SYLVA – Roger Ayers supervises maintenance for the N.C. Department of Transportation in Henderson County.
He also knows his way around eastern parts of the state, too.
For the third time in two years Ayers will lead a group of volunteers from Division 14 — the 10 westernmost counties — east to help residents recover from a substantial storm.
“The guys have been chomping at the bit for about a week now to get on down there and help out,” Ayers said. “We’re going to do whatever it takes to help our neighbors down east get back to as normal of a life as it can get.”
Ayers led crews to Sampson County after Hurricane Matthew and took a group to the coast this past winter after an ice storm debilitated the area. Somewhere he has a picture of a Division 14[KT1] truck on one of the ferry after clearing it of snow and ice.
The 26 volunteers from Cherokee, Jackson and Macon counties will push more mud than snow on this trip which is expected to last two weeks.
This time, the team will consist of 26 employees who volunteered for this assignment in Cumberland County. About half helped after Hurricane Matthew. They’ll be taking nine trucks, three dump trucks, three backhoes, one service truck, chainsaws for the team and assorted small equipment.
“We’re going to be on a cut-and shove operation,” Ayers said. “We’ll be cutting trees and removing debris to get the roads open so traffic and get moving again. We know there will be downed trees, mud and who knows what else.”
2-1-1 Call Line Open 24/7 for People in Need of Help
The statewide information line can provide callers with nearby shelter, housing and other storm-related details. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162, or text Florence to 898211. The information line is staffed around the clock to connect North Carolinians to storm resources.
Donations
The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is available for donations to support North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Florence. To donate, visit governor.nc.gov or text FLORENCE to 20222.
For More Information
Download the Ready NC app, visit ncdps.gov/Florence or follow NC Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.