ALAN HURRICANE HELENE SITUATIONAL REPORT for Monday September 30

Posted on Sep 30, 2024 in Nuts & Bolts

ALAN has been improving logistics response in disasters for 19 years, and the need is greater now than ever. Please donate today to help us continue our work for many more years to come

American Logistics Aid Network is mobilized for Hurricane Helene. As part of our response efforts, we are committed to providing you with the latest information and updates on supply chain impacts via our periodic Situation Reports, which can be found below in this email and on our website.

A message from ALAN Executive Director Kathy Fulton:

Kathy Fulton

Ordinarily, I am a glass-half-full kind of person. But when I look at what’s happened to the residents of Western North Carolina, Florida’s Big Bend and other parts of the Southeast this past week, I find myself at a loss.

The images of Hurricane Helene’s flooding, debris, and devastation are heartbreaking, especially when they are combined with the realization that so many people have lost their lives or remain missing – and that so many still await rescue. Many people have lost their homes, loved ones, pets, or business locations. And there is no sugar-coating how long and difficult the path to recovery will be. There’s so much to do that it’s difficult to know where to start.

Thankfully, several great minds can point us in the right direction, including St. Francis of Assisi, who reportedly once advised, “Start by doing what’s necessary, then by doing what’s possible. . . ”

Here at ALAN, those words make a lot of sense to us.

If you look at our Disaster Micro-Site in the coming weeks, you’ll undoubtedly find numerous tangible examples of “what’s necessary” in the requests we’ll be posting for donated logistics assistance under our “Active Logistics Needs” tab. I hope that you will consider fulfilling one of them yourself—or that you will pass it along to any of your members, colleagues, or co-workers who might be willing to help.

We also have a keen sense of “what’s possible” because, after 19 years of providing disaster relief, we know that when the right people work together to address a challenge efficiently and collaboratively – as so many government and humanitarian relief organizations are doing right now – amazing things can happen.

Perhaps most importantly, we understand just how fortunate we are to be part of an industry that can play such a meaningful role in delivering help and hope.

In closing, allow me to circle back to the quote I used at the beginning because there’s one part I left out: “Start by doing what’s necessary, then by doing what’s possible; and suddenly, you are doing the impossible.”

Things may indeed look like an impossible-to-solve situation right now. But with folks like you in our corner, I know that recovery and resilience will happen. Thank you for being one of the best and brightest parts of my job. My glass wouldn’t be nearly as full without you.

CRITICAL MESSAGES

North Carolina Business Operations Center: Partners moving people, resources or equipment into western North Carolina, MUST coordinate plans and movements through the NCEM-BEOC.

Help us keep critical supply lines open. Please do not self-deploy resources or supply logistics without coordinating with the BEOC. There is a high likelihood that your team(s) will be turned away at various checkpoints. We will prioritize movements and provide safe routes with an escort, as needed.

You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to: [email protected]

Begin Subject Line with: Logistics Support

Please include the following info:

What are you moving? Why you need special access.

When do you plan to move and from where?

Where are you going?

When will they arrive at the “border to Western NC” and where?

In summary, until further notice, roads in Western NC (generally anywhere west of Hickory, NC) are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approved shipments coordinated through the BEOC.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

PSEMA Tropical Storm Helene Coordination Call via Zoom on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 4pm EDT.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88943138859?pwd=8IPEcHNNyg0tPrO0R5FdbGY1rh84Hh.1

Meeting ID: 889 4313 8859
Passcode: 046808

OPEN CASES

ALAN has begun to receive requests for donated logistics services to support Hurricane Helene response. We are looking to fill the following open cases:

Case 9512: Request for Transportation of 120 Pallets – Plywood – from Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 to Ocala, FL 34474

FEDERAL

EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS

President Biden approved Major Disaster Declaration for South Carolina on September 29, 2024, in response to Hurricane Helene.

President Biden approved Emergency Declaration for Virginia on September 29, 2024, in response to Hurricane Helene.

President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida on September 28, 2024, in response to Hurricane Helene.

President Biden approved Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina on September 28, 2024, in response to Hurricane Helene.

President Biden approved Emergency Declaration for Tennessee on September 28, 2024, in response to Hurricane Helene.

President Biden approved Emergency Declaration for South Carolina on September 26, 2024, in preparation for impacts from Hurricane Helene beginning on September 25, 2024, and continuing.

President Biden approved Emergency Declaration for Alabama on September 26, 2024, in preparation for impacts from Hurricane Helene beginning on September 22, 2024, and continuing.

President Biden approved Emergency Declaration for North Carolina on September 26, 2024, in preparation for impacts from Hurricane Helene beginning on September 25, 2024, and continuing.

President Biden approved Emergency Declaration for Georgia on September 26, 2024, in preparation for impacts from Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing.

President Biden approved Emergency Declaration for Florida on September 24, 2024, in preparation for impacts from Tropical Storm Helene beginning on September 23, 2024, and continuing.

