The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments are working with lodging establishments impacted by Hurricane Helene to help them reopen safely. Hotels and motels are encouraged to submit Emergency Operations Plans to their local health department so they can reopen as quickly as possible while water systems and infrastructure continues to be repaired in western North Carolina.
"We are working quickly to help businesses get back on their feet following catastrophic damage left behind by Hurricane Helene," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. "For either displaced families or tourism, helping hotels reopen is key to supporting recovery in the region."
Lodging establishments must have an approved power and electricity source available and also need an approved water source for bathing, hand washing and laundry service.
Other important elements include:
The facility is free from sewage or wastewater backing up or accumulating on the property
The facility must be able to flush toilets or have a contingency plan for flushing toilets
Any food or ice prepared using non-potable water will be discarded
Water fixtures with a non-potable water source, like ice machines and water fountains, must be turned off with signs posted that water fixtures cannot be used
"Hotels and motels not only serve as lodging for people who are visiting, they also help volunteers and people who need temporary housing while their homes are being repaired from storm damage. We are working with our local partners to get places back open safely and as soon as possible," said NCDHHS State Environmental Health Director Larry Michael.
"We appreciate the support of NCDHHS with the issuance of this emergency operations guidance," said Lynn Minges President and CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. "This re-opening guidance will help expedite the reopening of impacted businesses and help facilitate the process of business and economic recovery for the region during this important tourist season."
While western North Carolina continues to rebuild following Hurricane Helene, work is underway to get businesses up and running and many have reopened for visitors. Most highways in western North Carolina have reopened but some closures are still in place. If you have travel plans, make sure you check with your lodging establishment and on the status of the roads on your planned route before you travel.
The NCDHHS Division of Public Health recently launched a resource for hospitality operators to assist with environmental health and safety requirements. Operators can reach out directly at EHprepardnessquestions@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5999. For more information about Hurricane Helene and resources available for people who are impacted, please go to ncdhhs.gov/helene and ncdps.gov/helene.
Comments