Disaster Recovery Resources: Hurricane Helene

Below are verified resources from the State of South Carolina, as you rebuild and recover after the impacts of Hurricane Helene. These resources range from financial assistance to crisis clean-up resources.

FEMA ASSISTANCE: 1-800-621-3362 (7AM - 11PM DAILY)

On Sunday, the President approved a disaster declaration for South Carolina, ordering Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene beginning on September 25, 2024, and continuing.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas (Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg Counties) can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

For additional federal assistance resources, visit Financial Assistance After a Disaster | USAGov

CRISIS CLEAN-UP HOTLINE: 844-965-1386

If you need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene, call (844) 965-1386 to be connected to volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with cleanup, trees, tarping, and debris.

As citizens begin clean-up efforts, remember these important tips:

1. Watch Out for Power Lines: Avoid any fallen trees that may be tangled with live wires.
2. Stay Out of Flood Water: It may contain hazards that can hurt you or make you sick.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Help emergency workers by staying off the roadways unless absolutely necessary to travel.
4. Take Pictures/Document Damage: Before starting cleanup, take pictures of any damage for insurance claims. Contact insurance company. Save all related receipts.
5. Protective Gear: Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, eyewear, and a helmet when dealing with debris.
6. Consult Waste Management: Contact local authorities about how to properly dispose of trash and debris. Residents can request voluntary agency assistance with debris removal, tarping of roof, etc., by registering their need with Crisis Cleanup. Call 1-844-965-1386.
7. Discard Unrecoverable Items: Remove items that cannot be cleaned or disinfected properly.
8. Use Proper Cleaning Supplies: Most household cleaning products can be used. Follow the label’s directions.
9. Licensed Contractors: For professional assistance, use the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to find licensed contractors at llr.sc.gov.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CARE LINE: 1-855-472-3432

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is expanding the hours of its public information Care Line beginning today. Care Line representatives will be available to answer questions about any DPH public health department services that are interrupted due to Hurricane Helene and provide other storm-related information. DPH’s Care Line helps residents find important health care services they need. Services include prenatal care, infant health care, transportation to medical appointments, family planning, well child check-ups, vaccinations, services for children with special health care needs, and much more. Learn more here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For additional resources, please visit Help for Individuals - South Carolina Emergency Management Division (scemd.org) This resource includes detailed information regarding insurance, food health, mental health hotline, and financial/legal assistance.