North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene
Incident Period: Sep 25, 2024 and continuing.
Declaration Date: Sep 28, 2024
Quick Links
- Recovery resources: State & Local | National
- Connect: Social Media | Mobile App & Text
- 24/7 counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline
On This Page
More About This Disaster
Help for Individuals and Families After a Disaster
If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot help with losses already covered by insurance. Learn more about the steps after applying for assistance.
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.
I Applied for Assistance. What's Next?
After applying for assistance, your request is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed to verify disaster-related damage to your home and personal property. FEMA staff and inspectors may contact you to discuss your disaster-caused damage.
FEMA may also request more information to support your eligibility for assistance or information related to your specific disaster-related needs identified in your application. If this is needed, you will receive a letter from FEMA outlining the information needed.
Learn more about what to expect
Transitional Sheltering
FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance has been activated for survivors allowing for short-term, emergency sheltering options in participating hotels.
In order to receive sheltering assistance, start by applying for assistance. You must have a FEMA registration ID and approval from FEMA to participate. If FEMA has reached out to you about sheltering assistance, you can look up participating hotels.
Review FEMA’s Decision
Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining:
- whether you are approved for assistance
- how much assistance you will receive
- how the assistance must be used
- how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it
The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.
Frequently Asked Questions and Rumors
Get answers to frequently asked questions about emergency shelters, disaster assistance, flood insurance and more. Learn more about common disaster-related rumors and the facts you need to jumpstart your recovery. Find information on identifying disaster fraud and how to report it.
Find a Housing Counselor
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides support to a nationwide network of housing counseling agencies (HCAs) and certified counselors. HUD-participating HCAs are approved and trained to provide tools to current and prospective homeowners and renters so they can make responsible choices to address their housing needs considering their financial situations.
Multilingual Resources
You can find social media graphics with important safety messaging in various languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
We also have videos in American Sign Language (ASL) on topics including:
Local Resources
Local Information
Local News & Media
Visit the News & Media page for events, fact sheets, press releases and other multimedia resources.
Housing Assistance
Survivors of Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina who sustained damage to their primary residences may be eligible for one or more FEMA sheltering and temporary housing solutions. Watch a video about available programs for North Carolina survivors.
Other Resources
Debris Removal Assistance
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is helping local governments remove, reduce, and dispose of debris in counties designated under the disaster declaration. This support is provided as direct federal assistance from FEMA at the request of the state. Learn more about USACE debris removal assistance.
Disaster Debris Management
If you are a local emergency manager, learn about the following debris removal topics by attending this webinar:
- private property debris removal
- commercial property debris removal
- removal reimbursement eligibility information for waterways, public parks, private roads and gated communities
Helene: Rumor Response
Misinformation and rumors can spread quickly after a disaster. Keep your community safe by being aware of common rumors about Tropical Storm Helene.
Beware of Fraud and Scams
There is a heightened risk of fraud and identity theft after a disaster. Visit Disaster Fraud for tips to protect your identity and stay informed. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or contact the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
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 (EPAP) . Residents in 179 North Carolina zip codes are eligible to apply for EPAP assistance.
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).
How to Help
Volunteer and Donate
Recovery can take many years after a disaster. There are many ways to help such as donating cash, needed items or your time. Learn more about how to help those in need.
Don’t self-deploy to disaster areas. Trusted organizations in the affected areas know where volunteers are needed. Work with an established organization to make sure you have the appropriate safety, training and skills needed to respond.
FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) build relationships and coordinate efforts with voluntary, faith-based and community organizations active in disasters.
Doing Business with FEMA
If you are interested in providing paid services and goods for disaster relief, visit our Doing Business with FEMA page to get started.
If you own a business involved with debris removal and want to work on clean-up efforts in affected areas, please contact the local government in affected areas to offer your services.
Funding Obligations
| Individual Assistance | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Housing Assistance (HA) - Dollars Approved | $65,423,759.58 |
| Total Other Needs Assistance (ONA) - Dollars Approved | $179,833,480.83 |
| Total Individual & Households Program Dollars Approved | $245,257,240.41 |
| Individual Assistance Applications Approved | 134737 |
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) List
Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Disaster survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.
Search for the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) closest to you.
Asheville Mall (Old Gap Store)
Address
3 South Tunnel Road
Asheville, North Carolina 28805
Buncombe
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Macon County Public Health Center
Address
1830 Lakeside Drive
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
Macon
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Dallas Civic Center
Address
206 South Oakland Street
Dallas, North Carolina 28034
Gaston
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Polk County Recreational Complex (Parking Lot)
Address
235 Wolverine Trl
Mill Spring, North Carolina 28756
Polk
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Swain County Technology and Training Center
Address
45 East Ridge Drive
Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
Swain
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Mountains Branch Library
Address
150 Bills Creek Road
Lake Lure, North Carolina 28746
Rutherford
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Notes
This DRC is temporarily closed until further notice.
County Annex Facility (Old Ridge Hardware)
Address
671 West United States Highway 19e Bypass
Burnsville, North Carolina 28714
Yancey
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Marshall Library
Address
1335 North Main Street
Marshall, North Carolina 28753
Madison
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Foothills Higher Education Center
Address
2128 South Sterling Street
Morganton, North Carolina 28655
Burke
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Business Development Center (BDC)
Address
115 Atwood Street
Sparta, North Carolina 28675
Alleghany
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | Closed |
A.C. Bud Hogan Community Center
Address
909 East Main Street
Old Fort, North Carolina 28762
Mcdowell
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Mayland Community College-Avery Campus
Address
785 Cranberry Street
Newland, North Carolina 28657
Avery
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday: | 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Regional High Technology Center
Address
112 Industrial Park Drive
Waynesville, North Carolina 28786
Haywood
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Family Central Parks and Recreation Center
Address
626 Ashe Central School Road
Jefferson, North Carolina 28640
Ashe
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Community Services Building
Address
106 East Morgan Street
Brevard, North Carolina 28712
Transylvania
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Blue Ridge Commons
Address
2111 Asheville Highway
Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791
Henderson
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Mitchell County Senior Center
Address
152 Ledger School Road
Bakersville, North Carolina 28705
Mitchell
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Appalachian Enterprise Center
Address
130 Poplar Grove Connector Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607
Watauga
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Jackson County Annex Building
Address
198 WBI Drive
Sylva, North Carolina 28779
Jackson
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Caldwell County Health and Human Services Center
Address
2345 Morganton Boulevard Southwest
Lenoir, North Carolina 28645
Caldwell
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
McDowell County Senior Center
Address
100 Spaulding Road
Marion, North Carolina 28752
Mcdowell
Get Directions
DRC Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday: | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |