Water Damage Restoration in Winston-salem, NC
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from WinstonSalem State University in Winston-salem to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Winston-salem, NC is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Winston-salem. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Historic Bethabara Park in Winston-salem, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Winston-salem.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Winston-salem, NC
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Heritage Woods Senior Living in Winston-salem for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Winston-salem, NC, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Winston-salem?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Bailey Park in Winston-salem. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Winston-salem, NC, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Old Salem Museums Gardens Administrative Offices in Winston-salem, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Winston-salem restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Winston-salem, NC, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Winston-salem, NC
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Winston-salem, NC, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Sage Salt in Winston-salem. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Winston-salem rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Winston-salem, NC
Helene marks the second historic flooding event in North Carolina in two weeks
Carrie Hodginhttps://www.wxii12.com/article/helene-marks-second-north-carolina-historic-flooding-event-in-two-weeks/62416500
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —In the past two weeks, North Carolina has been hit by two historic flooding events, with Helene’s arrival Friday marking the latest in a series of major weather events to hit the state.Helene brought devastating conditions to North Carolina, with the highest rainfall total being reported at 29.5 inches in Busick Raws, in Yancey ...
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —
In the past two weeks, North Carolina has been hit by two historic flooding events, with Helene’s arrival Friday marking the latest in a series of major weather events to hit the state.
Helene brought devastating conditions to North Carolina, with the highest rainfall total being reported at 29.5 inches in Busick Raws, in Yancey County.
Flash flooding, falling trees, and rapidly rising water levels created life-threatening conditions, forcing authorities to conduct over 100 swift water rescues and evacuate numerous communities.“For western North Carolina, do not travel unless there is an emergency,” Gov. Roy Cooper warned earlier in the day Friday.
This is the worst flooding on record in western North Carolina—worse than the Great Flood of 1916.
Helene will go down in history as one of the worst storms to ever hit western North Carolina.
It’s a warning that officials were also giving to people across the state just two weeks ago, when a no-name tropical storm caused another historic flooding event in Southeastern North Carolina.
That storm, referred to as Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, was marked by an unprecedented 1,000-year flooding event in Carolina Beach, dropping over 18 inches of rain in 12 hours. The deluge led to extensive flash flooding, road closures, and stranded vehicles, prompting multiple water rescues by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season continues through Nov. 30.
SPECIAL PICKS WE THINK YOU'LL LIKE
Hurricane Matthew listed among the worst storms to ever hit North Carolina; here’s why
Hurricane Fran still haunts North Carolina years later
What’s the strongest hurricane to ever hit North Carolina? Hazel is the worst of the worst
Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.
Northwest NC counties gain $19 million in FEMA grant funds
Richard Craverhttps://journalnow.com/news/local/business/health-care/northwest-nc-counties-gain-19-million-in-fema-grant-funds/article_752e9998-97f1-11ef-af77-abad01c0c8ae.html
Nearly 12,500 households in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties are projected to benefit from about $19 million in federal disaster relief grant funding.The Biden administration said Thursday that Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved overall more than $200 million to about 121,000 households in the 39 counties declared eligible for Hurricane Helene disaster relief programs.Federal assistance for individuals may include upfront funds to help with essential items, such as food, water, baby formula, breastfeedi...
Nearly 12,500 households in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties are projected to benefit from about $19 million in federal disaster relief grant funding.
The Biden administration said Thursday that Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved overall more than $200 million to about 121,000 households in the 39 counties declared eligible for Hurricane Helene disaster relief programs.
Federal assistance for individuals may include upfront funds to help with essential items, such as food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies.
A separate $192 million will help pay for debris removal and emergency protective measures in the affected counties that also included Forsyth, Surry and Yadkin counties.
Another FEMA effort is placing about 3,700 families currently residing in short-term rentals and hotels through its transitional sheltering assistance program into a more stable living situation. More than 6,700 Western N.C. households have checked into FEMA-funded hotels and lodging.
Individuals seeking disaster relief assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able to at DisasterAssistance.gov, which FEMA said is the fastest way to get an application started.
Individuals can apply using the FEMA App, calling 800-621-3362 or going in person to a local Disaster Recovery Center. There are active centers in Boone, Jefferson and Sparta.
