fema-decision-1.

Does the Town of Black Mountain have guidelines for temporary housing in the wake of Hurricane Helene? 

Yes. Temporary housing is an essential part of recovery, and we want to ensure safe and compliant options are available for those in need. 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.

What is the status of trash and recycling pick-up services?

Residential and commercial trash/recycling pickup in Black Mountain resumed its regular schedule on October 21 with some exceptions. CLICK HERE for more information.

What about debris and bulk item removal services?

The Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) is overseeing the process of removing storm debris, yard waste, and bulk items. CLICK HERE for more information.

Who is responsible for removing debris from bridges?

Good question! North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will remove debris from bridges.

How do I request leaf collection?

If you’re clearing leaves for pick-up, please bag leaves (with no debris) using brown compostable yard waste bags (preferred) or garbage bags. You may also place loose leaves in trash cans for pickup.

To request a leaf collection, call 828-419-9300 option 4, or visit townofblackmountain.org/FormCenter/Public-Services-5/Request-for-BrushWhite-Goods-pick-up-57 to submit a pickup request.

Is there a risk of fire in the area? 

Yes, fire risks are at dangerous levels, so the Town of Black Mountain kindly asks that whether you live within town limits or outside of town that you voluntarily refrain from burning at this time.

Even during times of lower risk, please be sure burn piles are less than 6 feet in diameter and 4 feet in height. Clear an area of not less than 15 feet around burn piles, and keep them at least 25 feet away from structures and sections where yards meet forests. Be sure to have methods of extinguishment, including water supply (if available), shovel or digging device, or a fire extinguisher.

I need legal assistance but can’t afford to hire an attorney. What can I do? 

Free disaster-related legal counseling, assistance and referrals are available for eligible homeowners and renters in disaster-designated North Carolina counties as they recover from Helene. People do not need to apply for FEMA assistance to receive Disaster Legal Services. CLICK HERE to learn more.

What kind of help is available to help me repair my private road or bridge?

If an individual had a privately-owned road or bridge damaged or destroyed by Helene, federal assistance may be available for replacement or repairs. CLICK HERE to view or download a helpful Q&A.

I hear that North Carolina building inspectors conducted damage assessments in October. What did that entail?

North Carolina building inspectors and members of the Red Cross conducted damage assessments in the Black Mountain area starting the week of Oct. 14. A damage assessment is a rapid evaluation conducted by authorized personnel to gauge the overall impact of a disaster on the community. It focuses on estimating the extent of damage to infrastructure, public services, and residential or commercial properties, including but not limited to the determination if a building is safe to enter. Learn what a damage assessment is—and is not—on our More of the Story Blog.

Do I have to wait for a FEMA home inspection or insurance adjuster to begin clean-up and repairs?

No, you don’t have to wait.

• CLICK HERE to view the Fact Sheet about what to expect after applying with FEMA.

• CLICK HERE to view the FEMA Fact Sheet, “Don’t Wait to Clean Up After a Storm.”

More information can be found on the Emergency Assistance page.

How can I apply for disaster recovery and disaster unemployment assistance? 

Visit des.nc.gov or call 919-629-3857 to apply for disaster unemployment benefits. For disaster recovery assistance, visit tinyurl.com/t7ak2b3p or buncombecounty.org. More information is available on this site’s Emergency Assistance, Recovery Resources, and Business Recovery pages.

Is it possible for me to get flood insurance for my home or business in the event of a future natural disaster? 

Yes. CLICK HERE to learn about the National Flood Insurance Program on our blog. In addition to protecting your residential or business property, your NFIP participation benefits our entire community by reducing overall flood recovery costs and improving Black Mountain’s eligibility for federal assistance programs.

What are the current road conditions? 

CLICK FOR MAP OF DAMAGED ROADS/BRIDGES IN BLACK MOUNTAIN. Non-essential travel is still discouraged as damaged roads may not support heavy traffic. Traffic is also hindering repair efforts. Barricades are in short supply, and not all road hazards are marked, so please drive with caution.

Is the town charging development (permit) fees during the recovery? 

