SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — Homeowners were invited to an event where they could learn about protecting their homes from environmental risks.

A group of nonprofits held a public event in which they highlighted the environmental impacts of Helene.

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As attendees learned of the risks, they could also receive one-on-one consultations focused on risks specific to their property.

Matt Hutchins, a senior resilience advisor with Fern Leaf, says that resources like the environmental risk event are important for Swannanoa.

“It’s so essential because of the recovery phase that the community’s in and here we are 19 months post-Helene, and there’s still resources that are needed, still information that people are seeking, so we’re hopefully providing information and resources to help address people’s concerns,” Hutchins said.

The event showcased available programs to help governments with risk assessment and mitigation.

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One of the programs discussed is the Land-of-Sky Regional Council Resilience assessment, which helps local governments with resilience planning efforts.

For more information on available programs, visit here.