Post-Flood Resources for Communities Impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, recovery efforts are underway across multiple states. The U.S. government, through various federal agencies and in coordination with state and local governments, is actively responding to help affected communities as they begin the long and challenging recovery process. This page offers essential information on available resources to support immediate needs, guidance on smart rebuilding practices, and clarification of misconceptions surrounding federal disaster assistance. We’ll be adding new resources as they’re developed. Stay safe and support one another during these challenging times.
ASFPM POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, ASFPM has submitted letters to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership detailing two sets of policy recommendations: immediate actions needed in a disaster supplemental to aid affected communities, and strategic long-term measures to strengthen nationwide flood resilience. Download recommendations
FEDERAL RESPONSE & RESOURCES
Learn how the U.S. government is responding to Hurricane Helene. Find resources to help you recover from the disaster. Visit USA.gov/hurricane-helene
DisasterAssistance.gov – The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP) provides disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners
FEMA
FEMA’s Hurricane Helene page – Together with state and federal partners, FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts. Continue to follow directions from local officials to stay safe. Get the latest news on what the agency is doing and how you can help.
FEMA Extends Renewal Period for Flood Insurance Policyholders in Seven States Affected by Helene – Oct. 10, 2024 – Due to the numerous disruptions arising from recent hurricane events in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia, the NFIP is extending its grace period for renewal payments up to November 26, 2024 to allow policyholders in those states more time to pay their premiums. This means that policyholders in these states will be allowed to renew their policies up to 90 days after the expiration date by paying their premium without a lapse in coverage. The usual renewal grace period is 30 days.
FEMA Issues Public Notice for North Carolina – Oct. 7, 2024 – A public notice has been posted describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in North Carolina.
7 Things to Know About Applying for Disaster Assistance – FEMA
This page explains what disaster assistance is, how to apply, the information you’ll need, how to document damage, and more
Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters – FEMA
This page offers answers to frequently asked questions about Individual Assistance for disaster survivors.
9 Ways to Stay Safe Cleaning Up Debris After a Disaster – After a disaster, the cleanup process will be crucial for a successful recovery. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you should follow the proper guidelines for safe and effective debris removal.
Permits Required Before Rebuilding – If your home was damaged by Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, contact your community’s local floodplain manager or building and permitting departments to determine what steps you’ll need to take before starting repairs.
Top 5 Reasons for Not Getting Approved by FEMA and What You Can Do About It – If FEMA says you are ineligible for assistance, it is not a denial. Often, you may need to send more information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application for financial assistance.
Understanding Your FEMA Determination Letter – If you applied for assistance from FEMA, you will receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or via email. The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.
FEMA Public Assistance Available to Help Communities Rebuild Stronger After Helene – Communities can access resources to accelerate infrastructure repairs and upgrades to meet the latest requirements for building and flood protection.
Understanding FEMA Decisions and Your Appeal Options – If you sustained damage to your home and/or personal property caused by the severe storm, flooding, landslides, and mudslides on August 18-19, 2024, and you were not found eligible for FEMA assistance, here are some common reasons and steps you can take to have your case reconsidered.
Expanded Assistance for Disaster Survivors – FEMA has recently changed the Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide to create additional flexibilities that ensure access to assistance is equitably provided to all survivors. The policy changes apply to disasters declared on or after August 23, 2021. Download fact sheet
Outreach resources:
- Video: How to Secure Documents in Preparation for a Flood English | Spanish
- Flyer: Understanding Flood Loss Avoidance English | Spanish
- Flyer: NFIP How To Start a Flood Insurance Claim English | Spanish
- Video: How to Document Damage English | Spanish
- Social Media Messaging for Hurricanes English | Spanish
HUD/FHA – If you have an FHA loan, you may have mortgage assistance options.
Loans to repair, replace or reconstruct your home:
- FHA 203(h): If you were a homeowner or a renter and your home in the affected area was destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is necessary, then you may be eligible for the FHA 203(h) mortgage loan. 203(h) provides FHA financing with no down payment to purchase another home in your town or anywhere in the United States. Borrowers must be registered with FEMA and meet other requirements.
