Flood Resources | Tropical Storm Fred 2021

ALL FLOOD PERMITS:  Please contact MCGILL Associates: Mike Hanson at 828-252-0575 . If you are in a flood zone this must be obtained before pulling any building permits at Haywood County Inspections.

PLEASE NOTE: Information is listed newest to oldest
Last updated: 01/4/2021 @ 4:00 p.m.

January 4, 2022
State Funds Now Available for Homes Damaged by Tropical Storm Fred

The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) has opened a public website for homeowners to apply for grants or help with home repairs needed as a result of Tropical Storm Fred damage.  These grants and repair funds are funded from $44 million in state funds that are separate from federal FEMA grants and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs.

If you received limited help from FEMA or your insurance company, you may still be eligible for state grants and assistance.

We can help if you live in one of the following counties: Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, or Yancey.

Contact us today!
EMAIL:  TSFred@nc.gov
TOLL-FREE: 844-935-1744

Apply online at: tsfred.nc.gov

Starting January 10, we will also open a Public Intake Center at the Haywood County Historic Courthouse, where you can come in person and learn more about our recovery program.  The courthouse is located at:

Recovery office:
3rd Floor Haywood County Historic Courthouse
(from the front entrance, the office is one floor up, on the same floor as the historic courtroom, where the Commissioners meet)
215 N Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786

The Tropical Storm Fred Residential Recovery Program (RRP) may provide assistance to:

• Repair, elevate, reconstruct or replace homes destroyed or damaged by TS Fred (August 2021);
• Reimburse homeowners for eligible completed repairs;
• To assist landlords in repairing rental units; or
• Help repair or replacement of private roads or bridges damaged/destroyed by TS Fred.

Home acquisitions or buyouts are not approved under the RRP program.

If you are considering property acquisition (buyout) please consider applying for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Applications can be downloaded online at: www.RecoverHaywood.com For questions about this program, call the Haywood County Hotline at 828-356-2022 or email cody.grasty@haywoodcountync.gov

Homeowners are encouraged to apply to all available programs that may help.

You may be able to participate even if you received funds from other sources including FEMA, SBA loans, private bank loans, or credit cards to repair your home, driveway, or bridge.

Because of limited funding, we are initially limiting eligibility to households whose annual income is at or below $94,100 a year (see website for more income limitation details).

After you apply online or contact OSBM, the OSBM team will call you back to learn more about your property repair needs.  They will also schedule a site visit of your damaged home or property.  Your case information will then be reviewed for a final grant award determination.

To find out more please visit TSFRED.NC.GOV
EMAIL:  mailto:TSFred@nc.gov
TOLL-FREE: 844-935-1744

Updated October 8, 2021
Deadline Extended for FEMA Public Assistance Requests

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. – Local governments, houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations in Avery, Buncombe. Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Yancy and Watauga counties have until Oct. 22, 2021 to submit requests for FEMA Public Assistance.

FEMA extended the deadline from Oct. 7 at the request of the state of North Carolina.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure.  Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance, including organizations that fed or sheltered survivors after the storm.

The deadline to apply for FEMA Public Assistance in Ashe, Graham, Jackson and Mitchell counties is Oct. 31.

For more information, contact North Carolina Emergency Management, email public.assistance@ncdps.gov or visit NC DPS: Public Assistance.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Updated October 8, 2021
Privately-owned Roads and Bridges

If you live in Buncombe, Haywood or Transylvania County and had a privately-owned road or bridge damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Fred, FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may provide financial assistance for replacement or repairs.

• FEMA Grants
  • Individual Assistance

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program grants may be used to repair disaster-damaged privately-owned access roads and bridges. To qualify, the survivor must meet all the basic eligibility criteria outlined for the Individuals and Households Program. He/she must also be the homeowner and the home serves as the primary residence.

A FEMA inspection is necessary to determine if repairs are necessary for a vehicle to access the property. In addition, the applicant must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• The road and/or bridge is the only access to the property
• No one can access the home due to damaged infrastructure
• The safety of the occupants could be adversely affected because emergency services vehicles, such as an ambulance or a fire truck, cannot reach the residence. However, this will only be considered if access was available before the disaster occurred.

