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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Fork, NC

Home Care Fork, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Fort Raleigh National Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fork, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Fork, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Looking for a placement is always difficult for a family. Contacting Sandy to help was the best option. She was familiar with all assisted living/memory care facilities around town and was quick to respond to the family with tours. She delivered FL2 forms to physician's and made the transition an easy process. I recommend Sandy 100 % for any family needing a smaller community for their elderly family member.”

MATTCH
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful for my position. The staff are acceptable, the clients are lovely, and the environments are professional. I highly recommend PCAs and CNAs to apply.”

Samantha T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”

Kelly P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”

Ffbjj B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”

Beth G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

MJ F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”

Meredith K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”

Ginger M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Michael B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”

Mary E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Phillip B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”

Barry C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”

Laura M.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Fork, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Fork, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Fork, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Fork, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Fork, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Devils Fork State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Fork, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Capital Grille or visit Devils Fork State Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Fork, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Fork, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Fork, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Fork, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Fork, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fork, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Fork, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Fork, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Southfork
  • The Pearl at Five Forks Memory Care Community
  • Carlyle Senior Care
  • Sunrise at Five Forks
  • Harmony at Five Forks
  • Sunny Acres Inc
Home Care Fork, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Fork, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fork, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Fork, NC

Latest News in Fork, NC

2nd wildfire breaks out in Helene-ravaged North Carolina county as “significant progress” made in Crooked Creek Fire, officials say

A second wildfire has erupted in western North Carolina’s McDowell County, an area that was ravaged by Hurricane Helene just four months ago, nearly to the day, officials said. The fire, dubbed the North Fork Fire, comes a day after the Crooked Creek Fire suddenly arose in the county’s town of Old Fort, a town of just 800 people.McDowell County Emergency Services said Thursday morning that they are actively monitoring the North Fork Fire, which has so far grown to 60 acres and is 0% contained. At this time, the department ...

A second wildfire has erupted in western North Carolina’s McDowell County, an area that was ravaged by Hurricane Helene just four months ago, nearly to the day, officials said. The fire, dubbed the North Fork Fire, comes a day after the Crooked Creek Fire suddenly arose in the county’s town of Old Fort, a town of just 800 people.

McDowell County Emergency Services said Thursday morning that they are actively monitoring the North Fork Fire, which has so far grown to 60 acres and is 0% contained. At this time, the department said, “there is no imminent threat to structures.”

“Local fire departments are on scene and working in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service to provide structure protection and monitor fire behavior,” the department said. “Crews will continue containment efforts throughout the day.”

The North Fork Fire, which is in the town of Marion, arose just hours after the Crooked Creek Fire developed in Old Fort. Originally, McDowell emergency officials described Crooked Creek as “out of control.” In their latest update just before 7 a.m. local time on Thursday, they said that the fire had grown to an estimated 250 acres and was 55% contained and that “significant progress” had been made overnight.

“Winds diminished and relative humidity increased leading to lower fire activity,” officials said, adding that the progress meant that evacuation orders for affected areas would be lifted at 8 a.m. local time. “Emergency personnel will continue to remain on-site throughout the day to monitor the situation and ensure further containment of the fire.”

No injuries or fatalities have been reported. One home was damaged, however, and multiple outbuildings, referring to sheds, garages and buildings of the like, have been destroyed.

The fires erupted amid high winds that created “dangerous fire conditions,” emergency officials previously said. A wind advisory had been issued starting at midnight on Wednesday, with warnings of 15 to 25 mph winds and gusts of up to 50 mph that were expected to last until 6 p.m. local time.

The winds only added to the dry conditions being felt in the area. CBS News and Stations meteorologist Nikki Nolan said that Old Fort, which normally receives on average just under 4 inches of rain in January, has so far only received 0.58 inches. Dry conditions are known fuels for fires because of the dry vegetation, and high winds help fires spread more quickly.

According to CBS affiliate WNCN, initial reports indicate the fire was started by a tree falling onto a power line.

Tens of thousands of homes were believed to be damaged across western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene in September. In Old Fort, at least 47 homes and buildings were destroyed in the town of just over 800 people, and 36 other homes were damaged, according to the Asheville Citizen-Times.

Thousands of people remain displaced, according to the Citizen-Times.

North Fork Fire in McDowell County grows to 200 acres; Crooked Creek Fire 100% contained

As of 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30, firefighters were continuing burnout operations in McDowell County on the North Fork Fire, which has grown to 200 acres and is 20% contained.McDowell County Emergency Services first reported the fire at about 4 p.m. Jan. 29 in the area of Good Road in the Woodlawn Community of Marion. Fire personnel immediately responded and are actively working to contain the fire.According to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service, 80 firefighters are responding to the fire burning in areas of heavy damage from T...

As of 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30, firefighters were continuing burnout operations in McDowell County on the North Fork Fire, which has grown to 200 acres and is 20% contained.

McDowell County Emergency Services first reported the fire at about 4 p.m. Jan. 29 in the area of Good Road in the Woodlawn Community of Marion. Fire personnel immediately responded and are actively working to contain the fire.

According to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service, 80 firefighters are responding to the fire burning in areas of heavy damage from Tropical Storm Helene near the Woodlawn Community. The North Fork Fire is east of U.S. 221 and south of American Thread Road along the cliffs above the North Fork of the Catawba River, in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

Smoke from the North Fork Fire is impacting communities in McDowell County. With hurricane damage, the amount of downed fuels in the forest that are burning are contributing to more smoke than past wildfires in the area. Before Helene, most fuels were small twigs and leaves. Now, some large fuels, such as big, downed trees, are burning for longer, meaning extended smoke impacts. Additional fires in the county are also contributing to regional smoke. Cloudy conditions are not allowing smoke to disperse, meaning higher levels are staying in our communities.

