NC Department of Public Safety
Information and resources for North Carolina residents and visitors who were impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene
Resources for North Carolinians Responding to Hurricane Helene
Our hearts are with the nearly 1 million residents impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene and all the first responders who are working hard on recovery efforts. PBS North Carolina is working with state and local officials to share critical information and resources. Explore more below.
State and Federal Resources
FEMA
Federal assistance and resources for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Aid
FEMA has extended the application deadline for FEMA Individual Assistance to January 7, 2025. Individual Assistance includes financial assistance for serious needs, displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.
Residents in the counties affected by Hurricane Helene should register for FEMA assistance by the January 7, 2025 deadline.
Survivors with internet or telephone access can register for assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.
If you use a relay service such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
For Kids & Families
Hurricanes can be particularly difficult for young children. These tips from Sesame Workshop can help them feel safe and cope with their emotions. For more family resources, visit sesameworkshop.org. >
Give them the facts & offer comfort.
Answer questions honestly in simple words. Reassure your child that you love them and will take care of them.
Listen & talk.
Encourage your child to share their feelings with words or pictures.
Take care of yourself.
You can be more helpful to your children when you've attended to your own physical and emotional needs.
Inspire a sense of hope.
Explain that no matter what has happened, you still have each other build a better future.
Meet the Helpers
Introduce children to community helpers and practice emergency preparedness. Research has shown that introducing children to community helpers in a safe and fun environment can help them react better during times of crisis. Explore the video series and learn how you can use it in your home, school or community.
Coverage from PBS NC
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A Message from David Crabtree, PBS North Carolina CEO
Statewide we’re all reeling from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Our hearts are with all the families and communities whose lives have been upended.
Thank you to the first responders, agencies and local partners working together. PBS North Carolina is doing everything it can to support their critical work.
We will continue to work together. Thank you.
Coverage from PBS NC Series
SCI NCHow Hurricane Helene Spawned Record Landslides
A specific mix of rain, soil and rock triggered landslides on steep slopes after Hurricane Helene.
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Videos
SCI NC
How Hurricane Helene Spawned Record Landslides
SCI NC
What made Hurricane Helene so destructive in North Carolina?
Black Issues Forum
Western North Carolina Hurricane Recovery Efforts
State Lines
October 11, 2024
State Lines
October 4, 2024
How Helene Affected NC’s Christmas Tree Farms
The heart of the Christmas tree industry is in western NC, the area hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. But farmers are resilient.
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Helene Leaves Medical Manufacturer in Western NC in Critical Condition
The storm shuts down a factory in Marion, NC, that supplies 60% of the US’ IV fluids, causing a nationwide shortage.
How Hurricane Helene Impacted the Tech Industry
Almost all the world’s supply of high-purity quartz, which is needed for many tech products, comes from a tiny western NC town hit hard by the storm.
An Iconic Salamander Species Struggles After Hurricane Helene
Flooding from the storm presents a host of challenges to the vulnerable eastern hellbender, the largest salamander in the Americas.
More from PBS News Hour
North Carolina residents struggle to rebuild after Helene
October 18, 2024 | North Carolina residents contend with grief, lack of supplies as they rebuild after Helene.
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Videos
PBS News Hour
North Carolina residents struggle to rebuild after Helene
PBS News Hour
N.C. election workers battle misinformation after Helene
PBS News Hour
Crews work to find N.C. residents still missing after Helene
PBS News Hour
Greg Biffle becomes rescue pilot in Helene's aftermath
PBS News Hour
Helene recovery complicated by lies and conspiracy theories
PBS News Hour
Helene’s destruction spotlights gaps in homeowners insurance
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Hurricane Helene's death toll passes 200
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Biden tours Helene storm damage in Carolinas
PBS News Hour
Helene shows no place immune from impacts of climate change
PBS News Hour
Deadly floods submerge North Carolina towns in Helene’s wake
PBS News Hour
Helene's impact felt far and wide across the South
In response to Hurricane Helene, PBS North Carolina is working with state and local officials to share critical information and resources. For more information, please visit the NC Department of Public Safety’s website.
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