Separately, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments are working with lodging establishments impacted by Helene to help them reopen safely.
Hotels and motels are encouraged to submit emergency operations plans to their local health department.
“We are working quickly to help businesses get back on their feet following catastrophic damage left behind by Hurricane Helene,” state Health Secretary Kody Kinsley said in a statement.
“For either displaced families or tourism, helping hotels reopen is key to supporting recovery in the region.”
Lodging establishments must have an approved power and electricity source available and also need an approved water source for bathing, hand washing and laundry service.
Other important elements include:
* The facility is free from sewage or wastewater backing up or accumulating on the property
* The facility must be able to flush toilets or have a contingency plan for flushing toilets
* Any food or ice prepared using non-potable water will be discarded
* Water fixtures with a non-potable water source, like ice machines and water fountains, must be turned off with signs posted that water fixtures cannot be used
“This reopening guidance will help expedite the reopening of impacted businesses and help facilitate the process of business and economic recovery for the region during this important tourist season,” said Lynn Minges, president and chief executive of the N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association.
The state Division of Public Health has launched a resource for hospitality operators to assist with environmental health and safety requirements.
Operators can reach out directly at EHprepardnessquestions@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5999.
Winston-Salem parking changes propose paid space increase
Serra Sowershttps://www.wxii12.com/article/downtown-winston-salem-north-carolina-parking-changes-propose-paid-space-increase/62741411
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —The city of Winston-Salem is set to discuss implementing parking changes for downtown in November. People we spoke with downtown said increasing paid parking would just be a disincentive to spend more time there.The city's plan to change some parking rates from 25 cents to $1.50 is drastic, one person said.Get the latest news stories of interest by ...
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —
The city of Winston-Salem is set to discuss implementing parking changes for downtown in November. People we spoke with downtown said increasing paid parking would just be a disincentive to spend more time there.
The city's plan to change some parking rates from 25 cents to $1.50 is drastic, one person said.
Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.
"Even just a hundred percent increase would be like 50 cents, so I wouldn't see it being reasonable going past more than a dollar, especially if you are going to take away the ability to pay with cash," Ashby Orebaugh, who frequents downtown, said.
Increased parking rates would also apply to current spaces that are free with a time limit. Public parking garages will retain the current hourly rate of $1 per hour according to their plan. One driver, Diane Wahn, said she visits her son who lives downtown and thinks the proposed plan makes the already-difficult parking even worse.
"I know someone who works at the Mexican restaurant that parks on the side there, and she just takes a chance not to get a ticket because there's nowhere for the people who work there to park there," Wahn said. "That's going to be really hard on them if they have to pay $1.50 an hour and they're working in a restaurant."
Modernized parking changes in the city's plan would streamline payment options from using meters to using the pay by phone app. Some areas of downtown currently have meters or pay stations, while other lots have pay-by-phone already implemented.
Recommended
Get the Facts: Understanding election processes from vote counting, the Electoral College and more
Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.
"When you have to pay more for parking, you will spend less time downtown, you will spend less time in businesses, you will skip some entirely, like it is definitely going to hurt downtown, I feel like," Orebaugh said.
Parking fines are also expected to increase from $15 to $30. If approved next month, the pay-by-phone parking app will be rolled out in the spring of next year.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love
Western North Carolina evacuees fill Winston-Salem hotels
Celeste Smithhttps://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/winston-salem/western-north-carolina-evacuees-fill-winston-salem-hotels/
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) –Hotels in the Piedmont Triad are filling up with storm survivors from western North Carolina.Many families who evacuated to Winston-Salem said it took them hours to navigate through the destruction, but they’re thankful to have a place to rest, take a shower and have access to food and cell service.“They said, ‘If we can get out, get out,’” said Patrick Carter, who evacuated Asheville.Leaving was a tough decision for Carter.His family packed up and ev...
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) –Hotels in the Piedmont Triad are filling up with storm survivors from western North Carolina.
Many families who evacuated to Winston-Salem said it took them hours to navigate through the destruction, but they’re thankful to have a place to rest, take a shower and have access to food and cell service.
“They said, ‘If we can get out, get out,’” said Patrick Carter, who evacuated Asheville.
Leaving was a tough decision for Carter.
His family packed up and evacuated from Asheville. He said it was no longer safe.
“We had supplies, but once they ran out, we didn’t have any water or anything, so we were flushing … with the pool water. So it’s been kind of crazy,” Carter said.
They made it to a hotel in Winston-Salem on Monday.
It was supposed to be a nearly three-hour long drive, but they faced so many obstacles it took them nearly seven hours to get to Winston-Salem.
“It was just total destruction,” Carter said. “Everything was washed out. It was really hard to get out of the city because all the roads were just upended and closed.”
After arriving, Carter says they faced another challenge: Finding a place to stay.
“We’re going to stay in another place. It was totally booked … On the way over, every hotel we saw that we might be able to stay at … was just booked solid,” Carter said.
In Winston-Salem, the Hilton Garden Inn on Creekshire Way is fully booked. The majority of their guests are from western North Carolina.
FEMA has also secured rooms there.
Home 2 Suites on Marriott Crossing Way has extended stay rooms, and 80% of their rooms are booked. Hotel staff said many are evacuated families.
La Quinta Inn & Suites on Griffith Road is where Carter is now staying. It is 70% booked with the majority of the guests from western North Carolina.
He was able to find the hotel with the help of a friend living in Winston-Salem.
Carter is enjoying the comfort, but in his heart, he knows he won’t stay long. He’s getting supplies and will start to trek back home into the unknown.
“We’ve got to get these supplies to people. We have people that we know stayed behind that didn’t have anything, and they didn’t have a way to get out,” Carter said.
Carter plans to leave on Friday. Many major roads are reopening, so while he may face some obstacles his trip may be faster.
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools sends aid to help hard-hit Buncombe County Schools after Helene
Cassie Fambrohttps://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/winston-salem/winston-salem-forsyth-county-schools-sends-aid-to-help-hard-hit-buncombe-county-schools-after-helene/
WINSTON-SALEM. N.C. (WGHP) — The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School district is sending a handful of people westward to assist Buncombe County Schools.That’s the county where Asheville is and where the most fatalities have been reported in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene.They have 22,000 students and almost 4,000 staff members, and schools there are closed at least through this week but likely longer.WS/FCS is hoping that with a little help, faculty and staff members can at least access some of the sc...
WINSTON-SALEM. N.C. (WGHP) — The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School district is sending a handful of people westward to assist Buncombe County Schools.
That’s the county where Asheville is and where the most fatalities have been reported in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene.
They have 22,000 students and almost 4,000 staff members, and schools there are closed at least through this week but likely longer.
WS/FCS is hoping that with a little help, faculty and staff members can at least access some of the schools that are currently impossible to get to.
WSFCS Grounds Supervisor Thad Carter is one of the crewmen who will hit the road bright and early from Winston-Salem and travel west toward Asheville.
“The biggest struggle is finding the roads to go. All the highways are closed. We think we are going to go Highway 26,” Carter said.
Buncombe County, home to the city of Asheville, is among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. Roads were washed away, floodwaters rose above businesses and homes and at least 30 people lost their lives.
“I am expecting the worst,” Carter said.
Officials at WS/FCS connected with the operations team at BCS and learned they can’t even get to many of their campuses.
“We’re going to take our skid-steer and our mini-excavator to remove trees to get access to the school buildings,” Carter said.
“That team up there is taxed. It’s understaffed right now because a lot of people can’t get there. Some are dealing with their own carnage at home and are unable to respond and try to help,” Executive Director of Facilities at WS/FCS Justin Dyson said.
For Dyson, it’s also personal.
“I have a sister that lives in Mars Hill,” he said.
That’s just 15 miles from Asheville, and conditions are just as dire.
“A mile from their house, bridges are gone. Roads are gone,” Dyson said.
He says if his crew can make a difference in helping students get back to class, it’s another step toward recovery.
“Power, roads, schools, all components to putting things back together, and they’re all going to take time, but I don’t pretend to understand what we are sending our team into,” Dyson said.
“I felt like every bit of help we can give them … would be a good helping hand,” Carter said.
The crew members hauling the heavy equipment will leave Tuesday around 5 a.m.
The school district will be collecting water to load two school buses to take to Watauga County on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at their headquarters on Corporate Square Drive.