When multiple households share a privately-owned access route, assistance is shared among applicants, requiring additional coordination and documentation between FEMA and each applicant.

• Public Assistance

Private roads, including homeowners’ association roads, are not eligible. However, roads owned by a Tribal Government may be eligible, even if they are not open to the public.

• S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration, FEMA’s federal partner in disaster recovery, may also be able to help. Businesses, nonprofit organizations including associations, and homeowners may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan to repair or replace land improvements not covered by insurance.  These improvements include: a private road or bridge necessary to access the property (i.e. primary residence), repair retaining walls, etc.  Homeowners who share private access roads and bridges with other homeowners may also be eligible for SBA disaster business loans   Agricultural property is not eligible under SBA’s program. However, the applicant’s (farmer’s) primary residence, personal property contained therein, and access road to the residence are eligible under the disaster home loan criteria.

Businesses can apply directly on SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ Homeowners and renters should first register with FEMA.  To obtain more information, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA app for smartphones. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week. The deadline for applications is Nov. 8, 2021.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

Updated October 7, 2021
Substantial Damage Determinations

After a presidentially declared disaster, local officials inspect homes damaged by flood waters to determine whether a structure was damaged to the extent that it will have to meet current building codes and floodplain management regulations when it is repaired.

A determination of “substantial damage” applies to a severely damaged home or other structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area, regardless of the cause of damage, where the community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

FEMA does not make substantial damage determinations; the determination is made by a local building official or floodplain manager.

If the cost of repairing the structure is 50 percent or more of its market value before the disaster, it is considered substantially damaged. Land value is not a consideration; the determination is based strictly on the value of the damaged structure.

Rebuilding a substantially damaged structure in a floodplain requires a permit for the property to be brought into compliance with local floodplain management regulations. Options may include flood-proofing a non-residential structure, relocating the structure outside the floodplain, elevating the building to a height determined by local officials, or demolishing the home.

Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage is available to active flood insurance policyholders who need additional financial help to meet rebuilding requirements after a flood. Policyholders of substantially damaged structures may receive up to $30,000 through ICC to help meet the cost of complying with building codes and ordinances.

For more information on general flood insurance questions, contact your local floodplain administrator, NFIP at 800-427-4661, or your insurance agent. You can also email FloodSmart@dhs.gov to request information in a language other than English. Information also is available at FEMA.gov and FloodSmart.gov.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

Updated October 4, 2021
Public Assistance for Houses of Worship

Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairing or replacing facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Fred.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA may be able to provide financial assistance to certain private, nonprofit organizations – including houses of worship – to repair or replace facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.

To be eligible, facilities must:

Have sustained damage caused by Tropical Storm Fred in Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Yancey or Watauga counties.

Provide a current ruling letter from the IRS granting tax exemption under Section 501 (c) (d) or (e) of the IRS Code of 1954, or through the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Be owned or operated by a private nonprofit organization.

Have either not received funding or received insufficient funding after applying for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan.

The deadline to apply for FEMA Public Assistance is Oct. 7, 2021. For more information, contact North Carolina Emergency Management or email public.assistance@ncdps.gov.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

Updated September 30, 2021
Hazard Mitigation Public Information Meeting

Haywood County Emergency Services
141 Hemlock Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
Office: 828-452-4770 | Fax: 828-452-6783
Travis Donaldson, Director

As a result of the flooding that occurred with Tropical Storm Fred, Haywood County residents and
property owners may be eligible for assistance under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Hazard mitigation is any sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and
property from future disasters. Mitigation efforts break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and
repeated damage. Hazard mitigation includes long-term solutions that reduce the impact of disasters in
the future.

For home and property owners, if you volunteer to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant program,
assistance may be provided through any of the options listed below:

• Home & property acquisition (demolition or relocation
• Home elevation
• Mitigation reconstruction
• Floodproofing

The public is invited to participate in a meeting where representatives of North Carolina Emergency
Management will explain what programs are available locally and how to apply.

