Hurricane Matthew News 

Hurricane Florence Updates & Resources

Thestimulus

Listed below are relevant Hurricane Florence Recovery Updates & Resources.  The information on this page is updated daily and indexed by topic in one location for your convenience.  To share a resource, please click here.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available

DES.nc.gov |  “Workers who are or may become unemployed due to Hurricane Florence may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).   To start the process, the easiest and most efficient way to file is online….or call 1-866-795-8877.”

Relevant Link: 

Disaster Recovery Centers are Opening

Pleased be advised that Disaster Recovery Centers [DRC’s] are now opening across the state.   FEMA Region IV News has issued press releases announcing the activation of a DRC’s in Cumberland, Onslow,  Pamlico, Jones, Beaufort, and New Hanover counties.   As I did during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, I am currently encouraging the state to remember Robeson re: DRC activation.  On Friday September 21, 2018 Director Mike Sprayberry [NCEM] assured me that they are indeed working on it.  On Wednesday September 27, 2018 The Robesonian released an article entitled “Decision soon on location of Disaster Recovery Center.”  So stay tuned Robeson County.

 

 

Disaster Food Benefits Offered Friday through October 6th

 

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For more information read the FAQ below and  call the Robeson County Department of Social Services at 910-671-3500.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal Assistance is Available in 27 NC Counties including Robeson


Govenor.NC.gov – 9.24.18  |  “As of today, approximately 80,000 people have registered for disaster assistance and more than $ 26 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for individuals and families.”  The Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted Gov. Cooper’s request for a major disaster declaration for the following counties:  Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne, Wilson.

“Additional counties are under consideration with FEMA to be added to the list of included counties.”

 

Register for Disaster Assistance from FEMA :  “North Carolina homeowners, renters and business owners in Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Lenoir, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, and Wayne counties may apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Florence.  Survivors may register with FEMA after filing an insurance claim.  If you have internet access, the best way to register is online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or on the FEMA Mobile App.  Survivors [who don’t have access to the internet can register by phone by calling]  800-621- FEMA .  Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362.  People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.  The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.”   Press 2 for Spanish and press 3 for other languages.  [source: FEMA.gov | Registering for Disaster Assistance]

 

FEMA.gov | Rumor Control Page
A rumor control page has been set up to dispel false information about Hurricane Florence.

  • “There Are Reports That Residents In The Carolinas Are Being Told They Can Buy A Flood Insurance Policy Now, And That It Will Cover The Flood Water Damage Caused By Hurricane Florence. This Is FALSE”

 

It’s getting better, but Hazards Remain

 

Governor.nc.gov |  According to this press release issued on Sunday:  “Even as flood waters begin to recede in some areas and some North Carolinians are able to return home, dangers remain in flooded areas and the hard work of recovery is just starting, Governor Roy Cooper warned Sunday.  While more roads have reopened allowing some people to return to their communities, travel remains treacherous in portions of southeastern North Carolina.”

And although it was also announced on Sunday that I-95 is now open, Governor Cooper also highlighted that NCDOT has advised motorist “not to travel in” several counties in southeastern North Carolina including Robeson “because of flooding and washed out roads and bridges.”

 

Also note that NCDOT has issued the following warning via their twitter feed: “GPS navigation systems aren’t able to keep up with the changing road closures and are directing people onto roads that are confirmed closed and/or flooded.  If you are in a safe place, stay put.  Call 511 for updates and Check our website for more helpful info.”

For more information:

 

Evacuation Shelters & Transportation

 

Currently six evacuation shelters are open in Robeson County  at the following locations:  Lumberton High,  Red Spring High School, and Bill Sapp Recreation Center.  Please make sure to bring clothing, baby/toddler items, medications, pillows and blankets.   For more information call the Robeson County Branch of the American Red Cross at (910) 738-5057

 

Available Transportation to Emergency Shelters in Robeson County:  Need a ride to an evacuation shelter near you?  Well there are two available options:  (1) Bedridden, disabled, & special needs individuals may call EMS at 910-739-5556 to set up transportation to an emergency shelter (Non-Emergencies Only);  (2) All others should call SEATS at 910-618-5679 to set up free transportation to an emergency shelter.  [ Source:  Robeson County EMS; SEATS]

 

Locate & Re-connect with Loved Ones

Let loved ones know you are ok after a local disaster. Find someone you love who may have experienced a recent disaster in the US. Safe & Well provides a central location for people in disaster areas to register their current status, and for their loved ones to access that information.

