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.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in Dare, Duplin, Gates, Hyde, Jones, and Pender counties may apply for federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Matthew damages and losses in North Carolina.
The 17 counties already eligible to apply for assistance, under FEMA’s Individual and Households Program, are: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Greene, Harnett Hoke, Johnston, Lenoir, Nash, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson counties.
Public Health officials are reminding residents of North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Matthew about the importance of food and water safety. Those who lost power for an extended period of time or experienced flooding need to take the following precautions:
An unopened refrigerator will only keep foods safely cold for about 4 hours without power. Most freezers will keep food safe for 36 to 48 hours if left closed.
Discard any foods that have been above 41 degrees for more than four hours. Also discard any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
Governor Pat McCrory provided updates on the recovery and relief efforts ongoing in the Town of Princeville and Edgecombe County in response to Hurricane Matthew flooding.
“I’d like to let the people of Princeville know that we will be with you and we will do everything we can to help rebuild your city,” said Governor McCrory. “We will also take steps to ensure that this type of disaster never happens again.”
When Hurricane Matthew’s floodwaters recede in eastern North Carolina, homeowners should assume that everything touched by flood water is contaminated and will need to be disinfected. Most household cleaning products are sufficient; however, some precautions are necessary.
Public Health officials are reminding residents of North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Matthew about the importance of food and water safety. Those who lost power for an extended period of time or experienced flooding need to take the following precautions: