Resources
FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts. Apply for FEMA assistance here, by calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA app.
Download the FEMA Business Resources Flyer
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund: Click here for the application link and eligibility requirements for the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF). A partnership between DoorDash and Hello Alice, restaurants, gastropubs and bakeries with brick & mortar locations that have lost revenue from a disaster may apply for $10,000 grant awards from the RDRF program.
Arts AVL has created a page of emergency support resources, including relief grants for artists, musicians, and cultural institutions and pro bono legal support.
Employee Resources
Disaster Unemployment (DUA): Temporary payments for people whose employment has been impacted as a direct result of a disaster. To support North Carolina employers affected by Hurricane Helene during this challenging period, the N.C. Division of Employment Security (DES) has compiled the list below of timely Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) updates and important checklist action items for employers related to DUA claims. DES has also created a dedicated DUA employer landing page containing essential resources and Frequently Asked Questions. You can access this information at: des.nc.gov/employersdua. Read more >
Assistance for Food Service Employees: Giving Kitchen and Southern Smoke Foundation offer assistance for food and beverage workers.
Business Guidance
Asheville Downtown Association and Go Local Asheville have hosted several information sessions:
Fire Watch Requirements for buildings:
A fire watch is required for buildings with non-operational sprinkler systems due to water outages or with non-operational alarm systems.
If the building has an active sprinkler (where water has been restored) and fire alarm system, then a fire watch is not required.
If the building has a sprinkler system that is non-operational and a working fire alarm WITH smoke detection, then AFD is asking owners to do fire watch in any area that does not have smoke detection in it (such as trash rooms, electrical rooms etc)
If the building has a sprinkler system and fire alarm system and/or no monitoring due to phone/ cellular service being down, then a fire watch of the entire building is required.
Restaurant Guidance: Get information on reopening safely, Q&A hosted by AIR and Emergency Operations Plan template.
City of Asheville Information
Storm Related Updates
Sign up for AVL Alerts: AVL Alert is an emergency and non-emergency notification system. This system enables the City of Asheville to provide you with the information that you want to receive via the communication methods that you choose. By enrolling in the system, you are automatically subscribed to emergency alerts such as flooding alerts. Sign up here.
Tip: If you work in City of Asheville but live outside the city, sign up for alerts for your work address.
Follow City of Asheville and Asheville Fire Department on social media:
Asheville Fire Department: Facebook • Twitter
During storm-related emergencies, the City of Asheville’s Fire Department is the lead agency in the city to coordinate and manage the action plan and operations during the incident. As always, Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.
City of Asheville: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
Buncombe County Information
Buncombe County News Center
Sign up for Buncombe Alerts: Sign up for BC Alerts by texting “BCAlert” (not case sensitive) to 99411. Learn more
Follow Buncombe County on social Media: Facebook (regular live updates from emergency management) • Instagram
Local Media
Other Resources
Info on Road Closures: DO NOT drive through standing water or around barricades.
- DriveNC.gov: Toggle on the tab beside Hurricane Helene to see storm-related closures.
- NCDOT Twitter/X: NCDOT_Asheville for local information or @NCDOT for regional/ statewide information.
Duke Energy Storm Center: To report an outage, sign up for alerts, access outage maps or download the mobile app
American Red Cross
Restoration Services: Check our directory for contractors specializing in restoration services such as water or mold damage.
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Don’t see something you think should be on this page? Email jwalker@ashevillechamber.org to share resources and assistance for businesses and employees.