Hazard Mitigation Public Meeting
October 7, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Haywood Community College Auditorium

The purpose of this meeting is to inform the public of the available options under the Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program. There is no obligation to apply and no obligation to participate if you do apply. Making an
application for flood mitigation assistance simply indicates your interest in the available programs.
North Carolina Emergency Management representatives will be on hand after the meeting to answer
questions about the application process and help you fill out application paperwork if you do wish to do
so.

September 27, 2021
It’s Important to Submit an SBA Loan Application

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Survivors of Tropical Storm Fred in Buncombe, Haywood, and Transylvania counties who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information on how to apply for a disaster loan. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible.

If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources. Survivors should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. They may discover they were underinsured for the deductible, labor and materials required to repair or replace their home.

You may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ or by visiting a Business Recovery Center. Paper applications may be requested by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. There is no cost to apply for an SBA disaster loan.

SBA is operating three Business Recovery Centers:

• Haywood Community College Regional High-Tech Center, 112 Industrial Park Dr., Room 3021, Waynesville, N.C. 28786. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, 1465 Sand Hill Rd., Suite 1054, Candler, NC 28715. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Blue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Applied Technologies Building, Office #216, 45 Oak Ridge Park Drive, Brevard, NC 28712. Hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. (Opens Sept. 28.)

Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

FEMA to Open Two Document Drop-off Centers in North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – FEMA will open two Document Drop-off Centers — one in Buncombe County and one in Transylvania County — for survivors of Tropical Storm Fred to submit any required supporting documents for their disaster assistance application. Survivors may also register with FEMA at the sites.

The drop-off centers are located at:

• Buncombe County Interchange Bldg., 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, NC 28801 (Drive-up service only)
• Transylvania Public Library, 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712 (Walk-in service only)

Hours are Saturday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The centers will cease operations at 5 p.m. Sept. 30.

FEMA staff will be available at both sites to help with registration, scan documents, update applications or answer questions about disaster assistance. Following COVID-19 protocols, masks are required at these facilities.

Survivors who have been asked by FEMA to provide additional documents should read their FEMA letter carefully and make sure they have everything they need when they arrive at the drop-off center. Applicants do not have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA. They can mail, fax or submit them online. Information on these options can be found in their FEMA letter.

Documents also may be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Mail: FEMA Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
• Fax: 800-827-8112. Attention: FEMA.
• Submit via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit disasterassistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

The deadline for applications is Nov. 8, 2021.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Apply and update your Application Online at:

Please have the following available:

• Your address with zip code
• Condition of your damaged home
• Insurance information, if available
• Social Security Number
• Phone number where you can be contacted
• Address where you can get mail or email address to receive electronic notifications

Direct Deposit: Disaster assistance funds can be sent directly to your bank account. Please provide your bank account type, account number and bank routing number.

Stay in touch with FEMA: When you apply, you will be given a 9-digit FEMA registration number. Be sure to save this number and have it handy. You will need the number whenever you contact FEMA.

Or Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362
If you use a TTY: 1-800-462-7585
711 or Video Relay Service (VRS): 1-800-621-3362

Disaster assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

ASISTENCIA POR DESASTRE

Solicite o actualice su información en:

Por favor tenga disponible lo siguiente:

• Dirección con el código postal
• Condiciones de su propiedad dañada
• Información del seguro, si está disponible
• Número de Seguro Social
• Número de teléfono donde se le pueda contactar
• Dirección donde usted puede recibir correspondencia o correo electrónico para recibir notificaciones electrónicas

Depósito Directo: Fondos de asistencia de desastres se pueden enviar directamente a su cuenta bancaria. Proporcione por favor su tipo de cuenta bancaria, número de cuenta y número de ruta bancaria.

Manténgase en contacto con FEMA: Cuando solicite, se le dará un número de 9 dígitos de inscripción de FEMA. Anótelo y téngalo a la mano. Usted necesitará el número cada vez que se ponga en contacto con FEMA.

