While Ocracoke continues to clean up after Hurricane Matthew,
here are some events to liven your week:
This “first-sight” map indicates potential to see Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket in the minutes following its launch. People on Ocracoke would have to look northwest. Credit: Orbital ATK
Tonight, Monday, Oct. 17 Launch of Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket and Cygnus cargo spacecraft is proceeding as scheduled for a 7:40 p.m. EDT liftoff this evening from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Wednesday, Oct. 19
Roanoke Island Animal Clinic on the island in the Community Center, starting around 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 20
Ocracoke Oyster Co.: Martin and Lou, 3 to 6 p.m.
Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Live music TBA, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 21
Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Live music TBA, 7 p.m.
Coyote Music Den: Martin Garrish “Playing Your Ocracoke Memories,” 7:30 p.m.
Gaffer’s: Live Music TBA, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 22
Zillie’s Island Pantry Wine tasting, 6 p.m.
Ocracoke Oyster Co.: Martin Garrish, 6:30 p.m.
Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Live music TBA, 7 p.m.
Roxy’s Antiques on Ocracoke: Palm readings by “Zelda the Gypsy,” in Spencer ‘s Market next to Blue Heron Realty. (252) 588-0058. $5 Per Reading. All proceeds benefit Ocracats. Wine & cheese reception; door prizes; free cat ears first 20 guests; gypsy music. 7 to 9 p.m.
RALEIGH–Wake Superior Court Judge Don Stephens late Friday afternoon ordered the state voter registration deadline extended to Wednesday (Oct. 19) in 36 counties reeling from Hurricane Matthew and resultant flooding.
Those counties are Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Nash, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Washington, Wayne and Wilson.
They originally sought the extension for the entire state, but Stephens limited it to counties getting help from FEMA, which includes Hyde.
The state Democratic Party had sued state Board of Elections Executive Director Kim Westbrook Strach to get the deadline extended, saying her refusal to do so created a hardship for people displaced by a natural disaster.
State Democrats, the state NAACP and Common Cause NChad all asked this week for some kind of registration extension.
Assistant Attorney General Alex Peters, who represented Strach, said extending the deadline would burden local elections offices because they also have to prepare for the start of early voting on Thursday.
While voters in the 36 impacted counties could use same-day registration during the early voting period, same-day registration is confined only to the early voting period. Those who missed the Oct. 14 regular deadline would not have had the opportunity to vote in the Nov. 8 general election without the court acting to extend the deadline.
“We are very pleased with the court decision that will allow the thousands of North Carolinians severely impacted by the hurricane to have a full and fair opportunity to vote on Election Day,” said Bob Phillips, executive director of Common Cause NC.
Judges in Florida and Georgia extended voter registration deadlines in those states because of Hurricane Matthew. South Carolina also extended its voter registration period.
The state will not close flounder season on Oct. 16 for the recreational hook-and-line and gig fisheries, as was planned. The recreational flounder season will remain open with the current 15-inch minimum size limit and six-fish bag limit.
Flounder season will remain open for the anchored, large-mesh gill net fisheries, as well. However, there will still be a Dec. 1 to 31 commercial flounder season closure, as in previous years.
The changes are due to a recent court order whereby a judge issued a temporary injunction against these and other regulations adopted by the Marine Fisheries Commission. The commission adopted the changes in November 2015 as part of a supplement to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan.
The temporary injunction will remain in effect until a full hearing on a lawsuit filed by the North Carolina Fisheries Association against the state and the commission. No court date has been set for this hearing.
The judge also struck down a pound net quota and closure established under the flounder plan supplement.
Other provisions of the flounder plan supplement remain in place, including:
A 15-inch minimum size limit for the commercial fisheries.
A 6-inch minimum mesh size for anchored large-mesh gill nets.
Carol Evans of Swan Quarter and Don Evans of Apex, part of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, take a break from talking to islanders in the Ocracoke Community Center about home repair needs following Hurricane Matthew. Photo: C. Leinbach
For Ocracoke news, click here. For a related article on islanders eligible for individual assistance from FEMA, click here.
By Connie Leinbach
Carol Evans had a life-changing experience when United Methodist construction teams rebuilt her Swan Quarter home after Hurricane Isabel in 2003.
