Wondering About Storm Recovery Resources? Just Ask!

Storm Recovery Resources: Get the Help You Need

Officials at a January 16 storm recovery information event in Hendersonville had one big message for attendees: If you are wondering about resources, come visit with us and ask.

The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains partnered with government agencies to hold a Henderson County Housing Resource Fair at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Hendersonville. Attendees heard from county, state and federal officials about ways they can get help as recovery from Tropical Storm Helene continues.

Some highlights from the event:

• “We have so many resources available, and it can be so much easier if you come visit us in person and find out what we can do,” said Sarah Kowalak, who runs the Henderson County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.
  
  As some examples, Small Business Administration officials are at the Center to talk about loans for businesses or individuals. Residents can sign up to get debris removed from their yards. And officials can tell homeowners about hazard mitigation grants that can be used to elevate homes or acquire property.
  
  Also, the Henderson County center will hold its second disaster legal aid clinic on February 1, with volunteer attorneys on hand to answer questions.
  
  
• Henderson County is focused on making permits easier to obtain for rebuilding, said Crystal Lyda, the county’s Building Services Director.
  
  “We know that pulling permits can seem like pulling teeth, and we don’t want it to be that way,” she said. “We are available to meet with you in person or online.”
  
  She explained why permits are critical, both for satisfying insurance requirements and for providing assurances that work is being done properly. Lyda also made several other points:
  
  
  • Even if your electric outlets are working again after they’ve been submerged, they may need attention because over time the receptacles can corrode.
  • If your house was flooded, make sure the moisture content of the wood in your house is 19 percent or less. If it’s higher than that, mold could grow. Buy a rating tool (they are easy to use) or make sure your contractor does this test.
  • If you are having trusses repaired after a tree has fallen on your home, make sure the repairs are done by an engineer who is licensed in North Carolina.

• One of the many things that residents may not realize is that FEMA can assist for repairs to roads that provide access to your home, said Margaret of FEMA.
  
  “This is one of a number of topics that you won’t know about unless you talk to us,” she said. “We find that so much can be accomplished quickly when someone comes in to see us in person.”
  
  FEMA has Disaster Recovery Centers in a number of Western North Carolina counties, including in Buncombe, Transylvania, and Madison. To look for a Center near you, use FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center locator.
  
  
• It’s important to take steps to avoid being ripped off by unscrupulous contractors, said Max DeHoll of Modern Mountain Builders, who is heading up disaster recovery efforts for the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  
  “A key is to hire local people who have a solid understanding of our area and what it takes to build in the mountains,” he said. “Your contractor should understand Western North Carolina codes and have access to local resources.”
  
  To avoid getting scammed, he gave a number of tips, including:
  
  
  • Get transparency in pricing. Make sure you know what you are paying for, and don’t pay for everything up front.
  • Use the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ member directory to find experienced local contractors.
  • If a contractor you contact is too busy to do the work, that professional can refer you to another local qualified contractor who can help.
  • Getting inspections and permits is important. It takes more time, but it’s for your protection.