Storm wreaks havoc; Asheboro declares state of emergency

ASHEBORO — Following the damage left behind by a severe thunderstorm that hit the area on Saturday, Sept. 5, City of Asheboro Mayor Joey Trogdon declared a State of Emergency effective Sunday, Sept. 6, at 8:45 a.m. 

More than 40 streets were affected, with hundreds of trees down throughout the city.

More than 3,000 residents were without power overnight. Duke Energy and Randolph Electric worked alongside City crews to open streets and restore power. Crews worked diligently in dangerous conditions to restore power. More than 1,500 residents remain without power and are expected to be without service for an extended period as service lines and dozens of power poles had to be replaced.

The city’s water and wastewater systems remained operational. Approximately 20% of wastewater pump stations were operating on backup generators. The water treatment system, including Lake Lucas and the Water Treatment Plant, was also operating on backup generation.

City crews finished finishing removing the last few downed trees Sunday morning. Two locations remained closed 

Sunday due to multiple broken power poles on West Beasley Street and Southway Street.

The State of Emergency allowed City Building Inspectors and Fire Marshals to work more efficiently with electricians to re-energize homes and will allow the city to bring in additional resources as needed.

City-provided service impacts and updates were posted to its social media and website as they became available.

— To be alerted about severe weather, road closures, and more, sign up for the countywide emergency alert system – Randolph REACT at https://www.randolphcountync.gov/230/REACT.

Follow Randolph County Emergency Services and the US National Weather Service Raleigh NC for local emergency and weather updates.

Sign up for E-Notify on www.asheboronc. gov/e-notify/ for alerts related to city facilities and services.

In any recovery effort, keep these guidelines in mind:

■ Spend the day assessing your property for storm damage. If you encounter damaged electrical equipment or downed power lines, stay away and contact the appropriate utility provider.

■ Check on friends, family and neighbors who may need assistance, particularly those who remain without power.

■ Do not interfere with City, Duke Energy, REMC, emergency services, or other crews as they work to restore power and open streets. Crews are working in dangerous conditions and need room to safely do their jobs.

■ Avoid unnecessary travel in areas where streets remain blocked or crews are working.

■ Be patient as restoration efforts continue. Some areas will require significant repairs, including the replacement of power poles and service lines.

■ Report downed trees and problems involving city water and sewer infrastructure to 336-626-1234.

■ DO NOT call the city to report power outages or other service disruptions not provided by the City of Asheboro. Contact those providers directly.

■ Please be safe and be kind to one another as the community works together through the recovery from any storm.

Did you receive damage from the storm on Saturday, Sept. 5? 

You can report damage to the city so we have a better idea of resources that may be available, if any.

If your home or business sustained damage during Saturday’s severe weather, please report it using this link: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a0dc17c9de8648aebdf6d56cd32f62dc?portalUrl=https://randolphconc.maps.arcgis. com

Your quick responses help us identify hard-hit areas and track the full extent of the storm’s impact on our community.

How to report:

■ Click on the link to open the digital assessment form. 

■  Fill out the details about the type and severity of damage.

■ Upload photos of the damage if it is safe to do so.

■ Submit your location accurately using the built-in map feature.

A few important tips for filling out the form:

■ The city is interested in learning about damage to homes or businesses only. Do not report damage to vehicles, landscaping, fences, outbuildings, trampolines, etc.

■ Creating a report is initially for situational awareness. Creating a report does not guarantee services or assistance.

■ Reporting damage to the city does not take the place of filing a claim with your insurance company, if applicable.

The city thanks those who take the time to share their experience with the community. Every submission is helpful.

Also, be aware of potential scams. If you are offered storm damage help, you have the right to ask for proof of insurance and identification. You may also call the Asheboro Police Department or the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office to verify approved assistance providers.