Evans was one of four in the United Methodist North Carolina Conference assessment team called UMCOR—United Methodist Committee on Relief–who was on the island Friday and Saturday to assess damage on Ocracoke from the recent Hurricane Matthew and to determine how they can help.
The group set up shop in the Community Center for islanders to share their repair needs.
After that, UMCOR will establish teams to return to the island to help cut trees, mold remediation, repair roofs and even rebuild homes from the ground up, said Tommy Gilbert, director of field operations.
Evans said her home was flooded in that major storm 13 years ago.
“I saw a sign posted about their help,” she said, and while her husband, Martin, was skeptical that it was for real, and called them about replacing mattresses.
After the group assessed her situation, she was astonished at their response.
“Tommy said, ‘We’ll build you a house,’” she said. “My husband still gets tears in his eyes about it.”
Two 80-year-old men were part of the rebuilding team, and they were all like worker bees.
“They didn’t stop,” she said. “They take their vacations to help others.”
The couple lived in an old farmhouse nearby while their house was rebuilt in about two and a half years.
“It changed my life,” she said about their new, 1,800-square foot home-built by this volunteer labor. “I’ve never seen such generosity in my life. You thank them and they turn around and say, ‘Thank you for letting me help.’”
A retired educator, Evans is now a case worker with the team.
UMCOR workers came to Hyde County mainland after Irene and are still there working, said Donna Brander, of Washington, who is another case manager with the group.
All of the team members, whether assessment or workers, are volunteers, said Don Evans of Apex in an interview between meeting islanders Friday afternoon.
UMCOR volunteers travel all over the United States and the world to help out where needed, he said.
They fill in the cracks of need. That is, if your insurance or FEMA does not cover everything a client needs, UMCOR can fill in.
UMCOR has a fund—North Carolina Storms Fund—devoted strictly to home repair. Everyone they help gets money this fund to start, depending on how much is in the entire fund, Brander said.
“We don’t know what the amount will be for this storm,” Brander said.
If more money is needed for the fund, they raise it, Gilbert said
They also ask everyone they help to donate whatever they can.
Donors wishing to help can donate to this storms fund and the entirety of the donation will go to it and not to any administrative costs, he said.
Evans has traveled all over the world volunteering for this cause. This kind of volunteer service yields an interesting psychological phenomenon, he said.
“It’s in the Bible,” he said about his service. “God tells you to do it, and it gets in your blood and you don’t want to stop.”
Brander, too, has been helping for several years.
“It lifts you up to help someone in pain,” she said.
Although the assessment team has departed, if more islanders feel they need assistance, they are welcome to call the UMCOR main number at 888-440-9167, Gilbert said.
In fact, anyone can call to request home repair assistance at any time, not just storm related.
The UMCOR team is, from left, Donna Brander, Carol Evans, Tommy Gilbert and Don Evans. Photo: C. Leinbach
On Monday, Ocracoke opens back up for business post-Matthew. Fall weather here is great for fishing, kayaking, bicycling and witnessing vistas like this one by island artist Karen Rhodes.
Oct. 15, 2016. 4 p.m. Updated: Oct. 17. 1:40 p.m.
By Connie Leinbach
The visitor evacuation for Ocracoke has been lifted and visitors will be allowed back on the island starting Monday (Oct. 17), Bill Rich, Hyde County manager said this afternoon.
The Ocracoke Deputy Control Group made the determination today, he said.
“We’re confident the weather will be good today and tomorrow,” he said.
Recent forecasts had indicated strong winds and more tide was possible, but the forecast from the National Weather Service for tonight is partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northeast wind 9 to 14 mph.
Since Hyde County recently received an “Individual Assistance” declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), islanders should go online to the FEMA website and begin the application process, he said.
Justin Gibbs, Hyde County Emergency Services director, had said that since the county received this declaration, turn-around time for islanders to receive financial help should be fairly fast.
Rudy Austin, during a visit to Portsmouth with his brother Don, reported that the island fared well. The buildings are in good shape. A couple of little outbuildings toppled as well as some trees, he said. The water level was not as high as for Hurricane Alex in 2004.
As for debris, Rich said FEMA will begin collecting it on Wednesday.
Outer Banks Group Superintendent David Hallac said today that the National Park Service visitor center, off-road vehicle permit office and campground on Ocracoke will reopen on Monday.