 

Stay Informed

Robeson County Government | Facebook Page
Access the latest disaster response updates, videos, briefings, and local road closures, and more.

NC Emergency Management – Hurricane Florence Webpage
Access the latest disaster response updates and state-wide power outages, shelters, evacuation orders, and more.

 

Sign up for Alerts & Updates!  If you are a resident of Robeson County and have not already done so, sign up for Robeson County’s CodeRed Emergency Notification System.   Also visit ReadyNC.org to download their mobile app and to get more information.  Their mobile app list updates on road closures, open shelters in your area, and more!

Robeson County Special Needs Registry
The Robeson County Special Needs Registry is a voluntary registry of individuals who would require assistance in the event of an emergency.  This assistance could be as simple as advising a person of a situation in the vicinity of their residence to those who need evacuation assistance in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.  This registry alerts emergency responders as to a resident’s address and gives them the vital information they need to better meet the resident’s needs.  It is important that emergency personnel know where to find you, and how best to meet some of your requirements during a disaster requiring evacuation.

Recovery Resources

NC Department of Insurance
“Victim Assistance Centers (VACs) are being set up to help storm victims with their insurance questions, needs and concerns.”  Visit this website to locate a VAC in your area and to get more relevant information.  As of 9.20.2018 at 5:00pm the site does not list a VAC in Robeson County.   Also note that this site may provide updates soon re: the activation of  Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC’s) in NC counties that were impacted by Hurricane Florence.
Disaster Recovery Centers

Pleased be advised that Disaster Recovery Centers [DRC’s] are now opening across the state.   FEMA Region IV News has issued press releases announcing the activation of a DRC’s in Cumberland, Onslow,  Pamlico, Jones, and Beaufort and counties.   As I did during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, I am currently encouraging the state to remember Robeson re: DRC activation.  On Friday September 21, 2018 Director Mike Sprayberry [NCEM] assured me that they are indeed working on it.  On Wednesday September 26, 2018 The Robesonian released an article entitled “Decision soon on location of Disaster Recovery Center.”  So stay tuned Robeson County.

 

The American Red Cross – Sandhills Chapter
Always on the front lines, always here to help, our local chapter of the American Red Cross provides a wide array of services and resources for Hurricane Florence survivors.  To learn more visit their website.  

The Robeson County Disaster Recovery Committee
When disaster strikes, every disaster survivor needs a Disaster Case Manager.  RCDRC, Inc.  is the key point of contact and a member of Robeson County’s official Long-Term Recovery Group [LTRG].   RCDRC also provides Disaster Case Management Services, a unique and innovative emergency response and recovery support capability that enables Robeson County’s Long-Term Recovery Group to provide relevant resources and services throughout the disaster and recovery cycle.

More Recovery Resources

> Food & Nutrition


USDA.gov |  Additional Food Options to SNAP Participants Impacted by Hurricane FlorenceUSDA.gov | Food Assistance for Disaster Relief 

  • FNS approved North Carolina’s request to allow  hot foods to be purchased at SNAP authorized retailers through October 31, 2018.
  • FNS approved the North Carolina request for timely household reporting of food loss for the state.  This waiver approval will allow households to make a request for replacement of SNAP benefits through October 15, 2018.   These replacement SNAP benefits will allow households to replace food lost as a result of Hurricane Florence.
  • North Carolina WIC may replace participant food benefits for the month of September that were damaged or stolen during Hurricane Florence.

The Lumberton Christian Care Center – Serves meals from 10:30-11:30 am Monday – Friday.  All are welcome.  The center also serves as an emergency shelter for those who need a place to stay – men, women and families. Their website also provides a list of churches that provide meals on Saturdays.

