State assessing impact to determine if storm can be declared disaster

North Carolina Emergency Management personnel are asking storm victims to report damage to their properties as soon as possible.

North Carolina Emergency Management Coordinator Danny Gee said the state is working to assess the storm damage and determine if it can be declared a disaster.

According to Gee, the criteria is for 25 homes or businesses to have 40 percent uninsured or underinsured loss.

Thermal Belt Outreach is also asking if anyone has heavy equipment such as skid steers, bobcats or dump trucks to help clean up affected properties. Thermal Belt Outreach Executive Director George Alley said they have many volunteers willing to help, but they will need the heavy equipment as well.

Anyone who can donate heavy equipment or donate funds to help the victims can call Thermal Belt Outreach at 828-894-2988.

“Folks need to understand this is not over,” said Polk County Manager Marche Pittman. “Our challenge is to stay ahead of the rain that’s coming while dealing with the prior event. This is going to be a long process.”