Hurricane Helene

Hear from survivors of hurricanes Helene and Milton about how they were impacted from the storms and turned to FEMA to get assistance.

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

Federal disaster assistance is available to the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to help jumpstart recovery efforts.

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.

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.

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Debris removal activities, such as clearance, removal, recycling and disposal are eligible under Public Assistance Category A if the removal is in the public interest, among other factors.

Learn more about assistance for debris removal.

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Disaster survivors with damage to their primary residence may be eligible for FEMA Sheltering and Housing Assistance such as lodging reimbursement, rental assistance, or home repair or replacement.

Learn more about housing assistance options.

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Do you run a business or are you a business owner affected by Hurricane Helene? There are many assistance programs available across the federal government designed to help you and your business.

Learn about assistance for you, your employees, and your business.

• 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.

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.

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 FEMA Media Library

Press Releases, Fact Sheets and Blogs

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One-Day Farm Recovery Centers Planned for December in Eight Florida Counties

The State of Florida, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FEMA are coordinating one-day Farm Recovery Centers in Hamilton, Hendry, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Polk and Suwannee counties. These events have been organized to provide support for farmers affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. The Farm Recovery Centers will help Florida’s agriculture and aquaculture producers learn about disaster recovery assistance available after the hurricanes.

Press Release | December 2, 2024

FEMA, SBA Work Together To Assist Hurricane Helene Survivors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – FEMA’s Individual Assistance program and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan program are the federal government’s two primary sources of financial assistance to help individuals and households recover and rebuild from a major disaster. In many cases, homeowners and renters find that they need assistance from both programs to support their recovery.

Press Release | December 2, 2024

FEMA Urges South Carolinians to Apply for Assistance Despite Concerns Regarding Homeowners’ Insurance

COLUMBIA, S.C. – If you were affected by Hurricane Helene and have an active insurance policy, state and FEMA officials urge South Carolinians to check with their insurance company and FEMA to start their road to recovery.

Press Release | December 2, 2024

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in McCormick County

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in McCormick County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.

Press Release | December 2, 2024

Recovery Center Updates for Georgia

FEMA is opening an additional Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Berrien County and closing a Center in Bryan County.

Press Release | December 2, 2024

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