North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene
Incident Period: Sep 25, 2024 and continuing.
Declaration Date: Sep 28, 2024
Quick Links
- Recovery resources: State & Local | National
- Connect: Social Media | Mobile App & Text
- 24/7 counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline
More About This Disaster
The new Individual Assistance updates only apply to disasters declared on or after March 22, 2024. Read about the updates.
Help for Individuals and Families After a Disaster
If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot help with losses already covered by insurance. Learn more about the steps after applying for assistance.
Apply for Disaster Assistance
The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
Get Immediate Help
Find help with needs that FEMA is not authorized to provide. Check with your local emergency management officials. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
I Applied for Assistance. What's Next?
After applying for assistance, your request is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed to verify disaster-related damage to your home and personal property. FEMA staff and inspectors may contact you to discuss your disaster-caused damage.
FEMA may also request more information to support your eligibility for assistance or information related to your specific disaster-related needs identified in your application. If this is needed, you will receive a letter from FEMA outlining the information needed.
Learn more about what to expect
Review FEMA’s Decision
Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining:
- whether you are approved for assistance
- how much assistance you will receive
- how the assistance must be used
- how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it
The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.
You may have received information about a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan for additional unmet needs. For disasters declared before March 22, 2024, you may need to submit an SBA loan application before being considered for certain types of FEMA assistance. Learn more about SBA loans and how the SBA loan application process relates to FEMA disaster assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions and Rumors
Get answers to frequently asked questions about emergency shelters, disaster assistance, flood insurance and more. Learn more about common disaster-related rumors and the facts you need to jumpstart your recovery. Find information on identifying disaster fraud and how to report it.
Find a Housing Counselor
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides support to a nationwide network of housing counseling agencies (HCAs) and certified counselors. HUD-participating HCAs are approved and trained to provide tools to current and prospective homeowners and renters so they can make responsible choices to address their housing needs considering their financial situations.
Multilingual Resources
You can find social media graphics with important safety messaging in various languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
We also have videos in American Sign Language (ASL) on topics including:
Local Resources
Local Information
Local News & Media
Visit the News & Media page for events, fact sheets, press releases and other multimedia resources.
Helene: Rumor Response
Misinformation and rumors can spread quickly after a disaster. Keep your community safe by being aware of common rumors about Tropical Storm Helene.
Prescription Assistance
Uninsured North Carolina residents in areas impacted by Tropical Storm Helene can replace their 30-day supply of certain prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies from any pharmacy that participates in the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program. Residents in 179 North Carolina zip codes are eligible to apply for EPAP assistance.
To learn more about the program, check out the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) website. To find a participating pharmacy near you, use our pharmacy locator. For help enrolling in the EPAP program, call the enrollment hotline at 1-855-793-7470 (TDD 1-800-876-1089).
How to Help
Volunteer and Donate
Recovery can take many years after a disaster. There are many ways to help such as donating cash, needed items or your time. Learn more about how to help those in need.
Don’t self-deploy to disaster areas. Trusted organizations in the affected areas know where volunteers are needed. Work with an established organization to make sure you have the appropriate safety, training and skills needed to respond.
FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) build relationships and coordinate efforts with voluntary, faith-based and community organizations active in disasters.
Doing Business with FEMA
If you are interested in providing paid services and goods for disaster relief, visit our Doing Business with FEMA page to get started.
If you own a business involved with debris removal and want to work on clean-up efforts in affected areas, please contact the local government in affected areas to offer your services.
Funding Obligations
| Individual Assistance | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Housing Assistance (HA) - Dollars Approved | $7,402,361.32 |
| Total Other Needs Assistance (ONA) - Dollars Approved | $30,056,948.09 |
| Total Individual & Households Program Dollars Approved | $37,459,309.41 |
| Individual Assistance Applications Approved | 28485 |