Search efforts continued over the weekend as crews tried to locate the last remaining person still unaccounted for following Tropical Storm Fred. Five individuals, all Cruso residents, have been confirmed dead and families notified.
MEANWHILE…
Verizon and AT&T Cellular services in the affected areas have now been restored. Power is back on for 95 percent of the Cruso community. The Chinquapin Road Bridge has been repaired and is open to traffic as of 9 p.m. last night. Heavy equipment teams are moving into the area and beginning the process of clearing the largest debris piles. Residents who are working on clearing debris from their properties are encouraged to document as much as possible with photographs before they move anything so that complete damage assessments can be made. In the process of removing debris, please do not pile it into state roads. Doing so may block access to rescue vehicles and other essential traffic. Building Inspectors from the Office of State Fire Marshall are going house to house performing damage assessments to homes impacted by Tropical Storm Fred. If inspectors determine that the damage is severe enough your electricity may be turned off to prevent further damage to property or life. If your electricity is turned off, go to Haywood County Building Inspections in Clyde to get a temporary electricity permit. Haywood County has waived the permit fee for this service.
ALSO…
For those returning to damaged homes, be aware that homes that have already been inspected will have color-coded tags – Red, Yellow, or Green, that signify the level of damage. All homes that are tagged will need a permit to begin restoration work. Mobile home restoration and repair will require evaluation & certificatin by a professional engineer, please ask the building inspection office for assistancd with this.
Residents hoping to access active search areas are being asked to present identification before entering restricted areas. To find official resources and information for storm recovery, including food, and housing, visit recoverhaywood.com.
FINALLY…
Locations to receive assistance, Bethel Baptist Church: in Canton, Canton First Baptist Church, and Faith Community Church: both in Waynesville.
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