There is currently unrestricted access to all areas of Dare County north of Oregon Inlet and for the Hatteras Island villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, and Buxton.
It is important for visitors to check with their rental company or accommodations provider to confirm reservations before traveling to the area since some properties were impacted and require repairs.Also, please be mindful that many residents and businesses of the island have suffered significant impacts and are in the process of recovering so your patience and understanding is truly appreciated.
The forecast Sunday night is mostly clear, with a low around 63. East wind will be 5 to 7 mph. On Monday, it will be sunny, with a high near 75. North wind will be around 6 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
However, visitors will see sights like this along all island roads, thanks to Hurricane Matthew. Debris will begin to be removed starting Wednesday. Photo: C. Leinbach
Hyde County has received “Individual Assistance Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which allows homeowners, renters, and businesses to apply for vital short- and long-term recovery assistance.
The designation came following President Obama’s issuing a major disaster declaration for the State of North Carolina triggering the release of Federal funds to help individuals and communities recover from Hurricane Matthew that began on Oct. 4, and continues.
Assistance can include grants for:
Temporary housing
Essential home repairs
Uninsured and underinsured personal property losses
Other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance
Applicants will be asked for the following information:
Social Security number
Address of the damaged primary residence
Description of the damage
Information about insurance coverage
A current contact telephone number
An address where they can receive mail
Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
Residents can apply atwww.disasterassistance.gov, 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and multilingual operators are available. Disaster Recovery Centers also will open in flood-impacted communities during the next several weeks for those who would like to talk with someone in person.
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) volunteers have established a case intake center at the Ocracoke Community Center, 999 Irvin Garrish Highway. The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Hyde County disaster survivors requiring mental health services in the wake of Hurricane Matthew may visit the Trillium Health Resources kiosk located at the Hyde County Government Center, 30 Oyster Creek Road; Swan Quarter, or citizens can call Trillium Health Resources Access to Care at 1-877-685-2415.
A State of Emergency remains in effect for Hyde County and our citizens are still on the road to recovery, however, Hyde County officials anticipate lifting the mandatory evacuation order and entry/re-entry restrictions for Ocracoke visitors on Monday, Oct. 17. The Ocracoke Deputy Control Group will meet on Saturday, Oct. 15, to verify that the weather conditions and recovery efforts have provided a conducive and safe environment for returning visitors.
Hyde County’s debris removal contractor has completed an initial assessment to determine debris volumes and equipment needs. Ocracoke debris removal operations will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 19, and will continue until volumes have diminished to a locally manageable level. Citizens may transport vegetative storm debris to the designated mainland convenience sites or you can place it on the shoulder of the NCDOT right-of-way as outlined in the diagram provided. The Swan Quarter and Engelhard convenience sites will accept your vegetative storm debris. The debris contractor will not collect storm debris on private property or private roads. Please do not transport your storm debris to the Temporary Debris Storage Sites (TDSS) on Ocracoke Island or the mainland. An image detailing how your debris should be separated and placed within the NCDOT right-of-way to be retrieved is below.
Hyde County is transitioning from response to recovery and the coalition of federal, state, local, and private partners have made significant progress. The list of accomplishments and pending items include:
The Variety Store said he has received produce, meat, bread and milk deliveries. The Community Store also is open. Both stores are well stocked.
Local propane vendors are assessing damages, resetting propane tanks and making repairs.
National Park Service is assessing beach access ramps, boat ramps and other infrastructure. Three beach access ramps are available (63, 67, and 70), and the NPS boat ramp is not accessible.
Ocracoke Health Center is open and has received medicine and supplies with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard and by ferry.
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ground transports have resumed with the restoration of ferry services to Hatteras.
Hyde County Department of Social Services has initiated post-disaster programs to help those who receive food and nutrition services. Please contact Hyde DSS at 252-926-4476 for more information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Hyde County has waived all permit fees for reconstruction necessary due to Hurricane Matthew, however permits are still required by the Hyde County Building Inspector’s Office.
Insurance adjusters and building contractors are being allowed access to Ocracoke if they possess valid credentials.
Tideland EMC has completely restored services in Hyde County, however there have been intermittent power outages since restoration of transmission to Ocracoke.
