Hurricane Helene

Together with state and federal partners, FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts. Continue to follow directions from local officials to stay safe.

Learn more about the response to Hurricane Helene across all federal agencies on USA.gov.

• We are working with our state, local and tribal partners to assess damage from the storm as quickly as possible.
• We are coordinating a federal force of nearly 7,000 personnel, each contributing their expertise to this mission.
• We continue to deliver critical supplies to impacted areas including meals, water, generators, tarps and other supplies and equipment.

Get additional updates in the News section.

You can apply for assistance in three ways:

• online by visiting disasterassistance.gov
• call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
• download the FEMA app

Misinformation and rumors can spread quickly after a disaster. Keep your community safe by being aware of common rumors about Hurricane Helene.

Safety is the number one priority after any storm. Be careful in areas with damage, flooding and power outages.

• Avoid wading or driving through floodwaters inside, outside and around your home.
• Use generators safely – keep them outside and far away from your home.
• Clean up safely – wear protective clothing and gear, use a mask and ask for help moving heavy debris.

Find more post-storm safety tips on Ready.gov.

Learn how to stay safe before, during and after a hurricane.

Be aware of scam artists and identity thieves who are attempting to take advantage of survivors. Watch for and report any suspicious activity, or anything that just doesn’t seem right to you. Visit Disaster Fraud or CISA Warns of Hurricane-Related Scams to learn more.

• Volunteer to help. Sign up to volunteer with a reputable group or organization. Do not go by yourself to a disaster area. Look up volunteer opportunities on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website. 
• Cash is the best donation. It’s important to donate responsibly. When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster.
• Identify what is needed. Before donating supplies connect with organizations working in the affected area to find out how much is needed and when it is needed.

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If you need help reconnecting with loved ones missing after the hurricane:

• Visit the Red Cross website
• Call 800-733-2767 and provide as much details as possible to help operators locate loved ones.

Use these resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

Sometimes help can’t wait. If you or someone you know is in danger or having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  Access the 988 Crisis Lifeline by dialing/texting 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org. You will speak with a crisis counselor any time of day or night.

The helpline is open to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

You can call the toll-free, multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline for confidential counseling, referrals and other support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Spanish speakers should press “2”. Deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers can connect directly to an American Sign Language agent, through ASL Now or by calling 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone.

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• AlabamaEMA.gov
• 211ConnectsAlabama.org or call 211
• ALvoad.org

Florida

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• Florida Hurricane Helene Disaster Page
• FloridaDisaster.org
• Florida Shelters
• FLvoad.org
• FL211.org or call 211

For Florida state assistance, call 800-342-3557.

Georgia

Quick Links

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• GEMA.Georgia.gov
• Call 211

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• North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene Disaster Page
• North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
• NC211.org or call 211
• NCvoad.org
• Ready NC.gov

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).

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• South Carolina Hurricane Helene Disaster Page
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division

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• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
• TNvoad.org

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• Virginia Tropical Storm Helene Disaster Page
• VDEM.gov Hurricane Helene Page
• 211virginia.org or call 211
• VAvoad.org
• Virginia Disaster Relief Fund, United Way of SW Virginia

Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: 844-965-1386

Disaster-Related Tools

Images and Videos

View Hurricane Helene images and videos to see how FEMA and federal partners are supporting on the ground.

View on DVIDS

View on DHS Media Library

Press Releases, Fact Sheets and Blogs

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At the Direction of FEMA Administrator Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Visits Firefighters in Support of Hurricane Helene Response

At the direction of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to support the whole of government response, U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, met with firefighters and emergency response teams last week in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to discuss ongoing recovery efforts and assess their urgent needs.

Press Release | October 6, 2024

Hurricane Helene: FEMA Assistance for Georgians

FEMA disaster assistance may provide funds to homeowners and renters for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from Hurricane Helene. FEMA assistance is not a replacement for insurance.

Fact Sheets | October 6, 2024

Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Survivors Surpasses $137 Million as Biden-Harris Administration Continues Response and Recovery Efforts in Southeast and Closely Monitors Storm in the Gulf

FEMA continues its robust response and recovery efforts in the Southeast following the devastation caused by Helene. Federal assistance for survivors has now surpassed $137 million, with FEMA’s mission remaining steadfast in helping communities recover and rebuild.

Press Release | October 6, 2024

Protect Your Identity. Be Alert to Fraud and Scams.

After a natural disaster, it is important to protect yourself against fraud and identity theft. In some cases, criminals may try to get information by pretending to be disaster workers. Scam artists may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by the disaster.

Press Release | October 6, 2024

Survivors Receive Assistance as Critical Response Efforts Continue Across Southeast

While lifesaving and life-sustaining efforts remain top priorities in states affected by Helene, local and state governments, the private sector, faith-based groups and nonprofits continue working with the federal family to meet survivors’ immediate needs and distribute critical items.

Press Release | October 5, 2024

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