Beaufort County EMS: In the Aftermath of Hurricane Florence Update - September 22, 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. 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.

    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 18 outages in Beaufort County. Duke Energy is currently reporting 574 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: FEMA representatives are on the ground in Beaufort County. Please 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 Recovery for citizens who live in unincorporated Beaufort County. Vegetative debris, C&D (Construction & Demolition), appliance and white goods debris, electronics, and household hazardous waste will be removed from state-maintained rights of way throughout the unincorporated Beaufort County at a future date. Residents should ensure that all debris is stacked within the right of way but well off the road to not to impede traffic or create unsafe driving conditions. Storm debris must be divided into separate piles, with each pile clear of electrical lines, water meters, hydrants, and mailboxes. Do not place vegetative debris in plastic bags or containers. Businesses are required to make their own arrangements for debris clean-up. Additional information regarding pickup dates and schedules will be provided at a later date.

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

    Feeding Stations: Mass feeding stations for storm victims will continue today at the following locations:

2nd Baptist Church in Washington

Chocowinity Fire Department

Aurora Piggly Wiggly site

Times: Lunch 11:30A-1:30P

Dinner 5:30P-7:30P

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

    Cleaning Kits: Cleaning kits will be available today at the Belhaven Fire Department, Washington Fire Department Station #1 and the Beaufort County Environmental Health Office located at 220 North Market Street, Washington, NC 27889. Kits will be available Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

    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