Hurricane Helene - Lake Lure Questions and Answers

Our small town has been utterly destroyed by the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Since the flood, lots of things have been said about Lake Lure and our public servants. Additionally, many people have tried to contact us to ask us different questions. This page will put those frequently asked questions and their answers in one place for everyone to see. 

Stunning photo by local artist Bob Graham, owner of the Smoky Mountain Cowboy Art Gallery in Lake Lure.

Question: Where can I find up-to-date information about the situation on the ground in Lake Lure (e.g., missing persons, utility restoration, where to donate supplies, etc.). 

Answer: Daily updates are being posted at TownOfLakeLure.com and on the Town’s Facebook page. This will be the most up-to-date source of information we have. 

Question: Where can people donate money to the Lake Lure recovery effort?

Answer: The best way to support the relief efforts is through monetary donations. We are currently working on an online way to donate. Until then, you can mail a check payable to Town of Lake Lure (Storm Recovery) at PO Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746. 

Additionally, the RHI Legacy Foundation will match any donation for storm recovery up to $50,000. You can also donate to the United Way of Rutherford County.

Question: Where and what can people physically donate to the Lake Lure recovery effort? Where can people get help or supplies from?

Answer: A donation station that can accept donations and provide supplies to those in need has been established at the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Office at 658 Memorial Highway (64/74), next to the Lake Lure Fire Department. It’s open from 10AM - 3:00 PM Monday – Friday.

Additional Donation Substations include Chimney Rock Fire Department, Chimney Rock Baptist Church, Lake Lure Baptist Church, and Temple of Jesus. You may also visit Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach (Monday- Friday 10-2) for additional food and toiletry items.

Question: I saw something on social media about Lake Lure threatening to arrest a volunteer, where can I find more information? 

Answer: Most things that you’ve heard on social media about this situation aren’t true. We want to thank Mr. Seidhom and the hundreds of other volunteers who are helping us. We invite the public to click here to learn the facts.

Question: I want to volunteer my time / equipment / expertise. Who do I talk to?

Answer: We are deeply grateful for the assistance of private citizens during rescue and recovery operations. However, for safety reasons, all these resources must be coordinated with Rutherford County Emergency Management. If anyone is willing and able to help, we encourage you to reach out to volunteer@rutherfordcountync.gov.  We will work to match skills and resources to meet the most pressing needs. 

QUESTIONS

For additional questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com or send us a message on Facebook. To report a missing person, please mail EOC@rutherfordcountync.gov.