Flood Damage? Dedicated Call Center and Resources.

As our local leaders are assessing the damage to Buncombe County in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fred, Buncombe County Emergency Services is standing up a call center to connect residents to resources and information. To assist with disaster recovery, Buncombe County has activated a dedicated line for those impacted.

An Emergency Services Call Center is now available at (828) 844-5455.

The number will be answered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with an afterhours voicemail option. Our team will collect information and connect residents to resources if possible, including State Emergency Management or FEMA should they make a declaration for Buncombe County.

In addition, affected residents have the following supports:

  • For stream damage, contact Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District at 828-250-4785. 
  • For crop loss please, contact the Farm Service Agency at (828) 649-9099, ext. 2.
  • Certain permits must be issued before the permanent repairs can be made to damaged buildings/structures. See the flyer below for more information. 
  • For damage to state maintained roads, call  (828) 298-0390 or call 511.
  • Call 211.
  • Find a Community Market.

In the City of Asheville

  • For building/structural damage in the Asheville City limits, please call the City of Asheville Building Safety Division at (828) 259-5967 or email contact information to buildingsafety@ashevillenc.gov. Structural damage should also be reported to an individual’s insurance company as soon as possible.
  • For a flood assessment to a building or structure within the Asheville City limits, contact the City of Asheville Floodplain Administration, Nancy Watford at (828) 450-8317 or email contact information to stormwater@ashevillenc.gov.

  • For City of Asheville sidewalk repairs or maintained streets, call (828) 259-5852. Residents can upload service requests to the Asheville App, a free app compatible with Android and Apple devices. Or click the “report issues” icon on the City of Asheville website.

Free Mudslides/Flooding Home Cleanup Hotline Available Now

  • Call 828-222-3975 for free help from local relief agencies
  • From now through Sept. 3, 2021, several relief agencies are staffing a free hotline for debris removal and home cleanup after the recent mudslides and flooding. This hotline will connect affected residents with reputable and vetted relief agencies that will assist in chainsaw work, debris removal, drywall, flooring and appliance removal, roof tarping, and mold treatment, as they are able. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. 
  • Please see or share the flyers attached below.

Flooding and Public Health

When addressing the impacts of flooding, residents and businesses should be aware of the dangerous health impacts of flooding. Proper assessment of wells and septic systems as well as cleaning and moisture removal remain key to eliminating threats to the public’s health. Please reference What to Do After the Flood by the EPA to learn more about considerations for well and pump safety after a flood event.

Power outages can also create food safety issues for homes and businesses. When the refrigerator goes out and you are concerned about food safety, please reference the Environmental Health Preparedness Manual to learn more about food safety before, during, and after a weather event.

Many thanks go out to our emergency services personnel and first responders, who worked all night to keep our community and neighbors safe during this dangerous storm.