Survivors Receive Assistance as Critical Response Efforts Continue Across Southeast

WASHINGTON -- 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.

In addition to the coordinated efforts, President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA App.

Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies 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.

These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states affected by Helene:

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell greets members the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Fort Liberty. (Photo credit: FEMA)HUDSON, Florida - A Red Cross Disaster Health Services volunteer nurse assists a local resident who lost everything when storm surge inundated his home during Hurricane Helene. (Photo credit: American Red Cross) Greenville S.C. - (Oct. 4, 2024) - FEMA's Disaster Survivor Assistance provides assistance for a second day at The Insurance Village Outreach event to help the people affected by Hurricane Helene.THOMSON, Georgia - Emergency meals have arrived at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) disaster relief supply drop and coordination site. (Photo credit: FEMA) Erwin, Tenn. - (Oct. 3, 2024) - Town of Erwin Police Chief Regan Tilson and U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell observing the I-26 bridges that were damaged during Hurricane Helene in Unicoi County, Tennessee. Asheville, N.C. - (Oct. 4, 2024) - U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024. Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 4, 2024) - Members of the New Jersey Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team conduct operations across Buncombe County in Asheville, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024. In response to Hurricane Helene, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response deployed hundreds of responders and hundreds of tons of medical equipment to support North Carolina communities as part of the government-wide response to the devastation caused by the hurricane. Responders from ASPR's National Disaster Medical System began providing care on October 1, 2024. Photo provided by ASPR. Haywood County, N.C. - (Oct. 3, 2024) - Eastern Band of Cherokee's Fire and Rescue along with FEMA Urban Search and Rescue's Massachusetts Task Force 1 and other local responders conduct a recovery operation in Clyde, Haywood County, North Carolina, on Tuesday, October 2, 2024. Augusta, Ga. - (Oct. 3, 2024) - A utility worker repairs telephone lines in the Richmond-Augusta community in Augusta, GA, After Hurricane Helene swept thru the area. Patsy Lynch/FEMA

FEMA's Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. Additional resources on FEMA's website include a summary of response and recovery efforts and a Rumor Response webpage.

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