MountainStrong Hurricane Recovery Fund
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, MountainTrue is dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of our community.
- This event has passed.
French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up near Asheville 1/30
January 30 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Come help the French Broad Riverkeeper team clean up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
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.
