Good morning Franklin families,

I hope that everyone is safe. I know that nearly everyone is without water, power, and reliable connectivity and probably running low on gas and food. Some have managed to evacuate out of the area, while others are trying to make sense of how to move forward after unimaginable loss. My heart is with you all. It is hard to feel so disconnected from our community and so unable to meet its needs. 

Yesterday we heard that the school had power, at least temporarily. As I am able to connect with staff members who are able to get to school, we will look into how our site might be used as a resource. I don’t know if there is wifi at school and I am positive that the school is under the same water limits as much of Asheville – but I haven’t been able to visit the building and see myself. My information to you will be delayed as I rely on the eyes and ears of others! Stay tuned as we see if there are ways we can use our space to help. 

For now, Franklin will be closed until we have safe water and power and some guidance from the State. I have reached out to ask about any flexibility in our calendars and how we operate. A few people have asked about remote learning for families who relocate. Unfortunately right now I can only say that I don’t know. When I am able to connect with my team and receive some guidance, we will provide more information. We will provide families and staff at least 48 – 72 hours notice before re-opening. 

We have been working to connect with all staff members, and will start to attempt to connect with our families. I know this will be very difficult given the lack of cell and wifi in our region. We’ll try to start at our smallest level – with our Crews. I know some of them have already started checking in with their Crew members. Please feel free to use our Facebook and Instagram pages as resources to check in with one another. I love seeing different names pop up, checking in to say they are safe. 

There are many better sources of information right now, but I’m sharing up a few resources I was able to find this morning. Our local public radio station, BPR.org, has been broadcasting daily briefings and valuable updates throughout the storm. Tune in if you are able – they generally are providing briefings several times a day. Even when I couldn’t get anything on line I was able to listen to my car radio and at least learn what was happening beyond my doors! 

Community Resources 

BPR News: Up-to-date information online and on air. I’ve copied their list of emergency contact numbers below.

Emergency Contact Numbers (from BPR.org)

• Please use 911 only for emergencies. They have been overloaded with calls. 
• Duke Energy: 1-800-419-6356 (to report outages call 1-800-543-5599 or text “OUT” to 57801) 
• NC Highway Patrol: 828-298-4252 
• Emergency Call Center: 828-356-2020 

Buncombe County

• Non-Emergency line: 828-250-6650
• Missing Persons: To report your friend, family member, or loved one as missing or unaccounted for, you can click this link to provide information directly to emergency crews or call 828-820-2761. The form and more information is available here, provided by Buncombe County government. If you make contact with your loved one, you should notify the Family Assistance Center by email: buncombesearch@gmail.com.

Haywood County

• Canton Police: 828-648-2376 
• Waynesville Police: 828-456-5363 
• Maggie Valley Police: 828-926-0867 
• HEMC: 828-452-2281 
• Animal Control: 828-456-5338 
• Department of Social Services: 828-452-6620 
• Canton Water: 828-648-2376 
• Waynesville Water: 828-456-3706 
• Missing Persons: 828-452-6666 

Road Conditions: DriveNC.gov 

Water Distribution

Pack Square: TODAY,  9 am – 7 pm or supply runs out. Each person will be provided 2 gallons of water per person, with a maximum of 5 gallons per family. Must bring your own containers. 

Buncombe County

These sites opened yesterday – please check for updated availability

• William W. Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road
• Asheville Sand Hill Elementary – 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Please enter via Acton Circle)
• North Windy Ridge Intermediate School – 20 Doan Road
• Weaverville Fairview Elementary School – 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview

Henderson County

Water distribution sites posted on Monday include Etowah Elementary, Rugby Middle, East Henderson, North Henderson, Mills River Town Hall, Fletcher Town Hall.

Haywood County

On Monday, a water tanker was stationed at  Canton Plaza (off New Clyde Highway). No information yet for Tuesday.

Cellular Service

• Verizon cellular satellite trailer | Family Justice Center, 35 Woodfin St.
• T-mobile cellular satellite trucks | Asheville Middle School, 211 S. French Broad Ave.; Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St.
• Every community seems to have a spot! My local connection site is the Mills River Ingles parking lot. 

How to Help

BPR.org has a good list of ways to give and help right now. I’ve copied a few below; you can find their full list here: https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene

• MANNA Foodbank: Their warehouse was destroyed. They are offering mobile food banks including one at Enka Middle School from 4:30 – 6 pm today. Donate online
• Beloved Asheville: This nonprofit is mighty! They do good work all the time and they are on the ground and in the action right now. See how to get involved or donate on their website. 

Please stay tuned, share our updates with others, and understand that connectivity is really difficult right now. As we learn more about the needs of our immediate community we will share. 

Stay safe and hang in there. The damages feel overwhelming. Together we’ll get through this. 

With appreciation and care, 

Michelle