Para inscribirse o dar seguimiento a su caso, llame al: 1-800-621-3362
Si usa TTY, llame al: 1-800-462-7585
711 o el Servicio de Retransmisión de Video (VRS): 1-800-621-3362

La asistencia de recuperación por desastres está disponible sin tomar en consideración raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o nivel económico.

Updated September 23, 2021
Citizenship Requirements: Survivors Applying for FEMA Assistance

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – FEMA is committed to helping all eligible disaster survivors recover from Tropical Storm Fred, including U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals and qualified aliens.

To qualify for assistance from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP), you or a member of your household must be a U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified alien. However, undocumented families with diverse immigration status only need one family member (including a minor child) who is a U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, or qualified alien; and has a Social Security number to apply.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Nov. 8, 2021.

A qualified alien includes the following:

• Legal permanent resident (“green card” holder)
• An asylee, refugee, or an alien whose deportation is being withheld
• Alien paroled into the U.S. for at least one year
• Alien granted conditional entry (per law in effect prior to April 1, 1980)
• Cuban/Haitian entrant

• Certain aliens subjected to extreme cruelty or who have been a victim of a severe form of human trafficking, including persons with a “T” or “U” visa.

If you’re unsure of your immigration status, talk to an immigration expert to learn if your status falls within the immigration status requirements for FEMA disaster assistance.

Qualified Minor Child

Adults who don’t qualify under one of the three categories above, including the undocumented, can apply on behalf of a minor child who does qualify and has a Social Security number. A minor child must live with the parent or guardian applying on their behalf. The parent or guardian will not have to provide any information on their own immigration status or sign any documents regarding their own status.

Voluntary Organizations

Voluntary organizations often offer help regardless of citizenship status. To find voluntary organizations in your disaster area:

• Call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or go online at www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html.
• Visit www.ncvoad.org/ to learn about other voluntary organizations.

Survivors in affected counties can apply for assistance in the following ways:

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA app for smartphones. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

Updated 9/22/2021
Personal Property Items Eligible for Repair or Replacement After a Disaster

If you live in Buncombe, Haywood or Transylvania County and had personal property damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Fred, FEMA may provide financial assistance under the Other Needs Assistance provision of the Individuals and Households Program.

The assistance is intended to meet the basic needs of the household, not to restore all personal property items to a pre-disaster condition.

FEMA assistance to repair and replace personal property falls within the following categories:

• Appliances: Includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
• Clothing: Essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage, or contamination.
• Room furnishings: Standard furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
• Essential Tools: Tools and equipment required by an employer as a condition of employment and items required as a condition of an applicant’s or household member’s education.
• Accessible Items: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property items required for qualified applicants with disabilities.

Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive Personal Property Assistance:

• The item needs to be repaired or replaced due to disaster damage.
• The occupants of the household have an unmet disaster-related need for the damaged item. FEMA may not provide assistance if the applicant can meet that need with another similar item in their possession or available to the household.
• The item was owned and being used by occupants of the household.
  • FEMA does not provide assistance for furnishings and/or appliances provided by a landlord.
  • Items used by guests and relatives who were not members of the pre-disaster household are not eligible for assistance.

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA app for smartphones. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week. The deadline for applications is Nov. 8, 2021.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

Updated September 22, 2021
Wells and Septic Systems Damaged by Tropical Storm Fred

Residents of Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who lost access to water through their private wells or had damage to their septic system caused by Tropical Storm Fred may be eligible for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

What type of assistance is available?

For private wells and septic systems, FEMA may provide assistance or reimbursement for the cost of a professional, licensed technician’s estimate of the repair or replacement of these items.

You also may receive assistance for the actual repair or replacement cost of these items not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance.

If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have not had a home inspection, you should call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. At the time of your inspection, let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system that may have been damaged by the storm.

If the damage is determined to be caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

If you have already had an inspection and damage to the well or septic system wasn’t reported, contact the FEMA Helpline to receive instructions about how to amend your application.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

Updated 9/22/21
FEMA Expands Outreach in Western North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are going door-to-door in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties and two mobile registration centers will continue operating in Haywood County this week.