STATE

STATE DECLARATIONS

Tennessee Governor Lee issued Executive Order No. 105 on September 27, 2024, in response to Hurricane Helene.

West Virginia Governor Justice issued Proclamation declaring a State of Preparedness on September 26, 2024, in response to Hurricane Helene.

Virginia Governor Youngkin issued Executive Order No. 37 on September 25, 2024 declaring a state of emergency due to Hurricane Helene.

South Carolina Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2024-24 on September 25, 2024, in preparation for impacts from Hurricane Helene.

North Carolina Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 315 on September 25, 2024, declaring a statewide state of emergency and temporary waiver and suspension of motor vehicle regulations.

Georgia Governor Kemp issued Executive Order on September 24, 2024, declaring a State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Helene.

Florida Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, 2024, amending Executive Order 24-208.

Florida Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-208 on September 23, 2024, in preparation for impacts from potential tropical cyclone nine.

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION WAIVERS

Title: Tennessee Governor Lee issued Executive Order No. 105 for Hurricane Helene

Effective: 09/27/24| Expires on: 10/11/24

Description: Tennessee Executive Order No. 105 provides exemption to Tennessee Code Annotated Sections: 55-4-401 through Section 55-4-413; Section 55-7-201 through Section 55-8-209, and Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1680-07-01 through 1680-07-01-.25 that set forth maximum weight, height, length, and width limitations are suspended in the case of vehicles providing relief efforts in response to severe weather. In accordance with 49 CFR 390.23, provide a temporary exemption from 49 CFR Part 395 limiting the hours of service for the operator of a commercial vehicle providing supplies, equipment, personnel, and other provisions to assist persons affected by severe weather.

Title: Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner issued Executive Order

Effective: 09/27/24| Expires on: 10/27/24

Description: Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner issued executive order providing temporary suspension of the motor fuel exporter, importer, and transporter licensing requirements associated with the Alabama Terminal Excise Tax for those supporting disaster relief efforts by engaging in the export of motor fuel from Alabama to areas in other states impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Title: Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner issued Executive Order

Effective: 09/27/24| Expires on: 10/27/24

Description: Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner issued executive order providing temporary suspension of the requirements associated with the International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement for any motor vehicle engaged in interstate disaster relief which will be traveling through the State of Alabama as part of the disaster relief.

Title: Virginia Department of Transportation Secretary issued Transportation Waiver on September 26, 2024

Effective: 09/26/24| Expires on: 10/02/24

Description: Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner issued a transportation waiver granting temporary overweight, over width, registration, license, or hours of service exemptions to all carriers transporting essential emergency relief supplies to, through and from any area of the Commonwealth. Authorization applies also applies to water, food, heating oil, motor fuels or propane, or agricultural products, agricultural supplies, livestock and poultry, forest products and salvaged wood, waste, and trees cut in preparation for the storm, or providing restoration of utilities.

Title: South Carolina Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2024-24 on September 25, 2024

Effective: 09/25/24| Expires on: 10/25/24

Description: In accordance with section 56-5-79(A) of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended, during a declared emergency and in the course of responding to the emergency, requirements related to registration, permitting, length, width, weight, and load are suspended for commercial and utility vehicles traveling on non-interstate routes for up to 120 days; and requirements relating to time of service suspensions for commercial and utility vehicles traveling on interstate and non-interstate routes are suspended for up to 30 days, unless extended for additional periods pursuant to the FMCSR. Whereas the FMCSR limit, the hours of service for operators of commercial vehicles and pursuant to 49 CFR 390.23, the Governor may suspend federal hours of service regulations if the governor determines an emergency condition exists.

Title: North Carolina Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 311

Effective: 09/25/24| Expires on: 10/05/24

Description: North Carolina Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 315 on September 25, 2024, declaring a State of Emergency and temporary waiver and suspension of motor vehicle regulations. Shall waive the maximum hours of service for drivers prescribe by DPS pursuant to N.C. Gen Stat. 20-381 and pursuant to 49 CFR 390.23, waive 49 CFR 395.3 for persons transporting essential fuels, food, water, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies, feed for livestock and poultry, persons transporting livestock, poultry or crops ready to be harvested, and vehicles used in the restoration of utility or transportation services. Shall waive enforcement of certain size and weight restrictions and penalties arising under N.C. Gen Stat. 20-86.1 and 20-119 for vehicles supporting emergency relief efforts in the emergency area

Title: Kentucky Transportation Secretary issued Declaration of Emergency Order 113789

Effective: 09/24/24| Expires on: 10/08/24

Description: Kentucky Transportation Secretary Gray issued a Declaration of Emergency, Exemption of Hours of Service and Stoppage at Weight Stations. Whereas a state of emergency exists in Florida and the surrounding areas and the Governor of Florida declaring an emergency, pursuant to KRS 189.233 and 49 CFR 390.23, declaring a state of emergency exists requiring relief from hours of service imposed on commercial vehicles providing power restoration within affected area. Pursuant to authority vested in KAR 189.33 and 49 CFR 390.23, hereby declared state of emergency exists requiring relief from the hours of service imposed on commercial vehicles providing power restoration, debris removal, and transporting agricultural products and requiring waiver of stopping at all weigh stations for these commercial vehicles responding to the affected area. Pursuant to 49 CFR Section 390.23, waive 49 CFR 395.3 for vehicles transporting essential fuels, food, water, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies, feed for livestock and poultry, transporting livestock, poultry, and crops ready to be harvested, or the restoration of utility and transportation services.