NCDOT Ferry Division has restored all services to Ocracoke Island. Please refer tohttps://twitter.com/ncdot_ferry for the latest ferry information. At this time residents, non-resident property owners, vendors and essential service personnel are allowed access to the village. Please be prepared to show documentation of the aforementioned statuses to gain access to the island. Individuals wishing to gain access will need to have the appropriate reentry tag or they will be required to produce evidence of property ownership or residency.
If traveling throughout North Carolina, please refer tohttps://www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/ or https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx for the latest road closures and routes open to travel. When using the TIMS site, you must select the region or individual counties you are traveling through to obtain specific information regarding your travel plans.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore visitor services and facilities on Ocracoke Island, including the visitor center, off-road vehicle permit office, and campground, will re-open on Monday, Oct. 17. The status of beach access ramps will be posted on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CapeHatterasNS/.
The Fairfield Drainage District has declared a drainage emergency due to inundation from the Alligator River which is impacting mitigation structures in the district. Hyde County is coordinating with the Fairfield Drainage District and Mattamuskeet Association to identify and obtain resources for their response and recovery efforts. Although conditions have improved, there has been standing water on NC Hwy 94 between Fairfield and Columbia at the Northwest Fork and these conditions may fluctuate. The NCDOT and County of Hyde are urging commuters to remain alert and aware of the road conditions while traveling in the Northwest Fork area.
Water is still standing on many roadways and properties in Hyde County, please do not drive through flood waters or on flooded roads. Water only two feet deep can sweep away most automobiles. Death can occur as a result of careless or unsuspecting motorists who attempt to drive through flooded roads. “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.” If your vehicle is flooded, please disconnect the battery cables to prevent a fire from occurring.
Please be advised, flood waters may contain sewage and other harmful contaminants. Keep children and pets out of flood waters.
The WOVV radio tower was destroyed during Hurricane Matthew and a temporary antenna is providing limited coverage within the village. Citizens can tune in and obtain the most current Ocracoke news by live streaming their programs atwww.wovv.org.
Please maintain awareness and monitor for further updates from Hyde County Public Information.
Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree 2015. Photo: Natasha Jackson
Friday, Oct. 14, 2016
The organizers of Ocracoke’s Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree are disappointed to announce that this year’s event (scheduled for Oct. 28 to 30) must be cancelled. Although Ocracoke fared well in Hurricane Matthew compared to other parts of the state, the island did experience a record high tide during the peak of the storm.
Cleanup efforts are underway, but due to significant water damage at some island homes and businesses, and a long evacuation, the organizers missed a critical week of planning. At this point, there’s not enough recovery time to present the amazing piratical event that we’ve all come to expect and enjoy. Arrrgh! The committee has decided to cancel the 2016 Jamboree, and plan for better weather in 2017.
Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree is an annual event, held the last weekend in October, leading to the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard’s demise in 2018.
Join us for the Jamboree Oct. 27 to 29, 2017, and Oct. 26 to 28, 2018.
October 28 to 30 this year will still be Halloween weekend on an enchanted island that loves to dress up and have a good time.
Kick off the festivities at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, with the “Freakin’ Firkin (old-fashioned beer barrel) Keg Tapping at Zillie’s Island Pantry. Two cask-conditioned ales will be tapped and all are welcome to join in.
All are welcome to the Ocracoke School Halloween Carnival on Friday afternoon/evening (Oct.. 28), which is a fun, family-friendly event including a kids’ costume parade, bouncy houses, carnival games, food sales, a cake walk, and Quiz-O.
On Saturday afternoon (Oct. 29), from 4 to 6 p.m., the Community Square will welcome little beggars for a special trick-or-treat around the Square shops.
Gaffer’s Sports Pub will host their annual Halloween party with live music and a costume contest with a “Famous Horror Movie Monster” theme, and island favorite 80s cover band, Raygun Ruby, will play at Howard’s Pub for their costume party. Both Halloween celebrations are on Saturday night; revelers walk back and forth to check out each other’s costumes at each venue. Pirates and wenches are welcome.
Mark your calendars for Ocracoke’s other fall/winter events:
Palm readings by “Zelda the Gypsy,” 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Roxys Antiques on Ocracoke, 585 Irvin Garrish Hwy., in Spencer ‘s Market next to Blue Heron Realty. (252) 588-0058. $5 Per Reading. All proceeds benefit Ocracats. Wine & cheese reception; door prizes; free cat ears first 20 guests; gypsy music.
