Polk County Local Government officials on May 27 expanded areas included in their voluntary evacuation request for residents as heavy rains, which are expected to last several days, will affect the stability of the already-saturated mountainsides and bring high water and flash floods to the area.
Officials have expanded their voluntary evacuation request to cover Page Farm Road and Brookwood Acres subdivision. The American Red Cross is opening a shelter at 5 p.m., Sunday, May 27 at Polk County Middle School for families needing a safe, dry place to stay until they are able to return home.
Previously notified areas include:
• Highway 176 from North Wall Road to 3910 Hwy 176
• Warrior Drive from Baker Drive to Meadowlark Drive
• Meadowlark Drive and Intersecting Roads
• Walcot Farm Lane
• Miller Mountain Road
• Rixhaven Subdivision
• Green River Cove Road
• Holbert Cove Road
Should you need assistance evacuating the area, please contact Polk County at 828-894-0188.
Polk County Sheriff & Emergency Management is requesting that local residents call 828-333-9017 to notify them of your decision to voluntarily evacuate or stay in your residence. This is to aid officials in accounting the safety of local residents and arrange for law enforcement to check on evacuees’ property. Residents will be asked to provide their name, physical address, and contact number.
Residents will be able to return home after officials are able to conduct an evaluation of the area when it is safe to do.
Shelter Information
The Red Cross shelter will be available to evacuating residents beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday at Polk County Middle School, 321 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756.
The Red Cross encourages anyone coming to a shelter to bring the following items for each member of their family:
• Prescriptions and emergency medications
• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
• Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
• Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself
Safety Information
Polk County officials and the Red Cross urge local residents and their families to take appropriate precautions, remain aware of changing weather conditions, and follow all instructions from emergency management and law enforcement.
What to do if a landslide is likely to occur:
• If you suspect imminent danger, evacuate immediately. Inform affected neighbors if you can.
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
• If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly.
• Be especially alert when driving— watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of possible debris flow.
• If you are ordered or decide to evacuate, take your animals with you.
• Consider a precautionary evacuation of large or numerous animals as soon as you are aware of impending danger.
For more tips on what to do before, during, and after mudslides and flash floods, visit RedCross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency App. This all-inclusive app lets you monitor more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts, to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
To hear the latest updates, call 828-894-6342. For more information and updates, visit Polk County Sheriff’s Office or Emergency Management Facebook pages or subscribe to receive NIXLE alerts from the Tryon Fire Department by texting your zip code to 888777.