Haywood County announces 4 deaths, says fuel and food on its way for those without power
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By Lilly Knoepp

Posted 12 hours ago
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Haywood County officials held an update on Facebook live at 1:15pm on Monday Sept. 30.
Courtesy of Haywood County Facebook
Haywood County officials held an update on Facebook live at 1:15pm on Monday Sept. 30.
The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office confirmed four deaths on Monday afternoon, and said fuel is on its way to residents.

Sheriff Bill Wilke said families of those who’ve died have been notified, but no more information was shared about their identities. His office has completed several hundred additional welfare checks, and he said the county is recovering quickly thanks to the community.

“Neighbors are helping neighbors. People are there in this county for one another sharing provisions and sharing the resources that they have to get through this terrible tragedy,” Wilke said.

Despite the destruction, Emergency Management Director Travis Donaldson said this is the most prepared Haywood County has been for a storm in recent memory, with 300 outside personnel jumping in to help.

Kevin Easley, chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners, said food and fuel are estimated to arrive within three to four days for the roughly 13,000 residents who are still without power.

Easley urged residents to conserve fuel in the meantime and not to drive around looking for gas.

“Every county in Western North Carolina is experiencing what we are so you can't go county to county looking for something that they don't have because we only have what the other counties have. So please stay in your county,” Easley said.

Easley said that I-26 has opened and trucks from Greenville, SC are headed to gas stations.

There is currently a 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew in Haywood County.

Haywood County Resources

Those still looking for people in Haywood County can call 1-888-921-1162 to get in touch with the Sheriff’s office.
There are currently two potable water drop points where you can go gather one gallon per day of water. Those addresses are 127 Plaza Loop in Canton and 2901 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.
The FEMA phone number for resources is 1-800-621-3362.
Haywood County's emergency shelter is open at 235 Armory Drive in Clyde at Haywood Community College. If you bring pets to the shelter, please ensure that they are crated with a collar, a lease and up-to-date tags including rabies vaccinations required by North Carolina law. You also need to try to bring food water bowls and cleaning supplies litter bags, etc. for your pets.
· The United Way of Haywood County is managing all donations for recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The website is UWHaywood.org. Or by mail P.O. Box 1139 Waynesville, North Carolina 28786.
· Stay tuned for updates on where to drop off non-perishable food and water in Haywood County.