Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery
Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery
Hurricane Helene devastated much of western NC, other parts of NC and neighboring states of Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia. South Carolina and Florida. The mountains were hit hardest, with severe flooding and landslides, leaving many communities in ruin.
DOI is coordinating with law enforcement agencies, emergency management, fire departments, rescue squads, charities, churches and civic groups to do everything we can at the state and local level to assist the victims. DOI Consumer Assistance will be on the ground for the next three weeks to help with insurance claims and other needs.
This web page will be updated with the latest information on the DOI Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Visit ncdoi.gov/disaster for information on what to do Before, During and After a Storm.
Victim Assistance Centers
Date | County | Address |
---|---|---|
Thursday, October 31, 9:00am-4:00pm | Jackson | Jackson County Annex Building, 198 WBI Drive, Sylva, NC |
Wednesday, November 6, 9:00am-4:00pm | McDowell | AC Bud Hogan Community Center, 909 East Main St, Old Fort, NC |
Wednesday, November 6, 9:00am-4:00pm | Alleghany | Wilkes Community College, Alleghany Center 115 Atwood St, Sparta, NC |
Thursday, November 7, 9:00am-4:00pm | Alleghany | Wilkes Community College, Alleghany Center 115 Atwood St, Sparta, NC |
Thursday, November 7, 9:00am-4:00pm | Madison | Marshall Library, 1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC |
Tuesday, November 12, 9:00am-4:00pm | Polk | Columbus Library, 1289 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC |
Thursday, November 14, 9:00am-4:00pm | Rutherford | Mountains Branch Library, 150 Bille Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC |
Insurance Camps
Date | Location | Address |
---|---|---|
Wednesday, October 23, 9am-4pm | Buncombe | Lowe's Home Improvement, 19 McKenna Rd, Arden, NC 28704 |
Thursday, October 24, 9am-4pm | Buncombe | Lowe's Home Improvement, 19 McKenna Rd, Arden, NC 28704 |
FEMA
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.
The Disaster Distress Helpline
(DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Crisis Cleanup
Get assistance with debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene: (844) 965-1386. All services are free, but not guaranteed. The hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11.
United Way NC
If you need assistance with resources, such as housing, transportation, food, and other basic needs, call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 or visit nc211.org
Red Cross
The Red Cross responds to emergencies in order to meet the urgent needs of those affected by disaster. Our focus is to ensure those impacted are provided safe shelter, food, emotional support, health services, and critical relief items. Once emergent needs are met the Red Cross works one-on-one with clients to help them plan their recovery.
Services such as evacuation coordination, search and rescue, advanced medical care, pet sheltering and medical sheltering are best performed by government agencies or organizations that have the resources, trained workers and expertise to carry out those functions. We work closely with the groups involved in those services to ensure that we can meet the needs of people who come to us for help. 1-800- 733-2767
How to apply for help with utility bills after a disaster
Your local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help pay your heating and cooling utility bills after a disaster.
Each LIHEAP office sets its own criteria and process for getting help after a disaster
North Carolina
Ms. Jasmyne Simmons
Energy Program Consultant
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Social Services, Economic & Family Services
820 S. Boylan Avenue - Hargrove Building
2420 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-2420
TEL: (919) 527-7253
FAX: (919) 334-1265
E-MAIL: jasmyne.simmons@dhhs.nc.gov
WEB SITE: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services
SBA disaster loan
If your business or home suffered damage and is in a presidentially declared disaster area, you may qualify for financial help. Find out how to apply for a small business disaster loan.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans after a disaster. The loans can help businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, and individual households. The loans can pay for: Repair or replacement of physical damages; Expenses that your business’ or homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover; Personal expenses- SBA contact center at 1-800-659-2955
Unemployment benefits after a disaster
Disaster unemployment assistance provides short-term income to people who are out of work due to a disaster. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply. You may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance if you:
- Lost your job as a direct result of a presidentially declared disaster
- Do not already receive unemployment benefits
- Cannot reach your job because of the disaster
- Cannot work because of a disaster-related injury
1-888-737-0259 -NC Department of Commerce, Employment Security
Dial 211 to find emergency housing
In most areas of the U.S., you can dial 211 to connect with local social services and get referrals for emergency housing.
