We have answers to your Florence-related questions

As Florence's clouds start to clear, we are answering questions that readers in the Cape Fear region have about a number of issues, such as what comes next in the recovery efforts or when mail will be delivered.

You can follow the latest updates here.

Q: Is the Fayetteville curfew still in effect?

A: No. The overnight curfew has been lifted.

Q: When is the Cape Fear River expected to crest?

A: Crest is projected for 2 a.m. Wednesday, at a height of 61.5 feet.

Q: Are bridges over Cape Fear safe?

A: The bridges on Person Street and Grove Street are structurally sound, and the only reason they might be closed is out of concern that water might seep into driving lanes. Fayetteville police have stopped people from walking over the Person Street bridge.

Q: When will I get my mail?

A: The following post offices in our region are closed (no retail, delivery or Business Mail Entry Unit services where applicable) until further notice: Autryville, Bladenboro, Cameron, Carthage, Cliffdale Station, Clinton, Cumberland, Dublin, Dunn, Elizabethtown, Fairmont, Falcon, Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Garland, Godwin, Harrells, Hope Mills, Ivanhoe, Laurel Hill, Laurinburg, Linden, Lumber Bridge, Lumberton, Maxton, Newton Grove, Orrum, Parkton, Pembroke, Pinebluff, Pinehurst, Pope Army Airfield, Raeford, Red Springs, Riegelwood, Roseboro, St. Pauls, Salemburg, Southern Pines, Spring Lake, Stedman, Tokay Station, Vass, Wade, White Oak and Whiteville.

Q: Where can I get gas?

A: Gas is available in most areas where power has been restored.

Q: Hoke County isn't on the Federal Emergency Management Agency list of counties designated for assistance. What does that mean for residents there?

A: Officials are expected to appeal for FEMA aid. In some cases when disasters cause damage to uninsured homes and FEMA relief is not available, local nonprofit agencies can be coordinated to assist with relief efforts. It's still early in the recovery effort.

Q: When will I get my newspaper?

A: Our carriers are on the road, making deliveries, but there are some areas they still can't access safely. You can continue to read the E-Edition of the newspaper without a login at fayobserver.com/eedition.

Q: What parts of Interstate 95 are closed?

A: As of Tuesday afternoon, I-95 North is closed from exit 65 (Godwin-Falcon) to exit 73 (Dunn), and I-95 South is closed from exit 65 to exit 81 (I-40 intersection near Benson). South of Fayetteville, another stretch of I-95 is closed from exit 13 (between Pembroke and Fairmont) to exit 468 (near Gray's Creek). Check drivenc.gov for updates.

Q: How can I help?

A: Locally, many churches and civic groups are offering aid and accepting relief item donations. Statewide, you can donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund at nc.gov/agencies/volunteer/disaster-assistance. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is accepting donations here.

You can research charities using Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and Guidestar.

Q: Is Robeson County still under a boil water mandate?

A: Yes. The Lumberton Water Treatment Plant is still operating at limited capacity. Residents are encouraged to continue water conservation methods.

Q: How many pets went to evacuation shelters in Cumberland County?

A: There were 91 pets, mostly cats and dogs with a rabbit and two birds in the county's two pet-friendly evacuation shelters. Those were at South View and Pine Forest high schools. 

Q: Why were pets allowed at only two evacuation shelters in Cumberland County?

A: Evacuation shelters that housed pets had to be staffed by an Animal Control officer for safety, so resources and personnel determined that decision. Neither of the two pet-friendly shelters reached capacity.

Q: Has environmental disaster affected laws regarding pet evacuation?

A: After Hurricane Katrina, the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act was signed into federal law. It states that pets in declared disaster areas must be evacuated with people by rescue personnel; rescue, care and shelter for pets is required.

Q: Are hotels participating in FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program required to accommodate pets?

A: No. Hotels are not required to accept pets, even during disaster evacuations. Hotels are required to accept service animals at all times, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Q: How can I get snacks and treats to line workers?

A: Electric companies are making sure that workers are getting three meals a day. If you'd like to treat them, Cathy O'Dell, a spokeswoman for South River Electric Membership Corp., recommends coordinating with your local power company for a community day or some other coordinated effort of appreciation. You can call her at 910-230-2982 to discuss.

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