Topics Related to ReadyNC

Deadline for Matthew-Related Replacement Food, Nutrition Benefits Is Tomorrow; Call Center, County DSS Offices Can Help

Food and Nutrition Services beneficiaries in eastern North Carolina who lost food because of Hurricane Matthew are asked to contact the Electronic Benefits Transfer Call Center to request replacement benefits.

The Call Center number is 1-866-719-0141.

Callers are asked to be patient since call volumes may be high.

Food and Nutrition Services recipients have until tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 18, to request replacement of their benefits if they experienced food losses that can be attributed to Hurricane Matthew.

Shelters Cannot Accept Food Donations from Individuals or Civic Groups

Organizations operating shelters for Hurricane Matthew survivors are not able to accept food donations from individuals or organizations such as churches and civic groups. These organizations must be careful to ensure that all food and beverages distributed in shelters are within state health department guidelines, and are not able to use food or beverage donations, whether packaged or prepared.

Emergency Officials Warn Residents to Beware of Fraud

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, state and federal officials caution North Carolinians to be alert for individuals attempting to take advantage of residents making home repairs, those wanting to donate to victims or those trying to obtain vital information under false pretenses. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, false pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Caring for Pets After a Disaster

Hundreds of animals in eastern North Carolina have been rescued since Hurricane Matthew struck the state on Oct. 8. Flood victims who are missing a pet should contact their local shelter or humane society as soon as possible to recover their dog or cat. Owners are encouraged to bring a recent picture and microchip number to the animal shelter to help with the identification process.

Governor McCrory Updates Ongoing Relief Efforts in Response to Hurricane Matthew Flooding

Governor Pat McCrory provided updates on the state's ongoing recovery and relief efforts in response to flooding brought by Hurricane Matthew.

“The effects of Hurricane Matthew continue to have a destructive impact 12 days later, but we are seeing incredible strength and courage from our citizens, and we are seeing recovery,” said Governor McCrory. “There are still many difficult days ahead, but our top priority will continue to be helping people in the hardest hit areas who are dealing with this flooding.”

I-40 Westbound Lanes Open in Johnston County

Transportation officials have opened a seven-mile stretch of westbound I-40 in Johnston County that closed as a result of Hurricane Matthew.

 

North Carolina Receives Hot Food Waiver Approval for Food and Nutrition Services Recipients

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved North Carolina’s request for a hot food waiver in all 100 counties, allowing Food and Nutrition Services (food stamps) recipients to purchase hot food prepared for immediate consumption from authorized Electronic Benefits Transfer retailers.

Under normal Food and Nutrition Services rules, hot food prepared for immediate consumption is not eligible for purchase at authorized retailers.

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Harnett and Nash Counties

North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can get information about disaster assistance in Harnett and Nash counties at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) opening Saturday, October 15. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice.

The Disaster Recovery Centers are located at:

Three Counties Added for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The Division of Employment Security (DES) has announced that Duplin, Gates and Pender counties have been approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew. This brings the total to 23 counties that have been approved for DUA. Additional counties may be added to the DUA availability designation at a later date.

Governor McCrory Tours Flood-Damaged Areas in Edgecombe County and Provides Update on Hurricane Matthew Relief Efforts

Governor Pat McCrory visited the flood-hit towns of Princeville and Tarboro today and provided updates of the ongoing recovery and relief efforts in response to flooding brought by Hurricane Matthew. 

“I’ve seen the best of North Carolina here in Princeville and Tarboro under the most difficult of circumstances,” said Governor McCrory. “This is a prolonged event, but we are working around the clock to help people in impacted areas and will continue to do so.”