Elk River Clean-up near Banner Elk, NC 2/22-CANCELED

Due to inclement weather, this event has been canceled. Please check back for other upcoming events! Come join the Clean Water team as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.

Meet-up: Lowe’s Food in Banner Elk @ 4000 NC-105 Linville NC 28604
The group will meet and carpool to our clean-up location on the Elk River.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward in case you get wet or dirty.

We will have plenty of trash bags, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, hand saws, rakes, etc., However feel free to bring your own if you would like. We will have our dump trailer there for the removal of collected garbage and recyclables.

Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!

As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.

To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):

     ✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.

     ✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.

     ✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.

     ✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.

     ✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.

     ✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.

After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot. 

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**