Also, Listed below are a group of Hurricane Florence Feeding Sites in our area.  (Source: The Compassion for U Congregational Network, Southeastern Health):
  • Hyde Park Baptist Church, Lumberton: (NC Baptist Men and Women) Lunch 11-1; Dinner: 4-6
  • Trinity Holiness Church will serve starting Tuesday at 12 noon and 5 pm

 

MRE’s (Meals ready to eat) are also available at 6 pm every day at the following locations:

  • St. Paul’s Fire Dept, 585 W. McLean St., St. Pauls
  • Britts Fire Dept, 9495 NC 72 East, Lumberton
  • Deep Branch Fire Dept, 3129 Deep Branch Road, Lumberton
  • East Howellsville Fire Dept, 1000 Pridgen Road, Lumberton
  • Queheel Fire Dept, 108 E. Rockingham Road, Maxton
  • Raft Swamp Fire Dept, 809 West NC 72, Lumberton
  • Red Springs Fire Dept, 133 N. Main St. Red Springs
  • Northwoods Fire Dept, 344 Sherwood Road, Lumberton
  • Orrum Fire Dept, 102 S. Carolina St., Proctorville
  • Rowland Fire Dept, 401 N. Bond St., Rowland

> Public Health:

 

The Robeson County Health Department is open.  [Source: RCHD Facebook Page]

 

All Southeastern Health services and affiliates have returned to normal schedules except those listed below:


Closed on Friday, Sept. 21:
• CHEC at Biggs Park Mall
• Rehabilitation Services and Rehab Centers
• Southeastern Family Medicine Residency Clinic
• Southeastern Hospice House
• Southeastern Medical Clinic White Lake
• Southeastern Medical Clinic MaxtonSoutheastern Health Mall Clinic, The Clinic at Walmart, Southeastern Urgent Care Pembroke and Southeastern Health Mall Pharmacy will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23. Patients trying to reach Southeastern Radiology Associates should call (910) 671-5000 ext. 6348 until further notice due to technical issues with AT&T. To schedule mammograms, call (910) 671-5000 ext. 8274.SRMC visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with two visitors per patient until further notice. [Source: Southeastern Health Facebook page]

 

Relevant Resources from the NCDHHS

The NC Department of Health & Human Services has activated a web-page that lists relevant Hurricane Florence resources that are useful to the general public, social / human services agencies, disaster / humanitarian relief organizations,  and more.   For example, here’s a few of my favorite data points that are featured on the NCDHHS website: 

What you should know for after the storm:

If you are a Medicaid beneficiary:

  • If you are evacuated you can still see a doctor, even if you are out of state.

  • DHHS will allow early prescription drug refills by Medicaid pharmacists to make sure you have enough medications throughout the storm and its aftermath.

  • DHHS is working with federal and county partners to provide additional flexibility to people enrolled in the Medicaid program and their health care providers during and after Hurricane Florence.

  • More information is available at medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/nc-medicaid-hurricane-florence-response-recovery, including information for providers.

If you receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits:

  • Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards can be used at any authorized retailer, even if you are out-of-state.

  • Lost or damaged EBT cards can be replaced by calling the EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.

  • There are additional flexibilities for people in the FNS program, including how you can purchase hot food, report a food loss and get replacement benefits.

If you receive WIC benefits:

  • There are flexibilities for people in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Learn how you can get WIC benefits issued remotely.

If you are in need of, or are receiving, behavioral health care:

  • If you are uninsured or are a Medicaid beneficiary, you can access care by calling your regional behavioral health Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO).

  • SAMHSA has a Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 that is available year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

  • Learn more about other behavioral health resources available from DHHS and our partners.

Source:  https://www.ncdhhs.gov/hurricane-florence
The NC Division of Public Health / Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology has developed this resource to “…enable and prepare county environmental heath professionals to be a primary contact point for inquiries about dampness and mold growth.”  Listed below are other helpful links on their website:  

 

 

NC Department of Health Human Services | Facebook Page:

  • “If you are in the North Carolina Medicaid Lock-in Program and need to change your selected prescriber or pharmacy due to the impact of Hurricane Florence, please contact the NCTracks Pharmacy Call Center at 1-866-246-8505 to request a change to another prescriber or pharmacy available to write and dispense your prescription.”

 

  • “Disasters are stressful and people will experience a range of emotions after Hurricane Florence.  Be on the lookout for these signs of emotional distress and call the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 for help: Eating or sleeping too much or too little;  Overusing alcohol or other substances;  Pulling away from people and things you like to do;  Having low or no energy;  Having unexplained aches & pains, such as constant stomachaches or headaches; Feeling helpless or hopeless; Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications.”  (Click here to learn more)

 

 

 

Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing

NC DHHS Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing works to ensure that all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind North Carolinians have the ability to communicate their needs and to receive information easily and effectively in all aspects of their lives, especially their health and well-being.

 

 

Prepare & Develop Resiliency

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