The first annual “Festival Latino de Ocracoke,” celebrating Ocracoke’s Latino community with food, music and dance on Nov. 12; Thanksgiving weekend with live music, great shopping, and a holiday boat parade; the OPS Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 3; and the Working Watermen’s Annual Oyster Roast on Dec. 30–all-you-can eat steamed oysters for one price.
Ocracoke is especially beautiful in October and November and we encourage visitors to enjoy the “less is more” atmosphere of fall on the sandbar. Fall is a time for great fishing and shelling and strolling at the beach, and, while most businesses remain open through Thanksgiving weekend, even the village offers a quiet refuge from the busy-ness of the mainland.
For more information, contact 252-928-6711, visit http://ocracokevillage.com, or email info@ocracokevillage.com
Hyde County Manager Bill Rich fields phone calls on Thursday. Photo: C. Leinbach
By Connie Leinbach
Officials on Ocracoke are optimistic that the island will open Monday for visitors, Hyde County Manager Bill Rich said today.
“We will make a final determination on Saturday,” Rich said, noting that the island is expecting high winds tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday which may bring more tide onto an already soaked island. “Friday will be the windiest.”
The group making the determination is the Ocracoke Deputy Control Group, composed of county officials, law enforcement officials and business owners who assess emergencies and make recommendations to the Hyde County commissioners.
Dare County began letting visitors back onto the southern Outer Banks on Thursday, and will let visitors into Frisco on Friday and Hatteras on Saturday.
In the meantime, he said the debris contractor is scheduled to arrive on the island on Tuesday and begin pick up island-wide on Wednesday.
Rich said David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, has offered help and will allow the debris to be taken to the Lifeguard Beach parking lot where the debris contractor will determine how many trash disposal transports will be needed for the job.
He said a group of four United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) volunteers will arrive on the island tomorrow to determine how they can help anywhere islanders need it.
Anyone needing physical help with repairs, cutting trees, hauling or whatever should visit them tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 13) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 8 a.m to noon Saturday in the Community Center.
After that, they will assess what is needed and gear up based on demand, Rich said.
He also said he expects to hear today or tomorrow (Friday) whether Hyde County has received “Individual Assistance” designation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This designation will expedite islanders’ obtaining financial assistance for losses from the storm.
Rich said once the designation is obtained, Gov. Pat McCrory’s office will supply the correct forms on the Hyde County website.
“People will be able to begin to fill out the forms to get a jump on this process,” Rich said.
Island businesses are beginning to reopen. Among those open are Jason’s Restaurant, Ocracoke Bar & Grille, Zillie’s Island Pantry and Island Vibe. The Magic Bean Coffee Shop is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m and until 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Ocracoke Coffee Shop is open mornings beginning at 7 a.m. Daijo reopens Friday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m., and the Flying Melon is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Eduardo’s Taco Stand opens for breakfast tomorrow and Gaffer’s opens tomorrow at 3 p.m.
Howard’s Pub will open as soon as visitors are allowed.
The Variety Store resumes its seasonal 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. open hours tomorrow; the Community Store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow through the weekend. Both received deliveries today and are well stocked.
The WOVV radio tower was destroyed during Hurricane Matthew and they are unable to broadcast by radio. Citizens can tune in and obtain the most current Ocracoke news by live streaming their programs atwww.wovv.org.
Ocracoke School goes back into session on Friday and its Homecoming event will go on as scheduled, starting with a hot dog sale at 4:30 p.m.
Hyde County has waived all permit fees for reconstruction necessary due to Hurricane Matthew, however permits are still required by the Hyde County Building Inspector’s Office.
Latest weather forecast:
Over the weekend, islanders should prepare for more weather challenges since a coastal flood advisory from the National Weather Service is in effect now until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Minor to moderate coastal flooding and a high threat of rip currents along the Outer Banks is forecast for all beaches through Friday evening.
Water levels of one to two feet above normal are expected through Friday adjacent to Pamlico Sound then increasing to 2 to 3 feet above normal this weekend into early next week.
