The storm has caused devastation, resulting in over 200 fatalities and leaving over a million people without electricity.
Alabama’s first responders are on their way to Yancey County, located approximately 35 miles north of Ashville. This area experienced significant damage and destruction as a result of Hurricane Helene.
Linda Moore, the 911 Director of Hoover, recognized that the North Carolina 911 Communication Center would require the most assistance due to the extensive damage caused in North Carolina.
Early Thursday morning, a team of eight members, accompanied by five Madison County sheriff deputies, arrived in North Carolina. They brought along multiple trucks filled with supplies and resources.
“They will be working in that center to give them time to rest and recover because this event has been emotionally draining,” Moore explained. “They will take over the dispatching duties for them.”
The Emergency Management Assistance compact received a request for additional assistance, prompting them to activate the Alabama Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team.
“It’s like having telecommunicators grouped together, similar to how law enforcement and fire departments are organized based on the required resources,” explained Moore.
Collin Nelson, an experienced city employee with 25 years of service, was dispatched by Hoover. He possesses specialized training in mobile and disaster communications.
Hoover, Tuscaloosa, Shelby, and Madison counties also offered their assistance in relief efforts by sending 911 dispatchers.
They will stay in North Carolina for a duration of two weeks.
