FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County officials are assessing the impacts from the storm and providing information for residents who experienced damage or need assistance now that Hurricane Ian has passed through the county.
The most significant impacts to the County were downed trees and localized power outages.
Preliminary data from the National Weather Services suggests the peak wind gusts observed in Cumberland County were 56 miles per hour and rainfall totals across the county were between 2.7 and 4.54 inches.
As of 10:30 a.m. today, 1,276 customers are experiencing power outages according to the N.C. Department of Public Safety website.
Cumberland County Solid Waste locations will operate on their regular schedule and tipping fees will not be waived. All yard waste and land clearing debris may be taken to the Wilkes Road Compost Facility at 771 Wilkes Road in Fayetteville. Large tree stumps of more than four feet in diameter, painted or treated wood, paneling and plywood or particle board must go to the Ann Street Landfill at 698 Ann Street in Fayetteville. Smaller debris items will be accepted at any of the county’s 17 container sites. For more information including locations and hours of operation, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/solid-waste-group/ or call 910-321-6920.
County officials also want to remind residents to watch out for scammers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The North Carolina Department of Justice offers the following tips to project against scams:
• Watch out for price gouging and report it to the NCDOJ if you see it. North Carolina is under a state of emergency, which means the state’s price gouging law is in effect.
• Be skeptical of anyone who comes to your home offering time-limited assistance, get recommendations from friends or neighbors and only do business with companies you trust or have vetted.
• Get a written estimate for any work needed and compare bids to help ensure you don’t pay too much. Check the company’s credentials and contact NCDOJ or the Better Business Bureau to learn about any complaints against a contractor.
• Never pay up front for work and make sure you are satisfied with the completed work before you pay. Do not make a down payment for work without a written contract and use a credit card if possible, which may provide some protection if the job isn’t completed properly.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, you can contact the NCDOJ Consumer Protection Division at www.ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. Visit ncdoj.gov/watch-out-for-hurricane-ian-scams/ for more information.
In response to the increased threat to residents during Hurricane Ian, Cumberland County opened Smith Recreation Center in Fayetteville for residents who needed shelter during the storm. The shelter is scheduled to close at noon today.
The shelter was established to ensure everyone could remain in a safe and secure location while remnants of Hurricane Ian passed through the Cumberland County.
Stay informed about information and alerts by visiting the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov or County social media pages at facebook.com/CumberlandNC, facebook.com/CumberlandCountyNC911 and twitter.com/CumberlandNC.