Fort Worth firefighters join North Texas teams in delivering disaster relief to flood-stricken Yancey County in North Carolina
Fort Worth, Texas – Along with many other North Texas fire departments, the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) is helping those most in need following the catastrophic flooding in Yancey County, North Carolina. Triggered by Hurricane Helene, the disaster poured an incredible 30 inches of rain within 24 hours, severely damaging infrastructure and rendering people without basic utilities.
All 45 FWFD fire stations have become collecting centers for disaster relief donations in an unprecedented display of unity and quick response. This project seeks to assist the over 1,000 severely damaged buildings in North Carolina as well as several regions made inaccessible by destroyed bridges and roads.
The immediate demand for donations emphasizes the necessity of domestic heating systems, cold-weather gear, and camping goods. With snow already covering the higher elevations, the temperature in the flood-affected areas has dropped to the low 30s at night, which highlights the need of warm clothes and heating equipment.
The logistics problems are really significant. Many of the little towns in Yancey County are inaccessible except by ATVs and boats. Rising to meet the immediate needs of their communities, the local volunteer firefighters have been front and foremost in facing challenging circumstances. Their actions have been very important in opening the path for outside relief to go to the most affected regions.
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The FWFD and its counterparts in North Texas are focusing their efforts on collecting and quickly distributing these essential items to aid in the immediate relief and longer-term recovery of the affected areas. The objective is to provide the isolated areas with utilities and access restoration as quickly as possible, thereby guaranteeing that the people have the means to endure the difficult circumstances.
Residents of Fort Worth and surrounding areas are encouraged to contribute to this cause by bringing donations to any FWFD station. It’s crucial to stick to the list of requested items to ensure that the aid provided is both helpful and efficient. Donations will be accepted through Saturday, October 26.
This collective effort emphasizes the North Texas fire departments and local community attitude and readiness to assist those who are in dire need of help. Every amount counts in times of extreme need, and the residents of Fort Worth are demonstrating that even hundreds of miles away they are willing to help.
The Fort Worth community and its firefighters urge everyone who can to help to lessen the suffering experienced by Yancey County people. Your assistance will help many people who currently find themselves in the dark find their way to recover as the country unites beneath the banner of humanity. Stay cautious and provide a helping hand; many people’s life will be made better by your generosity.
NORTH CAROLINA SUPPLY LIST
- Log Splitters – Community members would be allowed to utilize these to split wood for their fireplaces (these will be returned to use at the next disaster area).
- Buddy Heaters (indoor approved) – Will be used for heat for people out of power with no other option.
- CO Detectors – Given out with Buddy heaters to ensure carbon monoxide is monitored.
- Extension Cords and Power Strips – Allow people with generators to run necessary items like refrigerators and freezers, also blower motors on heaters.
- Overalls – Cold weather gear for those in need.
- Winter Coats (all sizes) – Will be given to those who have lost everything.
- Hats and Gloves (all sizes) – Work gloves will be used to clear debris, and cold-weather hats and gloves will be given to all who have lost these items.
- Snow Shoes and Muck Boots – Will be given out for weather protection and clean-up. Homes that have flooded have 2-3 feet of mud in them.
- Shovels – Used to clean mud out of homes and businesses.
- Camping Gear (Outdoor stoves, Headlamps) – Given to people with no cooking options.
- Cold Weather Sleeping Bags – Given to those without power.
- Coloring Books for Children – School is postponed to an unknown date, and with winter approaching, kids need something to do.
- Educational Books for Children – School is postponed to an unknown date.
- Art Supplies for Children – School is postponed to an unknown date.
- Letters of Encouragement to the Elderly – Many are depressed about losing everything, and you are welcome to send letters of encouragement.
- Large Print Bibles – Many have lost their bibles in the flood, and that is one item they are asking for.
- Large Print Books for Elderly or Children – Something for them to read and take their minds off the flood and damage.
- Any Other Related Items for Elderly or Children – Anything else will be given to those in need.
- Laundry Detergent – There is a shortage of detergent, and it will be given to those unable to find any.
- Bleach – Used for mold issues.
- Dish Soap – Used to clean items in homes and dishes.
- Pressure Washers – Used to help with cleaning homes and businesses.
- Garden Sprayers – Used to spray the bleach mixture for mold remediation.