Upcoming Swannanoa event addresses risks to life and property

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026

CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (276) 289-1018, dan@appvoices.org 

Western North Carolina residents can learn about landslide, wildfire and flood risks and how to prepare for  WNC-specific hazards at a community educational and preparedness event on Saturday, May 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Warren Wilson College.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. with an overview of a recent project that has resulted in an update of Swannanoa’s extreme weather risks and community vulnerabilities. Next, attendees can choose from breakout sessions explaining how to understand specific, place-based landslide, wildfire and flood risks related to the Swannanoa community in particular and Western North Carolina more broadly. 

Organizations involved in putting on the event will provide individualized property assessments for the first 30 registrants and, to the extent feasible, one-on-one consultation with attendees to answer their specific questions and concerns. Breakout sessions will be repeated twice to allow attendees to obtain detailed explanations for at least two hazards, and multiple experts will be present to answer questions. Partner organizations will also be on hand to provide helpful resources and to answer questions at information tables set up throughout the event.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Registration isn’t required, but is encouraged to allow for customized property risk assessments and to ensure the organizers are prepared to support all residents’ attendance, particularly in terms of language, communication and  mobility accessibility.

The event will be held at the Gladfelter Student Center at Warren Wilson College, 114 Upper College Road, Swannanoa, NC 28778. Parking information and campus maps are available at the registration link.