Hurricane Helene

September 2024

Commonwealth of Virginia

Emergency Support Team

TEL: 804-267-7600 | TDD: 804-674-2417 | FAX: 804-272-2046

State Public Inquiry Line

Residents in need of information can call: 211 or reach out to their local emergency management office. For individuals near the borders of Virginia, you may need to dial 1-800-230-6977 directly in order to route to 211 Virginia to avoid the system routing you to 211 NC or TN.

Latest Boil Water Advisories

Virginia Department of Health Helene Response Information

Disaster Recovery Centers

The first Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opened on October 7 in Washington County. Disaster survivors residing in the following areas can visit any DRC for assistance: Galax, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe Counties. Additional DRC locations will be announced in the coming days.

You may visit a DRC to:

Learn about disaster assistance programs
Apply for disaster assistance
Check the status of your FEMA application
Understand FEMA notices or letters
Find housing and rental assistance information
Get referrals to agencies
Meet with a Small Business Administration (SBA) agent

Individual Assistance Registration Deadline

Monday: December 2, 2024

Locations:

Washington County

Damascus Shopping Mall

736 North Beaver Dam Avenue

Damascus VA 24236

Hours of operation:

Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

Debris and Damage Cleanup

Depending on what you're cleaning up – debris, or mold, you'll want to be safe. Being safe starts with having the right safety gear.

Hard hats
Goggles
N95 masks (or a respirator with a higher protection level)
Heavy work gloves
Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank)
Earplugs or protective headphones (if you're working with noisy equipment)
At least two fire extinguishers (each with a UL rating of at least 10A)

Be careful with floodwater.

Floodwater can contain dangerous bacteria from overflowing sewage and agricultural and industrial waste. While skin contact with floodwater doesn't pose a serious health risk by itself, eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater can cause diseases.
If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection. (See also Personal Hygiene During an Emergency).
For more information on how to stay safe during a flood, visit Floods and Your Safety

More information on staying self while around mold can be found at: CDC.gov Mold Information

Where do I put the debris?

Right now, we are asking you to keep the debris on your property and away from the right of way/street. This is so VDOT can come through and clear public roadways. Once VDOT completes road clearing, debris removal will begin and further guidance will be given.

If you live on a locally owned or private road, debris can be moved to the curb. Please see below for tips on separating debris for this process.

Localities frequently ask residents to sort debris into various categories. Each locality will have different guidance.

Electronics. Examples: television, computer, audio equipment, phone, DVD player
Household Hazardous Waste. Examples: oil, pesticides, cleaning supplies, compressed gas, paints. (Note: If you suspect that materials contain lead-based paint, keep them moist or contain materials in plastic bags so that the paint does not become airborne.)
Construction and Demolition debris. Examples: lumber, roofing, and other structural debris strewn by storm
Household Waste. Examples: bagged garbage, discarded food, paper, packaging
Large Appliances/white goods. Examples: refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. (Note: Do not leave doors unsealed or unsecured.)
Vegetative Debris. Examples: trees, tree branches, logs, plants, leaves

Do not place debris on or near downed power lines or close to utility boxes.

Additional information relating to debris removal for residents and other topics can be found on the Department of Environmental Quality’s website, https://www.deq.virginia.gov/topics-of-interest/hurricane-helene-response.

How do I get help cleaning up?
If you need assistance cleaning up, call 844-965-1386 for help. Crisis Cleanup is a national organization that will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with:

Muck Outs
Tree Removal
Roof Tarping
Debris Removal

All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. The hotline closes Friday, October 25^th, 2024.

More information: crisiscleanup.org

How to Return Home Safely

Each year, a significant number of people are injured or killed in the aftermath of a hurricane. As you return home and begin the recovery phase, keep these safety tips in mind:
Wait to return to your property until local officials have declared that the area is safe.
Do not wade in floodwaters, which can contain dangerous debris including broken glass, metal, dead animals, sewage, gasoline, oil, and downed power lines.
Do not enter a building until it has been inspected for damage to the electrical system, gas lines, septic systems, and water lines or wells.
Avoid drinking tap water until you know it is safe. If uncertain, boil or purify it first.
Watch for fallen objects and downed electrical wires; Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines – consider them energized and dangerous; report downed power lines to your local utility provider.

Volunteers and Donations

Please volunteer through organizations that you trust. You can find several reputable organizations at www.virginiavoad.org. Volunteering with trusted organizations ensures your safety and helps public safety officials focus on meeting affected communities' needs. Let’s ensure our efforts are safe and coordinated. Spontaneous volunteers and donations can hinder emergency activities and create complications for those involved in managing the effort. Donations are being accepted by United Way of Southwest VA at https://unitedwayswva.charityproud.org/donate

Report Price Gouging

If you believe you are impacted by price-gouging, you are encouraged to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Section of the Attorney General’s office by phone at 800-552-9963, by email at consumer@oag.state.va.us, or through the online complaint form.

Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act

Local Emergency Management Directory

Find local emergency manager contact information here: https://lemd.vdem.virginia.gov/Public/

Accessible Emergency Shelters

Washington County

Highlands Fellowship Church

134 Commerce Street

Bristol, VA 24202

Tazewell

Tazewell County Fairgrounds

515 Fairground Road

Tazewell, VA 24651

Closes on October 2 at 8 PM.

Damage Assessment and State/Federal Assistance Processes

The results of the damage assessments will assist in determining if eligibility exists for State or Federal recovery programs. State and federal disaster programs are structured so that certain criteria have to be met to determine eligibility. Damage assessments assist in determining if those criteria are met and what the extent of the damages are from the disaster.

Additional information on the damage assessment process can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared

Public Assistance:

The term Public Assistance can be misleading. This type of disaster assistance is for local, state, tribal governments, and certain private-non-profits, only. This type of assistance is not for residents and property owners. Public Assistance provides reimbursement to government entities for the damages incurred and costs of the response and recovery process. Like all disaster assistance avenues, there is a damage assessment and thresholds that must be met at all levels of government as prescribed by law.

Information on FEMA’s public assistance can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public

Individual Assistance:

Individual Assistance is a disaster recovery avenue that provides direct financial assistance to residents and property owners whose primary residences are damaged or destroyed. This type of disaster assistance may be used for housing costs, repairs to your home, or other needs assistance. If the Commonwealth receives an Individual Assistance Presidential declaration, information will be published explaining how individuals can apply for assistance.

Information on FEMA’s individual assistance can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual