Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Local leaders and emergency management officials provided updates on the ongoing recovery efforts following the recent devastating floods in Carter County. The information covered services for residents, the progress of debris cleanup, and the status of FEMA operations.

Emergency Management Assistance
EMA Director Billy Harrell emphasized the availability of services at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in the Betsey Town Shopping Center, beside the Farm Bureau. The center offers various services, including veteran assistance, mental health support, and help from the Department of Human Services for food stamps.

Starting Monday at 9 a.m., FEMA will establish in-person assistance locations at the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Station for Roan Mountain residents and the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department for Hampton residents. Additionally, Harrell announced efforts to arrange services at Little Milligan School for Elk Mills area residents. “We’re working to ensure residents have easy access to the support they need,” Harrell said.

Transitioning Support Operations
Harrell also discussed the efforts to reduce the size of Points of Distribution (POD) locations, including Hampton Elementary, Happy Valley High School, and West Mill Street, to allow schools to resume. “We’re working closely with local partners to ensure the timely delivery of resources while allowing normal activities to resume,” Harrell added. Support efforts will continue at First Baptist Church in Roan Mountain, which remains a key distribution point for supplies.

City of Elizabethton Updates
Elizabethton City Manager Daniel Estes announced that the city council voted to waive building permit fees for storm-damaged properties. “Residents should still obtain the necessary permits from City Hall, but there will be no fee for properties affected by the storm,” Estes explained.

The city has also temporarily lifted its burn ban, allowing residents to burn vegetation with a free permit from the Elizabethton Fire Department until Nov. 7. “Only vegetation is allowed to be burned, and residents must contact the fire department for an inspection,” Estes said.

Traffic and Safety Concerns
Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw addressed ongoing traffic challenges due to road closures, especially on Broad Street. He thanked state and local partners for installing additional signage to guide drivers and advised residents to plan routes carefully, especially as school resumes on Tuesday. “With extra traffic and school buses on the roads, we urge drivers to be cautious, use crosswalks, and follow pedestrian signals,” Shaw stated.

Carter County Sheriff’s Office Warning
Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley cautioned residents about potential scams targeting those affected by the disaster. “If you receive a suspicious call or message, please contact our department,” he urged, providing the non-emergency number, 423-542-1845. Fraley highlighted that despite investigating over 400 reports of missing persons, the county has reported zero fatalities. “We’re grateful for the community’s support and remain committed to ensuring safety,” he added.

Carter County Mayor’s Remarks
Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support during the recovery. “We’ve been blessed with zero casualties and the safe return of all our residents,” Woodby said. She highlighted the ongoing transition from search and rescue efforts to a focus on rebuilding, including services available at the MARC for residents needing documentation and the presence of FEMA personnel for long-term assistance.

Mayor Woodby also urged caution when traveling through the Elk Mills and Little Milligan areas due to road damage on Highway 321. “We ask residents to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary to ensure everyone’s safety,” she emphasized.

Health and Safety Initiatives
The health department is offering free tetanus and hepatitis A vaccinations for residents engaged in cleanup efforts. “It’s critical to stay protected if you’re working around debris or sewage,” Woodby noted.

Woodby also announced the departure of Blackhawk helicopters from the area following successful airdrops and evacuations. Temporary bridges will soon be installed in Elk Mills and Poga, providing access for civilian and emergency vehicles.

As the recovery continues, local leaders stressed the importance of community cooperation and patience. “This is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. We are working tirelessly to restore normalcy, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding during this time,” Woodby concluded.