- FHA 203(k): This program allows a qualified homebuyer or homeowner to purchase a home or refinance an existing home loan and include the cost of home repairs or improvements in the loan amount. Use FHA Standard 203(k) when major or structural repairs are required and FHA Limited 203(k) when minor, non -structural repairs totaling $35,000 or less are needed.
- HUD and FHA have other disaster outreach materials (also in multiple languages) here.
USACE
Corps provides regulatory info for Tennessee flood response
Corps storm event and emergency permitting for North Carolina
USDA
Rural Development Disaster Assistance: Special programs for rural communities impacted by natural disasters, providing low-interest loans for recovery. It offers essential support to homeowners, businesses, and communities to aid in their recovery and rebuilding process.
USGS
USGS is collecting flood data and repairing stream gages damaged by Hurricane Helene
STATE RESOURCES
Florida
Florida Hurricane Helene Disaster Page
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton: A Guide to FEMA Assistance for Florida Residents
North Carolina
North Carolina Hurricane Helene Disaster Page
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
FAQ on Local Floodplain Regulations in North Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina Hurricane Helene Disaster Page
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
REDUCE FLOOD RISK
To get started, simply go to ReduceFloodRisk.org, answer a series of five quick questions, and receive a detailed list of flood mitigation options to reduce flood risk for your specific property type. The results can then be filtered and sorted by key attributes, such as cost, complexity, and level of required maintenance, making it easy to find solutions that fit your needs and budgets. Additionally, the site offers helpful resources on flood insurance, financial assistance, and expert contacts. There’s also Outreach Materials for local officials looking to help their communities rebuild better.
Were you impacted by recent flood events? ReduceFloodRisk.org is the place a property owner can turn to when their home or business has flooded, and they are not sure what to do to protect against it happening again. Developed by ASFPM with support from FEMA, the site features flood mitigation strategies and resources — complete with photos, graphics, and links to additional resources — to empower individuals to make smart decisions.
FACT vs RUMOR
Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response – FEMA
Hurricane Helene: Fact vs. Rumor – North Carolina Dept of Public Safety
Interested Parties Memo: Fighting Hurricane Helene Falsehoods with Facts – White House
AVOIDING SCAMS
As hurricanes and other natural disasters occur, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) urges individuals to remain on alert for potential malicious cyber activity. Fraudulent emails and social media messages—often containing malicious links or attachments—are common after major natural disasters
CISA encourages users to review the following resources to avoid falling victim to malicious cyber activity:
- Federal Trade Commission’s Staying Alert to Disaster-related Scams and Before Giving to a Charity,
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Frauds and Scams,
- FEMA’s Disaster Fraud guidance, and
- CISA’s Phishing Guidance, Stopping the Attack Cycle at Phase One to help organizations reduce likelihood and impact of successful phishing attacks.
NEWS ARTICLES
FEMA has faced criticism and praise during Helene. Here’s what it does — and doesn’t do – AP
America Is Lying to Itself About the Cost of Disasters – The Atlantic
Hurricanes Milton and Helene Expose Limits of US Flood Maps – Insurance Journal
Hurricane Helene could cost $200 billion. Nobody knows where the money will come from. The Grist
Another Hurdle in Recovery From Helene: Misinformation Is Getting in the Way New York Times
Hurricane Helene Survivors Face a Second Disaster: Few Have Flood Insurance – Scientific American
Helene Dumps Rain on Millions of US Homes That Lack Flood Insurance – Insurance Journal
After the deluge, the lies: Misinformation and hoaxes about Helene cloud the recovery – AP
Hurricanes on repeat: Natural disasters ‘don’t feel natural anymore‘ – USA Today
Hurricanes are dangerous far from the coast. Communities are struggling to prepare – NPR
Hurricane Helene brought major damage, spotlighting lack of flood insurance – USA Today
Majority of homeowners left to clean up without insurance after Hurricane Helene – Palm Beach Post