Hurricane Helene: How to Get Information and Assistance in South Carolina
En español | South Carolina residents are coping with flooding, property damage, power outages and resource shortages in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 26.
On Sept. 29, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for several South Carolina counties, which provides access to federal assistance such as grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster had requested an expedited presidential disaster declaration due to the impact of Helene, which hit the state as a tropical storm and caused multiple fatalities.
AARP has compiled a list of government, nonprofit and other aid available to help those affected.
Federal assistance
FEMA: Residents and business owners who sustained losses in counties included in the disaster declaration can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App.
U.S. Small Business Administration: Check the SBA’s website for information and to apply for low-interest disaster loans, which are available to help you recover from the storm.
State assistance and resources
One SC Fund: Money raised through the fund goes to organizations working to help with the recovery effort in South Carolina.
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: This state agency provides the latest on Hurricane Helene, including information on shelters, road conditions, closures, ways to help your community, and a link to report power outages. Follow the division on Facebook for storm recovery updates. The agency also has an app to help residents during emergencies, including a function to report damage to emergency officials.
South Carolina Department of Transportation: Get information on road conditions and closures. Check traffic cameras, travel time estimates at 511SC.org.
South Carolina Department of Commerce: Find information, resources and assistance, such as support for helping businesses return to operations faster.
Connect with loved ones
Facebook: Indicate you are safe by checking in via social media, including the Hurricane Helene Safety Check-In group.
American Red Cross: Report yourself safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800- RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The organization has guidance online for reuniting with friends and loved ones, along with state-specific reunification pages for people who are searching for the missing.
Food and housing assistance
FEMA: Go online to FEMA.gov or download the FEMA app to search for shelters. You can also text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 (for example, Shelter 12345) to find emergency housing.
South Carolina 211: A free, confidential service that connects you with organizations that can provide disaster-related assistance, such as shelter and food. Dial 211 or go online.
South Carolina Food Banks: Feeding the Carolinas provides a list of food banks statewide.
American Red Cross: The Red Cross website lists open shelters near you, or call 800-RED-CROSS. The organization has a South Carolina chapter to help with supplies and resources at the local level.
Salvation Army: The charitable organization provides disaster-related assistance, including food and shelter.
Weather and power outages
FEMA.gov: Download the FEMA app for real-time alerts from the National Weather Service. Emergency officials may also reach you via the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert, which don’t require sign-up.
Local news outlets: Tune in to South Carolina radio stations to hear National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) information on current and forecasted weather. Monitor local television and radio stations for the latest information and instructions from emergency personnel.
CodeRed Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts through the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
Weather.gov: Enter your city, state or ZIP code to find the latest forecast and storm-related news.
Utility companies: Report storm outages to your utility company. The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff lists utilities under the regulated utilities dropdown. Find a map of electricity outages from PowerOutage.US.
Ready.gov: Find tips for navigating a power outage at ready.gov/power-outages.
Storm safety tips
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: The state created the 2024 South Carolina Hurricane Guide, which features storm safety tips and guidance.
Ready.gov/Hurricanes: Get advice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on how best to prepare for a hurricane, stay safe during the storm, return home and recover afterward.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The agency has information on how to prevent getting hurt or sick after a disaster, and guidelines for safe cleanup.
Healthcare Ready: If you had to evacuate and don’t have your prescriptions, RxOpen.org provides information on open pharmacies in areas impacted by disasters.
Mental health resources
Disaster Distress Helpline: For help with your mental health, call or text the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s toll-free helpline at 800-985-5990. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all U.S. residents who are experiencing emotional distress due to disasters, including storms. Help is available in multiple languages.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 and be connected with free and confidential support. This website has a feature that allows you to chat online.
Michelle Tuccitto Sullo is a states writer and editor for AARP. She previously served as managing editor of the Hartford Business Journal in Connecticut and has worked for the New Haven Register, the Connecticut Law Tribune and New Haven Biz.
