Your county, your news! Enjoy getting to know Henderson County!

Do you need information on voting in Henderson County? Visit the Henderson County Board of Elections webpage for all of the current information on voter registrations, identification, staff contact information, and much, MUCH more!

https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/elections

Henderson County Environmental Advisory Committee Participates in NC DOT Adopt-A-Highway Program During the Spring Litter Sweep

Earth Month and the NCDOT (North Carolina Department of Transportation) Spring Litter Sweep may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean our efforts to keep Henderson County litter-free should slow down! To be part of the solution, the Henderson County Environmental Advisory Committee recently adopted a stretch of roadway along Berkeley Road in Hendersonville. The Environmental Advisory Committee had their first scheduled clean up on Wednesday, April 24^th, and were able to pick up 19 bags of trash along the roadsides! Big thanks to the members who participated in the clean-up!

The NC DOT Adopt-A-Highway program is a great way for community organizations, neighborhoods, families, and friends to volunteer and show their support for keeping Henderson County litter-free. Not able to commit to adopting a highway in the County? You can still help out by participating in or organizing a litter cleanup in a local park, your neighborhood, or other location where you have witnessed litter. Help us to protect our environment and keep Henderson County litter-free by doing your part; remember to keep our community clean by not littering, disposing of waste properly, and cleaning up unsightly litter when you see it! We can all be part of the solution.

For more information on NC DOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program, Spring and Fall Litter Sweep, or Swat-A-Litter bug programs visit https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/environmental/litter-management/Pages/default.aspx.

For more information on waste reduction and proper waste disposal, visit HCRecycles.org.

Bullington Gardens Holds Celebration of Dedication honoring longtime Volunteers Juanita and Larason Lambert

The native garden began 20 years ago, thanks to the dedication and hard work of two longtime volunteers, Juanita and Larason Lambert. The Lamberts have passed the oversight of this special garden to other volunteers to care for as they did for twenty years. At a recent luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of these two, friends told stories of the early years of the garden, which has grown to include a native azalea garden, ½ mile of woodland trail, and a rain garden. Native plants are meticulously marked and named, and great care taken to keep non-native and invasive species out.

Bullington would like extend our gratitude for two decades of dedication by the Lamberts.

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents, and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5-11, 2024. Be ready for hurricane season. Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts, and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm.

Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30.

Prepare for Hurricanes

Know Your Hurricane Risk

Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water, and even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.

Make an Emergency Plan

Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Include the office, kids’ daycare, and anywhere else you frequent in your hurricane plans. Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.

Know your Evacuation Zone

You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay. 

• Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.

Recognize Warnings and Alerts

Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign-up.

Those with Disabilities

Identify if you may need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability.

Review Important Documents

Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID, are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.

Strengthen your Home

De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.

Get Tech Ready

Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.

Help your Neighborhood

Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others

Gather Supplies

Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.

Stay Safe During a Hurricane

Stay Informed

• Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.
• If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately.

Dealing with the Weather

• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
• Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Returning Home After a Hurricane

• Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if these individuals are not allergic to mold. Children should not help with disaster cleanup work.
• Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses. This water also can contain debris, chemicals, waste, and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

Cemetery Maintenance Training

The Henderson County Cemetery Advisory Committee hosted a cemetery maintenance training on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. John in the Wilderness Cemetery, Flat Rock. Warren Scott, Gravestone Conservator, and Cemetery Advisory Committee member, led the class in the proper methods for careful cleaning and preserving gravestones.

Each year, the Cemetery Advisory Committee holds two training events (one in the Spring and one in the Fall) for interested volunteers. The pictures below are from the recent class.

For more information on taking part in this event or volunteering for the committee, please visit our webpage: Cemetery Advisory Committee.

For information on current job openings with Henderson County, visit



https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/hr