Watauga County Information and Resources

Posted By: Megan Biddix Chamber News,


This page highlights the efforts of our community partners across Watauga County in response to Hurricane Helene. Here, you will find direct links to our partners’ websites and information about various community initiatives. For ongoing updates and announcements, please follow the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Instagram. 

Additionally, we are accepting monetary donations through the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support community and business relief efforts.


Donate to the BACC Foundation for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts


Supply Donation Information

If you are bringing physical donations to the high country and are looking for sites that are accepting donations, follow the link below.

Supply Donation Information


Watauga County Partners

Stay up-to-date on the latest news from our community partners with the links below.


Town of Boone

Their website includes a specific page called Hurricane Helene Resources & Services with information about food, shelter, FEMA, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Town of Boone 


Appalachian State University

appstate.edu


Watauga County Emergency Services

This page includes important emergency information, lists of road closures and more. 
Watauga County Emergency Services



UNC Health Appalachian

Their website includes up-to-date information about provider openings, closings, and more.
UNC Health Appalachian 



Other Relevant Boone Chamber Links

Emergency Service Provider List
Business Resources: Hurricane Relief Support
Visitor Information


Official Messaging

This is a curated list of updates from our community partners that are relevant to our members. For more detailed information, we encourage you to visit the links listed in the Watauga County Partners section above, which will direct you to our partners’ websites and social media pages.


📍 Watauga County is in a State of Emergency as of October 1, 2024

Read the official press release here. 
Also see this: North Carolina Receives Federal Major Disaster Declaration


📍 Town of Boone, per October 1, 2024, Curfew Until Further Notice 

Until further notice, the curfew for Watauga County, the Town of Blowing Rock, and the Town of Boone is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. due to severely compromised roads and ongoing emergency operations in Watauga County. For more information go here.


📍 Watauga County Emergency Services | Debris Removal Information

Debris Removal Press Release
Debris Removal Guide
FEMA Fact Sheet, Public Assistance: Category A - Debris Removal including Private Property Debris 


📍 Important General FEMA Info & Disaster Recovery Center Information

General FEMA Information
Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and families affected by this disaster. There are several ways to apply:

  • https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4827
  • DisasterAssistance.gov
  • FEMA App
  • Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET daily.
    • The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Source: Press Release from the NC Governor

REMINDER! Document your damages now! Photograph your damages and items you have to throw away. Homeowners and renters in Watauga County can apply for assistance through FEMA.

For more information about FEMA in Boone, including fact sheets and additional PDFs featuring guidance for recovery, visit this page organized by the Town of Boone.

Disaster Recovery Center Information
A Disaster Recovery Center is opening Tuesday, Oct. 15 in Boone (Watauga County) to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced loss from Helene. 

The Watauga County DRC is located at:  

Appalachian Enterprise Center
130 Poplar Grove Connector 
Boone, N.C. 28607

Open: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more. 

For more information, go here.


Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Tuesday, October 15

Disaster Survivor Assistance Agents will be back in the county from 9am- 6pm tomorrow, Wednesday, October 16th through Saturday, October 19th at the following locations:

Zionville Fire Department Station 1
6610 Old US Hwy 421 N
Zionville, NC 28698

Foscoe Christian Church
8834 NC-105
Boone, NC 28607

The Disaster Recovery Center will remain open 7am until 7pm seven days a week:
Appalachian Enterprise Center
130 Poplar Grove Connector

Town of Boone | Posted Friday, October 11

Daniel Boone Park Area Usage Update in the Wake of Hurricane Helene


Explore Boone, Town of Boone, & Boone Chamber | Posted Friday, October 11

The Return to Boone and Watauga County


Community-Led Initiatives

Section Under Construction | This will include Housing Information, Volunteer Opportunities, & More

Housing Information 


Watauga Housing Council

Our partners at Watauga Housing Council are currently circulating these forms to assess housing needs of the general public in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 

Visit the Watauga Housing Council website to learn more. 

Appalachian State University
Our partners at Appalachian State University are currently circulating this form to assess housing needs. Learn more at the link below. 


FEMA is Seeking Multifamily Properties to House Disaster Survivors
Release Date: October 13, 2024 | The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking information from owners of multifamily properties that can be repaired to local, state and federal standards and be offered as temporary housing to survivors impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. The deadline for replies to this request for information is Nov. 6, 2024. Read more here.

FEMA Seeking Residential Properties to Lease for Helene Survivors
Release Date: October 13, 2024 | FEMA is currently seeking interested, qualified owners or property management companies to help meet the temporary housing needs for disaster survivors by leasing their properties directly to FEMA. Read more here.



Volunteer Opportunities

More Information Coming Soon



If you have something to add to this list, please email info@boonechamber.com.