FEMA mobile units, which began operation Sept. 18, are at these locations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 24:

• East Fork Baptist Church — 13175 Cruso Rd, Canton, NC 28716
• Canton Recreation Park — 77 Penland St., Canton, NC 28716

FEMA personnel at the centers can help residents in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who were impacted by Tropical Storm Fred apply for federal assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also will have personnel at the sites to answer questions and refer applicants to the two Business Recovery Centers SBA is operating:

• Haywood Community College Regional High-Tech Center, 112 Industrial Park Dr., Room 3021, Waynesville, N.C. 28786. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, 1465 Sand Hill Rd., Suite 1054, Candler, NC 28715. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., closed: Sunday.

The DSA teams are going door to door to help residents apply for FEMA assistance, offer referrals to other resources, check the status of an existing application and answer questions about disaster assistance.

DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. FEMA personnel never ask for money.

There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual lines are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

The deadline for applications is Nov. 8, 2021.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

September 20, 2021
By the numbers

256 individuals and households approved for

$1.38 million in FEMA assistance, including:

$1,240,122 approved for housing assistance

$146,141 approved for other disaster-related needs

$32,700 in disaster loans approved by U.S. Small Business Administration

202 claims filed with the National Flood Insurance Program; $4.2 million paid

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties. Individuals in these counties have until Oct. 10, 2021, to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning Aug. 22, 2021 and may last for up to 29 weeks. Eligibility for DUA is determined weekly.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ or by visiting a Business Recovery Center. Paper applications may be requested by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

SBA is operating two Business Recovery Centers:

• Haywood Community College Regional High-Tech Center, 112 Industrial Park Dr., Room 3021, Waynesville, N.C. 28786. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, 1465 Sand Hill Rd., Suite 1054, Candler, NC 28715. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., closed: Sunday.

After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the SBA. It is important to submit an application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan. Failure to return the SBA application will disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance, such as disaster-related car repairs, clothing, household items and other expenses.

FEMA Public Assistance (PA)

Under the major disaster declaration, FEMA is authorized to provide Public Assistance for debris removal, emergency measures and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities such as roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities and parks for the following counties: Avery, Buncombe. Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Yancy and Watauga counties.

For guidance on debris removal processes, residents should contact local government officials.

Resources

Insurance: Survivors who need help with their insurance claim or settlement may call the North Carolina Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212. For more information, visit Assistance or File a Complaint | NC DOI.

United Way: Call 211 for the United Way of Haywood County hotline for flood recovery assistance.

Business Recovery: The Haywood Chamber of Commerce has established a web page to help businesses apply for disaster relief. Online at Tropical Storm Fred Business Recovery – Haywood Chamber of Commerce.

Cleanup:  North Carolina Baptist disaster relief volunteers, working through Baptists on Mission, are helping families in Canton clean out debris and repair damage. Visit baptistsonmission.org/tropical-storm-fred.

Agriculture: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services activated a hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number, 866-645-9403, is open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily. Farmers can also find recovery resources on the department’s disaster website: www.ncagr.gov/disaster.

Disaster Legal Aid: Low-income individuals who need free legal services related to the disaster may call 866-219-5262. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Extended hours on Monday and Thursdays are 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. More information is available at www.legalaidnc.org/.

Spanish language resources in North Carolina: Hispanic organizations in NC

Ukrainian language resources: Ukrainian Association of North Carolina – Home | Facebook

Updated September 21, 2021
KEY MESSAGES

Homeowners and renters in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who had uninsured losses from Tropical Storm Fred may be eligible for federal disaster assistance from FEMA. FEMA has programs that may provide financial help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs. To date, FEMA has approved more than $1.38 million in grants for individuals and households.

If you haven’t already done so, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage. Be sure to take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts for repair work.

You can register with FEMA in several ways: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA app for smartphones. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week. The deadline to register is Nov. 8, 2021.

