BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Almost a year after Hurricane Helene devastated the mountains of western North Carolina, killing 108 people , the historic storm has forced emergency managers to take a hard look at how they can better protect the public in the future. As a result, Buncombe County has requested almost $12 million for mass notification sirens and stream gauges.

"One of the things that we've learned is we need to be a little bit more prepared," Buncombe County County Manager Avril Pinder told WCNC Charlotte. "That's what we've been focused on, the preparedness aspect of getting ready for the next storm."

A WCNC Charlotte investigation found inconsistent, inadequate and in some cases, non-existent efforts across North Carolina to evacuate those at risk leading up to and during the st

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