Donate to Hurricane Recovery
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many people are eager to help those affected, but it's important to stay vigilant against scammers who can try to exploit such situations.
Residents who want to help with the recovery effort are encouraged to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. Contributions, which help with the unmet needs of hurricane victims, can be made online by secure link at nc.gov/donate.
Avoid unsolicited requests for donations, especially through emails, social media or phone calls, and always verify the legitimacy of the charity or fundraiser before providing any personal or financial information.
People are asked not to collect and transport supplies into the region unless they are part of an existing NCVOAD organization. Roads are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approved shipments. To learn about available volunteer opportunities, residents can fill out the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s VolunteerNC survey.
Wake County Responds to Western NC
Wake County has deployed more than 100 responders and critical resources to assist with recovery efforts in response to the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
“We stand united with our neighbors in Western North Carolina during this incredibly difficult time, and we are committed to helping in any way we can,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Shinica Thomas. “In times of crisis, it’s important for us to come together and show that we’re stronger as a state when we support one another.”
The number of local agencies responding to the area continues to grow. As of October 7:
- Wake County Fire and Emergency Management, Wake County Health and Human Services (HHS), Wake County EMS, and Apex Fire and Emergency Management are working in the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to develop and manage the Mass Fatality Plan.
- Wake County General Services Administration is being deployed to the State EOC for seven days, where they will manage the mass feeding operations in the western part of the state.
- A Wake County fire team is in Mitchell County running fire calls and performing welfare checks in the community. They also opened a distribution center at Harris Middle School.
- A second part of this fire team is working around Bowman Middle School in Bakersville, doing the same duties.
- Swift Water and Urban Search/Rescue Assets from Raleigh, Cary, Knightdale and Wake Forest remain in the mountains, supported by Wake County EMS.
- Two EMS-staffed units remain in the mountains.
- More than 30 individuals from Wake County Fire and Emergency Management, Wake County Health and Human Services and Northern Wake Fire are in Hickory, where they have set up a reception center to receive air evacuations from the mountains.
- Wake County’s Emergency Management Division Director is deployed for eight days. Currently he is serving in the Polk County EOC.
- Wake County staff from Health and Human Services, EMS, Wake Sheriff’s Office, and Fire and Emergency Management were deployed Monday morning to relieve a team in Hickory that has been in place since the previous Wednesday.
- The Wake County Emergency Management Outreach Coordinator is providing much-needed assistance to the State EOC Joint Information Center.
- The City-County Bureau of Investigations (CCBI) deployed an employee as part of a Food Support Team to Buncombe County on Monday morning for a weeklong assignment.
- Over 70 Wake County Law Enforcement Officers are still out west.
- CCBI is assisting the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner with identifying unknown deceased individuals from the disaster area.
“Helping our neighbors is not just the right thing to do – it’s our responsibility,” said Darrell Alford, director of Wake County Fire Services and Emergency Management. “Whether it’s sending additional boots on the ground to help with the physical devastation or helping to relieve the emotional toll workers are feeling, Wake County stands ready to assist in any way possible.”
