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Better Business Bureau warns of scams related to Hurricane Helene relief efforts
AND CHUNKS OF WOOD AND ACROSS THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, GOVERNOR ROY COOPER’S OFFICE SAYS MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE WERE RESCUED FROM FLOOD WATERS. SADLY, DOZENS ARE DEAD. AND WE NOW KNOW MORE THAN 400 ROADS ARE CLOSED IN THE STATE, MAKING RESCUE EFFORTS EVEN MORE CHALLENGING RIGHT NOW. A FIRST RESPONDERS FROM ACROSS OUR STATE ARE HELPING WITH THAT. WVTM 13 EMMA OWEN EXPLAINS HOW THEY’RE LENDING A HAND. FIREFIGHTERS FROM CALERA AND CITIES ACROSS OUR STATE ARE IN NORTH CAROLINA, RIGHT NOW, ASSISTING WITH RESCUE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS. CALERA FIRE CHIEF SEAN KENDRICK SAYS THEY’RE WORKING IN THE GUERIN CREEK AREA IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. THEY’RE STAYING AT A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT THERE, ONE OF THE ONLY BUILDINGS THAT WASN’T SEVERELY DAMAGED. NOW, GUERIN CREEK IS NEAR ASHVILLE, WHICH WAS ALSO DEVASTATED BY FLOOD WATERS. CREWS FROM CALERA, HOOVER BIRMINGHAM, VESTAVIA HILLS, MOUNTAIN BROOK, PRATTVILLE AND MOBILE ALL STEPPING IN TO HELP. THESE WATER RESCUE TEAMS ARRIVED A FEW DAYS AGO WHILE EN ROUTE. CHIEF KENDRICK SAYS THEY WERE TOLD THEY NEEDED TO BE FLOWN IN BECAUSE OF HOW BAD THE DAMAGE WAS. ROADS AND BRIDGES FLOODED OR WASHED AWAY ENTIRELY. THE NATIONAL GUARD FLEW THEM IN ON CHINOOK HELICOPTERS. THEY MET AT AN AIRPORT AND LOADED ALL THEIR EQUIPMENT AND THEY ACTUALLY HAD TO MAKE TWO FLIGHTS IN TO GET ALL THE EQUIPMENT IN. I’VE HAD A CHANCE TO SPEAK WITH SOME OF MY GUYS THAT ARE THAT ARE DEPLOYED NOW, AND THEY’RE WORKING HARD, AND IT’S AN EMOTIONAL IMPACT ON THEM BECAUSE THEY’RE DEALING WITH LOSS OF LIFE. THEY’RE DEALING WITH LOSS OF PROPERTY AND JUST DEALING WITH A LOT OF FOLKS THAT ARE REALLY HURTING RIGHT NOW. NOW THESE RESCUE TEAMS LEFT FROM NORTH CAROLINA ON FRIDAY, AND THEY ARE EXPECTED TO RETURN HOME AROUND SUNDAY. IN THE MEANTIME, THEY’RE PRETTY MUCH WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO ASSIST THOSE AFFECTE
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Better Business Bureau warns of scams related to Hurricane Helene relief efforts
Video above: Water rescue teams from Central Alabama assist with recovery efforts in North Carolina The Better Business Bureau is urging people to verify charities and donate directly to avoid scams when helping those affected by Hurricane Helene. At least 121 deaths in six states have been attributed to the storm — a toll that climbed Monday as a clearer picture emerged of the devastation it inflicted on an area stretching from Florida’s Gulf Coast northward to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia. The North Carolina county that includes Asheville reported at least 35 deaths, while dozens were also killed in Georgia and South Carolina.Scammers often exploit generosity during crises, so the BBB recommends visiting official websites or donating in person rather than responding to unsolicited requests. Using a credit card can provide added protection against fraud, so avoid mailing cash using payment transfer apps like Venmo.Below, you'll find several trusted national organizations and state-specific Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster where you can donate safely:National Organizations:American Red Cross – Provides disaster relief and emergency assistance across the country.Salvation Army – Supports those affected by disasters. United Way – Helps communities with disaster relief.GoFundMe – A BBB Accredited Business that monitors fundraisers for individuals and organizations during disasters.America Cares – Delivers medical and disaster relief to people in need.Samaritan’s Purse – Provides spiritual and physical aid to victims of disaster.State-Specific Organizations:Florida:Florida Disaster Fund – Provides assistance to Florida communities. North Carolina:North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Administered by the United Way of North Carolina.South Carolina:One SC Fund – Supports disaster relief efforts in South Carolina.Feeding the Carolinas – Provides food assistance in disaster-affected areas.Tennessee:East Tennessee Foundation – Helps with disaster recovery in Tennessee.Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
Video above: Water rescue teams from Central Alabama assist with recovery efforts in North Carolina
The Better Business Bureau is urging people to verify charities and donate directly to avoid scams when helping those affected by Hurricane Helene.
At least 121 deaths in six states have been attributed to the storm — a toll that climbed Monday as a clearer picture emerged of the devastation it inflicted on an area stretching from Florida’s Gulf Coast northward to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia. The North Carolina county that includes Asheville reported at least 35 deaths, while dozens were also killed in Georgia and South Carolina.
Scammers often exploit generosity during crises, so the BBB recommends visiting official websites or donating in person rather than responding to unsolicited requests.
Using a credit card can provide added protection against fraud, so avoid mailing cash using payment transfer apps like Venmo.
Below, you'll find several trusted national organizations and state-specific Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster where you can donate safely:
National Organizations:
- American Red Cross – Provides disaster relief and emergency assistance across the country.
- Salvation Army – Supports those affected by disasters.
- United Way – Helps communities with disaster relief.
- GoFundMe – A BBB Accredited Business that monitors fundraisers for individuals and organizations during disasters.
- America Cares – Delivers medical and disaster relief to people in need.
- Samaritan’s Purse – Provides spiritual and physical aid to victims of disaster.
State-Specific Organizations:
Florida:
- Florida Disaster Fund – Provides assistance to Florida communities.
North Carolina:
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Administered by the United Way of North Carolina.
South Carolina:
- One SC Fund – Supports disaster relief efforts in South Carolina.
- Feeding the Carolinas – Provides food assistance in disaster-affected areas.
Tennessee:
- East Tennessee Foundation – Helps with disaster recovery in Tennessee.
Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.
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