Title: Georgia Governor issued Executive Order 09.24.24.01

Effective: 09/24/24| Expires on: 10/02/24

Description: Georgia Governor Kemp issued Executive Order on September 24, 2024, declaring a State of Emergency whereas it justifies suspension of Part 395 (driver’s hours of service) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Suspension remains in effect for 14 days or until the emergency condition ceases to exist. It is further ordered: commercial vehicles operating outside the normal weight, height, and length restrictions under the authority of this State of Emergency shall be issued permits by the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Title: Florida Department of Agriculture Commissioner Simpson issued statement on September 24, 2024

Effective: 09/24/24| Expires on: 10/24/24

Description: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Simpson issued statement temporarily suspending the interstate movement requirements for the transportation of animals that are fleeing the Tropical Storm and the applicable interstate requirements for their return.

Title: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Executive Director issued Emergency Order 24-05 Pursuant to Executive Order 24-208

Effective: 09/23/24| Expires on: 10/07/24

Description: FLHSMV Executive Director issued Emergency Order 24-05 a State of Emergency suspends enforcement of the registration requirements under sections 316.545(4) and 320.0725, Florida Statutes for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies, or personnel. Pursuant to 49 CFR 390.23, motor carriers and drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle to provide emergency relief during an emergency are exempt from 49 CFR 393.3 and 395.5.

Title: Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Perdue issued Emergency Order 24-08

Effective: 09/23/24 | Expires on: 11/23/24

Description: Pursuant to Executive Order No. 24-208, Secretary Perdue waives and suspends Florida Statutes 316.515(1-3), 316.535(1 and 3), 316.545(2 and 4), and 337.401(1)(a); and Rules 14-28.002(4 and 5), and 14-46.001(2) to allow for alternate size and weight restrictions on any vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies, or personnel, and agricultural commodities and citrus as recommended by Commissioner of Agriculture.

STATE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY RESOURCES

State of Florida

Florida Activate Hope: Hurricane Helene Recovery (pulls together private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get recover)
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Florida ESF 18 Office (Business and Industry) [email protected] and Private Sector hotline (850) 815-4925 (Daily 7am-7pm EDT). Updates can be found at Florida Disaster Business.
Florida 511 Traffic Status
Florida Business Damage Assessment: Hurricane Helene
Florida Small Business Development Center: Hurricane Helene Resources
U.S. Small Business Disaster Assistance: Hurricane Helene Resources

Florida Price Gouging Hotline: Hurricane Helene (866) 966-7226; tips for avoiding price gouging

State of Kentucky Resources

Truck Parking Information Management System

State of South Carolina Resources

S.C. Emergency Business Resources
S. C. Business Support ESF 24 Desk: [email protected] / (803) 737-8524 (activates Tuesday 8:00am EDT)
S.C. Know Your Zone
NOTE: for questions, email [email protected]
South Carolina Hurricane Helene State Response: (866) 246-0133

State of North Carolina

Contact: James Wong, BEOC Coordinator [email protected]
N.C. Virtual BEOC
Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network
North Carolina Business EOC: Sector / Industry Insights Hurricane Helene Reporting
North Carolina ReBUILD NC Small Business Assistance
North Carolina Small Business Development Fund

STATE RE-ENTRY INFORMATION FOR BUSINESS

State of Florida

In the State of Florida, additional information is required for re-entry. More information can be found at Private Sector Re-Entry Guidelines. Re-entry will be managed by local elected officials and law enforcement officers. Those moving essential commodities and services will need to have the following items:
- Valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport;
- Proof of employment, such as Employer credentials or a letter on employer letterhead; and
- A demonstrated need to enter the area, such as a work order, inventory list, or employer authorization.

State of Georgia

Georgia Re-Entry Program
Questions related to re-entry should be sent to [email protected]

State of South Carolina

Charleston County Recovery Plan and Re-Entry Plan
South Carolina State Business Reentry Program
NOTE: for questions, email [email protected]

State of North Carolina

North Carolina State Business Reentry Program

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

CISA Accesss Coordination Request for Hurricane Helene letter (ARC letter) is provided to assist critical infrastructure owners and operators engage local officials in coordinating the access and support necessary to restore infrastructure services.

ROAD CONDITIONS

CURFEWS (as of September 30, 2024)

State of Florida