Caldwell County is continuing its recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. Crews continue to respond to calls for service battling flood waters, trees in the roadways, and power lines down. Emergency Services Chief Trevor Key says that they are starting to get better access in the Collettsville area, which was hit hard by the storm.
Caldwell County Communications has taken 3,539 calls since the State of Emergency was declared on Wednesday at noon. More than 1,800 of those were 911 calls. Typically, the Communication Center answers between 90 and 100 calls.
Caldwell County is collecting information from residents who have experienced storm damage. Residents with damage should complete the Hurricane Helene Damage Assessment Survey at www.caldwellcountync.org/494/Helene.
NCDOT will begin collecting debris soon. Debris should be placed beside of the road. Debris should not block the roadways, ditches, drains, or fire hydrants. It should not be placed below utility lines, and it should be separated into three piles — vegetation, construction debris, and items like furniture, hot water debris, etc. Residents who chose to burn their debris should only burn natural vegetation. Care should be taken when burning and burn piles should not be placed near homes or other buildings.
Caldwell County staff is working closely with churches to coordinate donation efforts. Anyone collecting donations or who needs information about donations, can email donations@caldwellcountync.org. Individuals who wish to help with the cleanup effort can email volunteers@caldwellcountync.org.
Other things to remember as recovery continues:
Abington Road will be closed on Tuesday from Greasy Creek to Collettsville Road for Blue Ridge Energy to repair lines
Safety is important. Use precaution when burning and clearing debris. Be sure to wear protective gear when using chainsaws and other equipment.
The shelter at West Caldwell continues to be open. People who need to charge devices or oxygen tanks can come to the shelter.
Avoid downed powerlines.
For more information, visit www.caldwellcountync.org/494/Helene.
More on Recovery Efforts Continue In Caldwell County available on WHKY.