FEMA Individual Assistance

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help disaster survivors with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while survivors look for a long-term or permanent housing solution. It is not designed to make survivors whole and is not a substitute for insurance coverage. FEMA Individual Assistance cannot duplicate other sources of assistance.

After you register

After you apply for federal disaster assistance, it is important that FEMA be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from unidentified numbers and make sure that FEMA has your current contact information. FEMA may call to obtain more information for your application or to schedule an inspection of the damaged home.

Applicants for FEMA assistance will receive a letter from FEMA by mail or email. It is important to read it carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide to you and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. You may need to submit additional information for FEMA to continue to process your application.

Examples of missing documentation may include proof of insurance coverage, settlement of insurance claims, proof of identity, proof of occupancy, proof of ownership, or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

If you have questions about the letter, you can get answers by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

DisasterAssistance.gov

Survivors are encouraged to set up a disaster account with FEMA online.

·         Go to DisasterAssistance.gov.

·         Select “Apply Online” and follow instructions. You will be asked for your Zip Code and connected to Tropical Storm Fred disaster assistance.

·         A PIN will be sent to the email address on file. You can then log into your account.

·         Documents can be uploaded in the Upload Center.

FEMA reminds survivors:

FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) never charge for registration, home inspections, grants, disaster-loan applications or anything else.

If you believe you or a loved one are the victim of a scam or identity theft, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department, or contact the North Carolina Department of Justice online at ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/ or toll-free by calling 877-5-NO-SCAM. If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov. If someone is using your personal information to open new accounts, make a purchase or get a tax refund, report it at IdentityTheft.gov.

Good afternoon:

As you all know, President Biden signed the Major Disaster Declaration for our region today.  While that is excellent news for the recovery process, it also opens up a ton of questions we will all have on next steps, level of support provided, etc.  This will be a learning process for all of us, but I wanted to share some basic resources to get us all up to speed.  Haywood County is issuing a press release and we submitted the following statement in response to the declaration:

“The Town of Canton is both relieved and grateful for the Major Disaster Declaration from FEMA.  Our community experienced tremendous damage and loss during this devastating storm and we welcome any assistance to rebuild our Town.  As we move towards recovery, we need as many partners and resources as possible and we hope that this declaration is a catalyst for rebuilding a stronger and more resilient future.”

Here are several links to provide basic info on the Disaster Declaration process as well as where individuals can go to register for Individual Assistance.  As we learn more on the timeline and logistics, you all will be the first to know.

FEMA Disaster Declaration Guide

Individual Assistance Portal

Residents and business owners who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance through FEMA by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov   or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.  The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

NEWS RELEASE

FEMA Opens 2 Registration Centers in Haywood County
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Two FEMA registration centers are now open in Canton to help Tropical Storm Fred survivors
apply for FEMA assistance.

FEMA mobile units are at these locations this weekend:
• 13175 Cruso Rd, Canton, NC 28716 – East Fork Baptist Church
• 77 Penland St., Canton, NC 28716 – Canton Recreation Park
Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

FEMA personnel at the centers can help residents in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who were
impacted by Tropical Storm Fred apply for federal assistance.
There are three other ways to register:

Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA app for smartphones. If you use a
relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are
open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

The deadline for applications is Nov. 8, 2021.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for temporary housing, basic home repair or other disaster-related
needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

FEMA News Release Proof of Ownership  ( 9/20/21)

Flyer FEMA Assistance Requires Proof of Ownership Occupancy_New Recovery 09072021

Flyer FEMA Assistance Requires Proof of Ownership Occupancy_Recovery 07222021_D(Spanish) EA

Comunicado de prensa

Asistencia legal gratuita para sobrevivientes de desastre en Carolina del Norte

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Se ofrece asistencia legal gratuita a los sobrevivientes en los condados de Buncombe, Haywood y Transylvania que se vieron afectados por la tormenta tropical Fred.

