Washington – As search and rescue, power restoration and communications capability remain top priorities throughout the Southeast, FEMA has already helped thousands of Hurricane Helene survivors jumpstart their recoveries with more than $10 million in flexible, upfront funding.
More than 4,800 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed and more than 1,000 are from FEMA. To date, FEMA has shipped over 8.8 million meals, more than 7.4 million liters of water, 150 generators and more than 225,000 tarps to the region.
Yesterday, President Biden was in North Carolina and Vice President Harris was in Georgia meeting with community leaders and first responders. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will remain in North Carolina to oversee response efforts and ensure the federal government provides urgent and extensive support to Asheville and surrounding areas.
President Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration for 24 counties and cities in Virginia. This declaration comes in addition to areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Disaster survivors in these areas can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA.
People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.
There are three ways apply for FEMA assistance:
Online by visiting disasterassistance.gov.
Calling 1-800-621-3362.
Downloading and applying on the FEMA App.
Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.
Voluntary organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has more than 850 trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. They are also helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page, where you can enter pertinent information about the person you’re looking for. If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
People can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mold mitigation with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through October 11 and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist.
North Carolina
President Biden will visit today to survey damage and meet with community leaders and first responders. So far, FEMA has received over 30,000 applications and provided more than $2.6 million to survivors.
As of yesterday, more than 62% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Nearly 8,000 crews continue to assist with remaining power restoration efforts.
Cellular restoration continues to improve, with less than 50% of cellular sites down as of today. Ten counties, down from 17, have 50% or more cell sites down. Two Federal Communications Commission surveillance teams are conducting inspection operations on equipment in targeted counties.
To date, FEMA has helped provide 67 total Starlink to the state, including 3 Starlinks for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation and 4 Starlinks for critical lifeline locations as determined by the state.
As of yesterday, search and rescue teams have conducted nearly 1,500 structural evaluations and over 1,660 human and animal interactions including rescues, evacuations and other assistance. Additional federal search and rescue teams are enroute to support the mission.
Voluntary organizations are supporting mass feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft delivery.
Four additional shelters opened yesterday, totaling 29 shelters with over 1,000 occupants.
The Salvation Army has provided over 1,000 meals, 1,900 snacks and 1,900 beverages to survivors. Mobile feeding operations continue to help survivors in heavily impacted areas.
The North Carolina National Guard has delivered 12 aircraft pallets, totaling more than 100,000 lbs of food and over 38,000 lbs of water to Asheville.
Information for Residents:
Residents should not travel to western North Carolina to keep the roadways clear for search and rescue teams and utility crews.
Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.