Volunteers needed with Samaritans Purse
(828) 588-5711 English
(833) 610-4243 Español
Currently scheduling volunteers beginning Monday, September 30, 2024 through Saturday, November 2, 2024.
Location: Boone, NC
Project Description: Volunteers will assist homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene and will help in Jesus' Name with tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping, and mud outs. There will be opportunities for overnight and day volunteers. No skills are necessary prior to serving. Volunteers will be led and instructed by experienced team leads.
Length of Stay: Minimum stay of three days for overnight volunteers. Maximum stay of 2 weeks.
Schedule: Volunteers will work Monday through Saturday. At the beginning of a deployment, we work limited hours on Sundays.
Maximum Team Size: 15 (a team is made up of 2 or more individuals)
Minimum Age: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age or older. Youth, ages 14-15, must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian, and youth, ages 16-17, must be accompanied by an adult chaperone unless the team is registered as a youth group. Youth groups may serve with Samaritan’s Purse and are required to complete a Youth Leader Covenant. Please read more information about our Youth Policy in the FAQ section.
Local / Day Volunteers: If you are local to the area, we welcome you to serve for the day. Due to the nature of disaster relief, our schedule must remain fluid. Due to many road closures please visit drivenc.gov prior to traveling. Please arrive at our orientation location, Alliance Bible Fellowship, 1035 North Carolina HWY 105 Bypass, Boone, NC 28607. Volunteers will work Monday - Saturday, beginning Monday, September 30, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. Day volunteers will need to bring a bagged lunch, water, and hand sanitizer.
Additional Information: Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the site. Meals and sleeping quarters are provided for overnight volunteers. Volunteers need to bring twin size air mattress or cot, linens/sleeping bag, pillow, towels and personal hygiene items. Tools will be provided, and volunteers are welcome to bring their own tool belts and small hand tools. Volunteers should dress in long pants and sturdy boots.
DriveNC
Check for road closures due to the storm. https://drivenc.gov/
Press Releases
- Commissioner Causey announces two days of insurance camps south of Asheville to aid those impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Commissioner Causey announces victim assistance centers in Jefferson, Sugar Grove and Beech Mountain to aid those impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Commissioner Causey announces victim assistant centers in Boone to aid those impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Commissioner Causey announces victim assistance centers, insurance camps in Boone and Banner Elk to aid those impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Special Enrollment Period for Medicare recipients affected by Helene’s damage
- In the aftermath of Helene, Commissioner Causey cautions public to be on the lookout for scammers and storm-related fraud
- Commissioner Causey announces first Victim Assistance Centers to aid North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene
- Commissioner Causey sends letter to victims of Hurricane Helene
- Ahead of Hurricane Helene, Commissioner Causey shares tips of what to do before, during and after a weather event
- Commissioner Causey announces victim assistance centers in Spindale, Arden to aid those impacted by Hurricane Helene
Bulletins and Industry Information
- 24-B-18 - FEMA Related Coverage Inquiries - Helene
- 24-B-17 - Hurricane Helene Data Call
- 24-B-16 - Additional Relief for Insureds Affected by Tropical Storm Helene
- 24-B-15 - Relief for Insureds Affected by Tropical Storm Helene
- 24-B-14 - Activation of Disaster Mediation Program Bulletin and COI Order - Tropical Storm Helene (COUNTIES AMENDED)
- 24-B-13 - Commissioner of Insurance Order - Tropical Storm Helene (COUNTIES AMENDED)
- 24-B-12 - Extra RX During State of Emergency
- North Carolina Catastrophic Adjuster Certification, Bulletins and Badges
Helpful Resources
- Insurance Company Phone Numbers
- Look Up An Insurance Agent
- Disaster Mediation Program
- NC Department of Public Safety - Storm Information
- How to Get Help After Hurricane Helene - State and Federal Assistance Programs
- NFIP How To Start a Flood Insurance Claim Flyer
- NAIC Post Disaster Claims Guide
- How Can I Avoid Getting Scammed by a Contractor?
- Contractor Fraud Checklist
- Hurricane Helene: Fact vs. Rumor
- Message from the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network