Numerous states have been tragically affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Below, you will find essential resources, including emergency services, shelters, financial assistance, and ways to help in recovery efforts across impacted states.
Emergency Hotlines
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. For non-emergency assistance, use the following hotlines:
- FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
- Red Cross Disaster Services: 1-800-733-2767
- National Guard Assistance: Contact your state's National Guard for updates on military support.
Shelter Locations
(keep scrolling for more location-specific resources)
Shelters are open for those displaced. You can locate your nearest shelter through:
- Red Cross Shelter Locator
- FEMA Mobile App: Download for real-time shelter updates and safety information.
- Home | disasterassistance.gov
State-Specific Resources
Each state has set up resources for residents:
- Alabama:
- Alabama Emergency Management Agency: AEMA Website
- Shelter Information: 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)
- Florida:
- Florida Division of Emergency Management: FloridaDisaster.org
- State Shelter Map: Shelter Map
- 6 Organizations Providing Relief Efforts for Hurricane Milton
- Food, FEMA, WiFi, Road Closures, etc.: Where to find resources after Hurricane Milton
- USAGov
- Georgia:
- Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency: GEMA Website
- AARP
- Shelter Information: 1-800-733-2767 (Red Cross)
- South Carolina:
- South Carolina Emergency Management Division: SCEMD Website
- Local Shelter Map: Shelter Information
- North Carolina:
- North Carolina Department of Public Safety: NCDPS Website
- Shelter Locations: 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)
- Tennessee:
If your state is not listed here, please visit FEMA’s disaster assistance page for more details.
Financial and Recovery Assistance
Several organizations are offering financial aid and resources to assist with recovery:
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: Apply for disaster relief at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
- American Red Cross: Provides emergency shelter, meals, and relief supplies. To donate or seek aid, visit RedCross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
- Local Assistance Centers (LACs): These centers offer help with filing insurance claims, applying for state and federal aid, and accessing mental health services. Check your state’s emergency website for LAC locations.
- AGMA Relief Fund: For AGMA Artists in good standing and Honorable Withdrawal members.
- CERF+: Emergency Relief Grants for craft artists.
Welfare Checks: How to Check on a Loved One
In the aftermath of hurricanes, staying connected with loved ones is crucial. If you are unable to reach a family member or friend in the affected areas, there are services available to help conduct welfare checks and ensure their safety.
If you are concerned about a loved one and cannot contact them, here are steps you can take:
- American Red Cross Reunification: Finding Friends and Family.
- North Carolina: Call NC 211 (1-888-892-1162), an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina.
- Local Law Enforcement: Contact the police department in the area where your loved one resides. They can perform a welfare check at their home or shelter location. Provide as much information as possible, including their name, address, and last known location.
- National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): If a person is missing due to the storm, you can file a report through NamUs for additional assistance.
How to Help
If you’re looking to contribute to the recovery efforts:
- Donate to Trusted Charities:
- Volunteer Opportunities:
- National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster: Get Involved
- Red Cross: Volunteer with the Red Cross
- All Hands and Hearts: Hurricane Helene Relief Volunteer Application
- World Central Kitchen
- TEMA (Tennessee)
- Blood Donations:
- Make an appointment through Red Cross Blood or America’s Blood Centers.
Stay Informed
For real-time updates and further resources:
- United National Weather Team on Facebook
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
- South Carolina Emergency Management Division on Facebook
- Follow local government advisories
- Sign up for text alerts from FEMA
- Download the FEMA and Red Cross mobile apps for notifications and resources