Forecasted Air Quality Indexes for the region are predicted to be moderate overnight into the morning of Jan. 31. However, localized impacts may be more hazardous especially in low lying areas near North Cove, Woodlawn, Marion and Lake James. Smoke sensitive populations including children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions, should limit time outdoors until conditions improve.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail between U.S. 221 and FSR 106, Bald Mountain Road (FSR 150) and Graveyard Mountain Road (FSR 149) remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters.

Recreationists are asked to avoid the area. No structures are threatened at this time, and no evacuations are in place. The North Carolina Forest Service, North Carolina Emergency Management, and local fire departments from Woodlawn and North Cove are assisting with structure protection. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Crooked Creek Fire

As of 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30, the North Carolina Forest Service confirmed that the Crooked Creek Fire, which burned 220 acres in McDowell County, is 100% contained. The fire was caused by a fallen powerline.

One home had damages from the fire, according to the county, but no injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the blaze. The fire started quickly on Jan. 29, and McDowell County set evacuation orders for areas along Bat Cave Road. Emergency personnel will continue to remain on site to monitor the situation and ensure containment of the fire, the office said.

An evacuation order was issued Jan. 29 for residents along Bat Cave Road in Old Fort, but ended Jan. 30.

Residents are asked to avoid the areas to allow emergency crews to operate safely. Given the ongoing dry and windy conditions, the public is strongly advised to refrain from any outdoor burning.

To receive emergency alerts and updates, text 28752 to 888777 to subscribe to real-time notifications from McDowell County Emergency Services.

$39.2M temporary water filtration system will provide added 'protection' at North Fork

ASHEVILLE - In bracing for the winter months, and the potential for storms or heavy winds to stir up sediment at the already turbid North Fork reservoir, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is bringing its temporary filtration system online. A spokesperson described it as an added layer of protection to ensure the city's water customers do not land back under a boil water notice.There is an initial $39.2 million six-month contract for the project, Army Corps of Engineers Spokesperson Patrick Moes told the Citizen Times Dec. 5. Asheville ...

ASHEVILLE - In bracing for the winter months, and the potential for storms or heavy winds to stir up sediment at the already turbid North Fork reservoir, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is bringing its temporary filtration system online. A spokesperson described it as an added layer of protection to ensure the city's water customers do not land back under a boil water notice.

There is an initial $39.2 million six-month contract for the project, Army Corps of Engineers Spokesperson Patrick Moes told the Citizen Times Dec. 5. Asheville Watchdog first reported on the contract.

The contract is issued by the Army Corps and FEMA provided the funding, Moes said. The city did not shoulder any of the cost.

Moes said they started testing the system Dec. 4 and expect to have it online in the next several days.

The city says potable water is back. So why is the system still necessary?

Potable water was restored to the system's 160,000 customers Nov. 18, more than seven weeks after Tropical Storm Helene pummeled Western North Carolina. But turbidity remains higher than pre-storm levels, sitting at about 12.5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units Dec. 5. The goal is less than 2. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, it was pushing 80 and was described as the consistency of "chocolate milk."

While the water is currently treatable at the city's plant, Water Resources Spokesperson Clay Chandler said the Army Corps' filtration system would "provide a critical layer of security" should a weather event cause turbidity to surge.

The storm severely damaged the Asheville water system, which serves Buncombe County and the northern portion of Henderson County. It has interconnections with several towns and municipalities throughout. At the North Fork plant, fed by the Burnette reservoir and serving 80% of the system, the lake was essentially flipped upside down, stirring up sediment and clay.

"It's a long road to recovery," Moes said, and the likelihood of another rain event or largescale snow event is a "real possibility."

"Having this system in place to ensure that the community does not have to go back into a boil water predicament is huge," he said. "It really provides that ability for citizens, i.e.: survivors, to be able to continue their recovery process.”

The filtration system contract was awarded to a joint venture between two firms, Alaska-based Ahtna and CDM Smith.

The hefty $39.2 million price tag includes capital costs and operations and is "holistic" to the entire project. There is the option for two additional six-month contracts, "but clearly we aren't there yet," Moes said, focusing still on getting the system online.

"Having the capacity to remove this turbidity, the sediment, from the reservoir, gives the city (and) Buncombe County a little more time to develop a more maybe holistic option moving forward."

How does the temporary filtration system work?

Chandler said system operation is expected to begin over the weekend and will start slowly, producing about 5 million gallons of water per day, with North Fork providing the rest. Eventually, the Army Corps' filtration system will do most of the "heavy lifting," with North Fork supporting, to meet an average daily demand of 25 million gallons per day.

The technical term, Moes said, is a "turbidity reduction system." Picture a makeshift barge on the reservoir, with six pumps running water to 13 dissolved air flotation units — or DAF units — which cleans it of sediment and sends it into the water intake for the treatment plant.

“To my knowledge, this is the first time we’ve done anything of this magnitude," he said of the system.

More:Asheville's North Fork Water Treatment Plant; What happened to the 'pristine' reservoir?

More:More than 4,000 lead tests requested by Asheville water customers: What to know

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email [email protected] or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

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