Los sobrevivientes con asuntos relacionados con el desastre que no pueden costear los servicios de un abogado pueden llamar a la Línea de Ayuda Legal por Desastre al 866-219-5262. El horario de atención es de lunes a viernes, de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. Se ofrece horario extendido los lunes y jueves, de 5:30 a 8:30 p.m. Solicite ayuda por Internet en www.legalaidnc.org/get-help/self-help-library/disaster-relief.

Este servicio es operado por Legal Aid of North Carolina, una organización sin fines de lucro que sirve a todo el estado, proporcionando servicios legales gratuitos en asuntos civiles para personas de bajos ingresos.

Legal Aid podría ayudar a los sobrevivientes de las siguientes maneras:

• Clarificación de la titularidad de hogares/propiedad heredada
• Ayuda con solicitudes de beneficios y procesos de apelaciones
• Apoyo para las víctimas de contratistas fraudulentos o asistencia con disputas con caseros
• Asistencia con pólizas de seguro 
• Asistencia para grupos comunitarios que apoyan en la recuperación de largo plazo

Para más información sobre la recuperación de la tormenta tropical Fred en Carolina del Norte, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4617. Síganos en Twitter: @NCEmergency y @FEMARegion4.

Flood Relief Helplines & Notifications

Flood Permitting for Town of Canton can be obtained by calling McGill Associates:  Mike Hanson 828-252-0575.

Flood Related Documents can be obtained at https://file.ac/TNAqjzX87-8/

Relief Resources

The Town of Canton is collaborating with Haywood County to direct anyone seeking flood recovery to the best resources. If you have a specific need, please call the county’s storm relief hotline: 828-356-2022

Cleanup Resources   I   Home Inspection Information   I  Housing & Shelter

Food & Cleaning Supplies

Cruso Community Center

13186 Cruso Road

Canton, NC 28716

Bethel Baptist Church

5868 Pigeon Rd.

Canton, NC 28716

The Outpost, Cotton’s Place

6175 Pigeon Rd.

Canton, NC 28716

Faith Community Church

289 Industrial Drive

Waynesville, NC 28786

Flood Debris Removal 

Step-by-Step Debris Clean-up       Debris Removal Information 

Debris Sorting Guidance

All flood-related debris must be separated into piles on the curb or edge of the street:

• Woody vegetation (trees, plants, leaves, logs)
• Demo debris & sort into the following piles:
  • Electronics (television, computer, DVD player, stereo, phone)
  • Large Appliances (refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, water heater, dishwasher)
  • Hazardous Waste (batteries, oil, paint, cleaning supplies, gas)
  • Construction (drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing)
  • Household garbage (bagged garbage, discarded paper, packaging)

Debris Guidelines

• Do not put debris in dumpsters or bags
• Debris piles should be within 10 feet from the road–but not in the road
• Piles shouldn’t be on or near structures, trees, poles, or meters. This makes debris difficult to remove.
• Tires cannot be picked up with storm debris

Large Debris

If you have large debris to move, call 828-356-2022. County assistance will be available on a case-by-case basis.

The Town will be contracting a removal service so do not try to take debris to a landfill. 

If you have further questions or need assistance please email stormrelief@cantonnc.com.

Building Inspections

Town of Canton Flood Permits:  McGill Associates, Mike Hanson 828-252-0575

Building inspections are underway now. If your electricity is turned off, please go to Haywood County Building Inspections, 157 Paragon Parkway, Clyde NC 28721 to get a temporary permit.

More Information can be found here.

Questions, call: 828-452-6638

Traffic Update

Rock Wall Repair Requires U.S. 19/23 East Closure the end of October

Town of Canton Facilities and Services

Paying Water and Tax Bills

Since the flood all the Town of Canton facilities have moved to 118 Main Street Suite A for in person bill pay or

Options to pay your tax and water bills:

• You may use a debit or credit card by calling 1-877-885-7968 
• online (linked below)
• By mail to P.O. Box 987 Canton, NC 28716

Water Customers 

Water Service Update – as of 8.21.2021

Boil Water for Canton and Clyde was lifted 

Based on the laboratory analysis of water samples collected from the Town of Canton on August 20, 2021 water users are hereby notified that it is no longer necessary to boil water used for human consumption.