No, the Town has suspended all development fees through June 30, 2025. However, you must still obtain a permit from the Town before beginning any work. Examples of development fees are: building permits, floodplain development, and land disturbance. More information can be found on the Recovery Resources page.

What help is available for small businesses and non-profits affected by the hurricane? 

Visit our Business Recovery page for relief and recovery resources available to small businesses and nonprofits. Additional resources can be found on the Mountain Biz Works website at wncstrongtogether.org.

Where can I find Town calls for Bids, RFPs and RFQs?

If your business offers goods or services that could support the Town’s non-emergency Helene recovery efforts, you are encouraged to submit a bid, Request For Proposals (RFP), or Request For Qualifications (RFQ). All of this information is housed on the Town of Black Mountain website at townofblackmountain.org/Bids.aspx. There, you can also sign up to receive a text message or email when new bids are added.

I own a restaurant in town. May I reopen? 

Buncombe County Health and Human Services has created an expedited process for reopening food service establishments. Restaurant operators should immediately complete the Emergency Operations Plan Survey for Food Service Establishments. Once the form is submitted, food service operators will receive notification if a visit from Environmental Health is required before reopening. An inspector will reach out to you to schedule a visit.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE RESTAURANT OWNER SURVEY

How can I help our local businesses in their recovery efforts? 

Shop and buy local, and share the Town’s new website on your social media! Visit it now at discoverblackmountain.org

Included in the site are directories for stores (including online shopping), restaurants, services, and visitor accommodations like hotels, B&Bs, and rental management companies. Visitors can also find information about music, art, and cultural activities including annual festivals and year-round events. It even has a directory of private event venues and services. The new site will continue to grow as a robust, visitor resource. If you own a business in Black Mountain that isn’t listed on the site, please contact us. LEARN MORE.

How can I report suspicious activity?

Stay alert and do not engage with unfamiliar individuals acting suspiciously. Do not give your personal information to any personnel without a proper ID badge. Call 911 to report any suspicious activity. Although incidents of scamming and price gouging have been low overall, call 877-566-7226 to report.

Is there a curfew in place?

No. The Town curfew was lifted as of October 22, 2024.

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. 

Are Town parks open? 

The Town of Black Mountain continues to assess and respond to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Several town facilities and most public parks and spaces have been significantly impacted and remain closed, including the golf course. We appreciate your understanding as we continue the long process of repair. CLICK HERE to read the most up-to-date status report.

Are Town facility rentals available? 

Unfortunately, all rentals have been canceled through at least November 30, 2024. If you have rented one of our facilities between September 26 and November 30, 2024, and would like a refund, please contact our Recreation Assistant, Michele, at michele.raine@tobm.org. 

Are Town Recreation programs running?

Many programs have been relocated or are being rescheduled, and new programs are being planned to help the needs of our community.

The ground level of the Lakeview Center was flooded, so the entire building is currently closed for damage assessments. The Town hopes to reopen the upper level for activities and senior meals soon, but if repairs take longer than expected, a temporary facility for pick-up senior meals will be utilized. Please contact (828) 419-9300, option 7, or email recreation@tobm.org for inquiries related to the Lakeview Center.

Is the US Postal Service bringing mail in to Black Mountain? 

Yes. According to this USPS press release issues on October 7, the Black Mountain delivery office is attempting delivery where safe to do so. If you have specific questions about your mail delivery, please contact the USPS directly.

How do I prepare for cold weather? 

As the weather gets colder, make sure you take precautions to keep yourself and your family warm and safe. CLICK HERE for safety information, including how to protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Where can I find reliable information and updates about recovery efforts in Black Mountain? 

This site is your source for reliable information and timely updates. Town press releases and announcements, which contain situation reports and status updates, are posted regularly on the media page. You can also follow the Town’s Facebook page: fb.com/townofblackmountain, or you can obtain information in person at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and the Ingles food and water distribution site.

How can I help?

Recovery may be the hardest thing we’ll ever do, but recover we will because we are in this together. We are #BlackMountainStrong. CLICK HERE for ways you can volunteer, or donate money, time, and goods or services.