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.
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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.
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 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.”
Transportation officials have opened a seven-mile stretch of westbound I-40 in Johnston County that closed as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
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.
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:
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 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.”
The State Highway Patrol has released the name of the deceased involved in the Monday evening shooting in Lumberton, N.C.