Trash and Recycling Pickup

Trash and recycling will be picked on the regular day for the Town of Canton, Fridays. Please be patient, Wastepro, our vendor who does trash and recycling pick-up, may not be able to reach you at this time. The town is working to get trash and recycling picked up on all streets who receive the service.

Do not bag or put storm related debris in your trash bins and bags.

Town Facilities

Town Hall (water billing, tax billing, permits, etc) have moved to 118 Main Street Suite A 828-648-2363

Fire Department 21 Adams Street 828-646-3418

Police Department:  Parking Lot off of Maple Street beside First Baptist Church Emergency 911, Non Emergency 648-2376

All other facilities including Recreational facilities are Closed Until Further Notice

Camp Hope Closed until further notice

Museum Closed until further notice

Recreational Facilities & Rentals

All recreational facilities are closed. If you had a reservation for a Town of Canton recreational facility, town staff will confirm cancellation. Refunds will be administered and checks will be mailed. Please be patient, it will take time for the town to get back online and administer reservation refunds.

Until town facilities are up and running again, we are not accepting future reservations for any town facilities

Emergency Services

Our Fire and Police departments are fully operational. 

If you have an emergency, call 911.

Police Department: (828) 648-2376

How to Help Flood Survivors and Local Community

Volunteer

If you would like to volunteer for the Town of Canton clean up, you can sign up by emailing us at stormrelief@cantonnc.com and include the following information: 

• Name
• Contact information (phone and email)
• How you’d like to help (food, donations, manual labor for clean up, professional services, volunteer coordination, etc)

Donations

The official partner for flood recovery cash donations is United Way of Haywood County.

Business Recovery Resources

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS RELEASE

Disaster Field Operations Center East
Release Date: Sept. 9, 2021 Contact: Michael Lampton (404) 331-0333
Michael.Lampton@sba.gov
Release Number: 21-540, NC 17155/17156 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of
North Carolina Affected by Remnants of Tropical Storm Fred
WASHINGTON – Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available
to businesses and residents in North Carolina following the announcement of a Presidential disaster
declaration due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred on Aug. 16-18, 2021.
“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help North Carolina’s small businesses and residents
impacted by Tropical Storm Fred,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We’re committed
to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help
businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”
The disaster declaration covers Buncombe, Haywood, and Transylvania counties in North Carolina,
which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses
and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only
for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Rutherford, Swain
and Yancey in North Carolina; Greenville, Oconee and Pickens in South Carolina and Cocke and Sevier
in Tennessee.

The SBA will open a Business Recovery Center (BRC) on Monday, Sept. 13 at noon in Haywood County
as indicated below:
SBA Business Recovery Center
Haywood County
Haywood Community College, Regional High-Tech Center
112 Industrial Park Drive,
Room 3021
Waynesville, NC 28786
Opening: Monday, Sept. 13, noon – 6 p.m.
Normal Hours: Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed: Saturday and Sunday

2 | P a g e
Customer Service Representatives will be available at the BRC to answer questions about the disaster
loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications. Due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and safety of the public. All
visitors to the DLOC are encouraged to wear a face mask.
Homeowners and renters may meet with an SBA Customer Service Representative at any FEMA Disaster
Recovery Center to get answers to their questions and assistance in applying for a disaster
loan. Business owners unable to go to a Business Recovery Center may also visit SBA at
the FEMA Centers.
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or
replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other
business assets. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical
damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include
a sump pump, elevation, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from
future damage caused by a similar disaster.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and
most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet
working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available
regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or
destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace
disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.
Interest rates are as low as 2.855 percent for businesses, 2 percent for nonprofit organizations and
1.563 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set
by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at
https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/, and should apply under SBA declaration # 17155, not for
the COVID-19 incident.
To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at
DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable,
applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video
Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.
Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s
Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or
emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at
sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration,
Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 8, 2021. The deadline to
return economic injury applications is June 8, 2022.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and
voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business
owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It
delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations

Frequently Asked Questions