Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene Can Reopen with Emergency Operations Plans

Local and state public health staff are helping businesses safely reopen after Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene affected restaurants, food and lodging establishments in western North Carolina. Repairs to area water systems and infrastructure are ongoing.  

Businesses are reopening under emergency operations plans. 

What You Should Know

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"We are working quickly to help businesses get back on their feet following catastrophic damage left behind by Hurricane Helene. For either displaced families or tourism, helping hotels reopen is key to supporting recovery in the region."

Kody H. Kinsley 
Secretary, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services

Reopening with an Emergency Operations Plan

Hotels and motels can reopen quickly with an Emergency Operations Plan (PDF). This plan must be submitted to their local health department.

To reopen, lodging establishments must:

  • Have an available and approved power and electricity source available.
  • Have an approved water source for bathing, hand washing and laundry service.
  • Be free of sewage or wastewater backing up or accumulating on the property.
  • Be able to flush toilets or have a contingency plan for flushing toilets.
  • Discard any food or ice prepared using non-potable water.
  • Turn off water fixtures with a non-potable water source and post signage that they cannot be used. Examples include ice machines and water fountains.

"We appreciate the support of NCDHHS with the issuance of this emergency operations guidance. This reopening guidance will help expedite the reopening of impacted businesses and help facilitate the process of business and economic recovery for the region during this important tourist season."

Lynn Minges 
President and CEO, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

Need help with environmental and safety requirements? Hospitality operators can email us at EHprepardnessquestions@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5999.  

Information for restaurants affected by Hurricane Helene

"Hotels and motels not only serve as lodging for people who are visiting, they also help volunteers and people who need temporary housing while their homes are being repaired from storm damage. We are working with our local partners to get places back open safely and as soon as possible.

Larry Michael 
Director, NCDHHS State Environmental Health

Visiting or traveling in western North Carolina?

Western North Carolina continues to rebuild after Hurricane Helene. Work is ongoing to get businesses up and running. Many have reopened for visitors.

Most area highways have reopened, but some closures remain.  

Before you travel, check with your lodging establishment and the status of roads on your planned route.

More information and resources:

 

Related Press Release: Hotels and Motels Impacted by Hurricane Helene Can Apply to Operate Under Emergency Operations Plans

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