Beaufort County EMS: In the Aftermath of Hurricane Florence Update - September 18, 2018 | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Beaufort County Emergency Services has transitioned from a response mode to a recovery mode in the wake of Hurricane Florence. However, some areas in the County are still flooded and remain unsafe. Do not venture out in or drive through flood waters. Please stay out of areas where utility crews are working in order to give them room to work safely and efficiently. Power outages remain and they are working as fast as possible to safely restore electricity.

    Shelter: Beaufort County currently has closed all shelters and the Red Cross has transitioned to a shelter in Greenville. The location of that shelter is: Holly Hill Free Will Baptist Church, 755 Porter Rd, Greenville, NC 27834.

    Power Outages: Beaufort County is still experiencing power outages and crews are working as quickly as possible to safely restore power. The City of Washington is reporting all customers restored. Tideland EMC is currently reporting 612 outages in Beaufort County. Duke Energy is currently reporting 2,687 outages in Beaufort County and an Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) for all areas of Beaufort County of September 26th. The ETR represents the time when all customers will be restored. Duke Energy anticipates most customers will be restored before this time, but in some of those hardest-hit communities where flood waters have devastated homes and businesses, some customers may extend beyond that date. Restoration crews are working to safely and quickly restore outages. Please notify power agencies directly of outages and check their websites for restoration updates.

    Community Resources: Individuals wishing to donate bottled water and/or canned goods to assist those in need should take those items to Eagles Wings Food Pantry at 932 W. 3rd Street in Washington. Household item donations should be directed to the Salvation Army at 112 E. 12th Street in Washington. You may also call the volunteer coordination hotline at 252-495-6040 if you wish to aid storm victims or need assistance. Please leave your name and number and you will be contacted. Cash donations may be made to the Beaufort County United Way at www.unitedwaybc.net.

    FEMA Disaster Relief: Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Constituents may call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

    Storm Debris: Beaufort County has activated its storm debris removal contract with Southern Disaster Recover. Additional information will be available regarding pickup of debris.

    Solid Waste Convenience Sites: Sites are operational but will be very busy. Please be patient as crews work to empty containers.

Mass Feeding Sites Opening:

    Hot meals will be available for pick up at the following locations beginning to day at 5:30:

Second Baptist Church 2516 W 5th St. Washington

Chocowinity Fire Dept.

Aurora at the former Piggly Wiggly parking lot

Sidney Fire Dept.

Belhaven Fire Dept.

    Pick Up Times:
Sunday: 5:30 - 7:30

Monday : 11:30 - 1:30 & 5:30 - 7:30

    Food distribution is on a first-come first-served basis. Additional days may be added.

    Thank you to Baptist General Association of Virginia, The American Red Cross & The Salvation Army for their partnership in making this available to Beaufort County.

    Cleaning Kits: Cleaning kits will be available today at the Chocowinity Fire Department, Aurora Mine Gate, Belhaven Fire Department, Sidney Fire Department, Washington Fire Department Station #1 and the Beaufort County Environmental Health Office on Market Street in Washington.

    Please continue to stay safe as we move through this recover period.

    Contact:    Lisa R. Williams
       Emergency Management Planning & Mitigation Specialist

    Lisa.Williams@co.beaufort.nc.us  •  252-946-2046 Office  •  252-940-6510 Direct

    1420 Highland Drive
    Washington, NC 27889