Gusty north winds will result in higher water levels on the Pamlico Sound on Friday. Water levels will remain elevated on the sound through early next week due to large amounts of flood waters draining into the tidal creeks from Matthews heavy rains.
High astronomical tides will create minor to moderate coastal flooding this weekend into early next week. High water will flood roads and may impact some properties.
The view northward of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over the Oregon Inlet, Dare County, NC. Photo by C. Leinbach
Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. 10:48 a.m.
The Dare County Control Group met this morning (Thursday) and has established the following entry guidelines for the southernmost villages of Hatteras Island:
Frisco – Visitors will be allowed access to the village of Frisco beginning 7 a.m. onFriday, Oct. 14.
Hatteras Village – Visitors will be allowed access to Hatteras Village beginning 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.
Visitors were allowed access to the Villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon and most areas of Buxton beginning 7 a.m. this morning.
It is important for visitors to check with their rental company or accommodations provider to confirm reservations before traveling to the area since some properties were impacted and require repairs.Also, please be mindful that many residents and businesses of the island have suffered significant impacts and are in the process of recovering so your patience and understanding is truly appreciated.
For updated information regarding access to Ocracoke Island, visithydecountync.gov.
Hyde County officials said today they are working on getting the county declared an “Individual Assistance” disaster county under the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This designation would help islanders (individuals and businesses) who’ve sustained losses of all kinds of items from Hurricane Matthew to obtain financial compensation.
Hyde County Emergency Services Director Justin Gibbs said that once the county receives this designation, FEMA would set up a disaster recovery center to take applications and help islander with the application process.
Gibbs said he is working as fast as he can to get the designation, but the process is slower than usual because of the post-Matthew issues in the rest of the state.
“We’re in a recovery mode while the rest of the state is in a response mode,” he said. “We’re pressing as fast as we can to make these services available for our citizens.”
He said once the designation is approved and FEMA begins taking applications, turn-around time to receive funds is fairly quick.
In the meantime, islanders who are already receiving Department of Social Services (DSS) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits may qualify for replacements, and if you do not receive benefits, you may apply for regular Food a Nutrition Services benefits with a 30-day processing time frame.
The department will be on the island tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 13) from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday (Oct. 14) in the Ocracoke Community to help with this process.
The following information about food loss from Hurricane Matthew is from the DSS:
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPLACING DESTROYED FOOD PURCHASED WITH FNS:
A FNS unit is entitled to a replacement of benefits when food purchased with FNS is destroyed in a household misfortune (such as, but not limited to, a power outage or mechanical failure) or disaster (such as, but not limited to, a fire or flood). The FNS unit may be eligible to receive a replacement of the actual value of the loss, not to exceed one month’s allotment for the FNS unit.
The loss must be reported (verbally or in writing) within 10 calendar days of the
The FNS unit must complete a DSS-1678, Replacement Affidavit, within 10 calendar days of the
The DSS-1678 must include the household’s actual amount of food loss that was purchased with FNS.
Do not issue a replacement if the agency does not receive the DSS-1678 within 10 calendar days from the date the report is
If the tenth day falls on a weekend or holiday, and the DSS-1678 is received the day after the weekend or holiday, consider the statement to be received
Replace benefits within 10 calendar days of the report or within two days of receiving the DSS-1678, whichever is
Deny or delay replacement issuances when there is documentary evidence that indicates the FNS unit’s request for replacement appears to be
There are no limits on the number of times a replacement may be issued to a FNS unit.
NOTE: Food in a full freezer is safe for about two days without power (A half-full freezer is safe for one day). Food that still contains ice crystals can be refrozen safely. Some refrigerated food should be discarded if kept above 40 degrees for more than two hours. These foods include raw or cooked meat, poultry, or seafood; milk/cream, yogurt, soft cheese; cooked pasta, pasta salads; custard, chiffon, or cheese pies; fresh eggs, egg substitutes; meat or cheese-topped pizza, luncheon meats; casseroles, stew, or soups; mayonnaise, tartar sauce and creamy dressing; refrigerated cookie dough; and cream-filled pies.
If the United States Department of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration and the FNS unit is eligible for disaster FNS, the FNS unit cannot receive both the disaster allotment and a replacement allotment for destroyed food.
In addition, please contact Hyde DSS at 252-926-4476 for more information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
