South Carolina Hurricane Helene
Incident Period: Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 7, 2024
Declaration Date: Sep 29, 2024
Quick Links
- Recovery resources: State & Local | National
- Connect: Social Media | Mobile App & Text
- 24/7 counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline
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More About This Disaster
Now Closed: Period to Apply for Disaster Assistance
The initial application period for this disaster has closed, but recovery from the disaster continues. FEMA continues to accept late applications for 60 days following the end of the application periods. For FEMA to consider your late application, you will need to explain the reason for the delay by phone, in writing or in-person. FEMA does not require you to submit supporting documentation for your reasoning. FEMA will review late applications on a case-by-case basis.
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.
FEMA responding to Hurricane Helene
Recent Hurricane Rumors
Misinformation and rumors can spread quickly after a disaster. Help keep yourself, your family and your community safe by being aware of rumors and scams and sharing official information from trusted sources.
Learn more: Hurricane Rumor Response
Mental Health Resources for Disaster Survivors
Use these resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
988 Crisis Lifeline
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.
Disaster Distress Hotline
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.
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 | $47,703,882.38 |
| Total Other Needs Assistance (ONA) - Dollars Approved | $223,787,770.93 |
| Total Individual & Households Program Dollars Approved | $271,491,653.31 |
| Individual Assistance Applications Approved | 242628 |