The storm has now ended, and my home or community has damage. What is next?

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. Your first concern after a disaster is your family's health and safety. You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being.

If you are returning home following a disaster, know it can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. You may be anxious to see your property, but do not return home before local officials say it is safe to return.

Damage assessments will be scheduled with impacted localities where there is damage to homes, structures, and public infrastructure. This begins after any flood waters have receded and active response to life-safety hazards are completed.

For tips on recovering from a disaster, please visit https://www.ready.gov/recovering-disaster

What role does my local government play in my disaster recovery situation?

Local emergency managers work frequently around the year with VDEM staff to understand disaster recovery processes and often participate in state and federal training opportunities. They have pre-established relationships with key stakeholders and meetings are promptly scheduled with local jurisdictions by state officials following a disaster to outline the recovery process as soon as emergency response efforts are completed.

What is a damage assessment? Does this mean we will get state or federal assistance?

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 at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared

My road has damages. Who do I contact?

For roadways, the public should report any concerns such as flooding, downed trees or road hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

My home has been damaged. Can I clean it up or must I wait for the damage assessment?

First, if you have damages following a disaster, contact your local emergency manager. Let your local officials know of any damages you may have, and what immediate assistance you may need. Local officials and voluntary organizations are usually the best options for immediate needs such as food and shelter.

If you have insurance, contact your insurance agent to file a claim.

• Make sure to document all your damages – before you clean up, take photos and make a list.
• Save all your receipts for post-damage repair and clean up.
• If you have insurance and damages, you must file a claim with your insurance company.

If you are returning home following a disaster, know it can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. You may be anxious to see your property, but do not return home before local officials say it is safe to return.

Safety Issues

• Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors.
• Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Do not enter your damaged home if:
  • You smell gas.
  • Floodwaters remain around the building.
  • Authorities have not declared it safe to enter.
• Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation and dead animals.
• Keep a battery-powered radio with you for emergency updates from local officials.

I am without power. When will it be restored and who can I contact?

• Power has been restored to most customers in the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, there is always a possibility of long-duration power outages following a storm. To report an outage or for more information on power restoration, residents should contact their local provider.
• Remember generator safety. Here are some safety tips for using a portable generator during a power outage:
• Keep the generator outdoors: Always operate it in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Maintain a safe distance: Place the generator at least 20 feet away from your home and any windows or doors.
• Use a transfer switch: Connect your generator to your home’s electrical system using a transfer switch to avoid backfeeding, which can endanger utility workers.
• Avoid overloading: Check the generator’s wattage capacity and only connect essential appliances to prevent overload.
• Use heavy-duty extension cords: Ensure they are rated for outdoor use and compatible with your generator.
• Keep fuel stored safely: Store fuel in approved containers away from living areas, and never refuel while the generator is running.
• Regularly check for leaks or damage: Inspect the generator before use to ensure it’s in good working condition.
• Monitor the generator while in use: Never leave it running unattended.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Always adhere to the guidelines provided in the user manual.
• Plan for power restoration: Stay informed about estimated restoration times and be prepared to turn off the generator when power returns.

How do I find my local emergency management office?

Local governments typically have this information on their webpages or social media sites. You can also utilize the local emergency management directory at https://lemd.vdem.virginia.gov/Public/ . If you cannot locate this information online you can dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community resource specialist with 211 Virginia. 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.

How do I safely clean up following a flood?

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

How do I volunteer?

Please volunteer through organizations that you trust, and coordinate before you arrive on-site. Volunteers are being managed through the United Way of SW Virginia. You can find several other reputable organizations through www.virginiavoad.org. Volunteering with trusted organizations ensures your safety and helps public safety officials focus on meeting affected communities' needs.

How do I donate?

If you have items to donate:

Donations of physical items are no longer being accepted. Should additional needs arise, messaging will be updated promptly to reflect any needs. As always, please consider donating cash instead. Cash donations allow non-government organizations and disaster survivors to purchase exactly what they need for recovery. Please consider supporting the United Way of Southwest Virginia 2024 Southwest Virginia Disaster Fund to directly support those impacted by the September 2024 flood. https://www.unitedwayswva.org/

What if I have items to donate?

Donations of physical items are no longer being accepted. Should additional needs arise, messaging will be updated promptly to reflect any needs. As always, please consider donating cash instead.

What is FEMA’s role?

FEMA’s priority is meeting the immediate lifesaving and life-sustaining needs of Virginians.

An Emergency Declaration, approved on Sept. 29, made Direct Federal Assistance available to the Commonwealth, providing support from the full federal family. With the approval of a Major Disaster Declaration on Oct. 1, even more assistance is available to meet the needs of impacted communities and individuals.

Damage assessments are continuing. More counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated for FEMA assistance after assessments are fully completed. FEMA continues to partner with the Commonwealth to determine unmet and long-term recovery needs.

The Commonwealth has both an Emergency Declaration and a Major Disaster Declaration. What’s the difference?

There are two types of disaster declarations: Emergency Declarations and Major Disaster Declarations. Both types authorize the President to provide federal disaster assistance. Emergency declarations are limited to immediate and short-term assistance that is essential to saving lives, promoting public health and protecting property. This can include, but is not limited to, evacuation, sheltering, and other emergency protective measures . Emergency declarations authorize Federal agencies to support states through Direct Federal Assistance.

A major disaster is declared when the President determines that an incident causes damage of sufficient severity to warrant assistance, supplementing efforts of state or local governments.  A major disaster declaration may include all or some of the following FEMA programs: Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation. Major Disaster Declarations support long-term recovery and make more resources available to communities and survivors.

For more information on how a disaster gets declared: How a Disaster Gets Declared | FEMA.gov.

Types of Assistance: Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA)

Individual Assistanceis a FEMA program for disaster survivors and is intended to meet basic needs for uninsured or underinsured survivors. It allows homeowners and renters to apply directly to FEMA for Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance. This includes rental assistance, lodging reimbursement, funding for immediate needs such as water and fuel as well as funds to repair or replace home structures, appliances, personal or family computers, and items required for work and school.

Public assistance is a FEMA program that reimburses state and local governments, as well as certain private non-profits, when disaster costs are too much for them to absorb. Disaster-related costs include repairs to damaged infrastructure, public services and facilities.

How do I apply for Individual Assistance?

The President’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bedford County, Bland County, Carroll County, Galax (City), Giles County, Grayson County, Lee County, Montgomery County, Pittsylvania County, Pulaski County, Radford (City), Russell County, Scott County, Smyth County, Tazewell County, Washington County, Wise County, Wythe County.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Ways to apply:

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

Online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Use the FEMA App

Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET daily. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

What You’ll Need When You Apply

A current phone number where you can be contacted.

Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.

Your Social Security number.

A general list of damage and losses.

Banking information if you choose direct deposit.

If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Things to know about applying for disaster assistance

https://www.fema.gov/blog/were-you-affected-hurricane-helene-7-things-know-about-applying-disaster-assistance

What are U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster loans?

https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=VA-20011

Primary Counties (Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans): Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wythe and the Independent City of Galax.

Contiguous Counties (Economic Injury Loans Only): Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott and the Independent City of Bristol

If you are located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?

• Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

• Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

Visit the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov to apply for a disaster assistance loan

I lost my job or business as a result of Hurricane Helene. How do I apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance?

Funding is available to assist business owners, regular workers, seasonal or migrant workers, and self-employed individuals who lost their job, job offer, or had their work hours reduced or interrupted due to Hurricane Helene in Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe Counties and the City of Galax.

On October 1, 2024, President Joe Biden approved at the request of Governor Glenn Youngkin a major disaster declaration for Virginia as it recovers from Hurricane Helene. This declaration allows the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) to provide temporary financial assistance to people whose employment or self-employment was impacted by Hurricane Helene in the following communities:  Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe Counties and the City of Galax.

Unemployed individuals, including self-employed individuals who lost jobs, businesses, or had their work hours reduced due to the hurricane may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The VEC will accept applications for 60 days from October 2 through December 1, 2024. You may be eligible if you don’t qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) and were living, working, or scheduled to work in an affected area when the disaster occurred.

DUA applies to losses beginning September 25, 2024. The last payable week of this emergency benefit ends April 5, 2025, if your unemployment or self-employment continues as a direct result of the disaster. Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis for each week you file your claim.

Who might be eligible

To be eligible for DUA, you can’t be eligible for regular unemployment benefits in any state. When you apply, you must be able to work, ready and willing to accept work, and have the time and means to work, unless you suffered injuries directly linked to the disaster.

DUA is a federal unemployment program that provides temporary payments for people who, as a direct result of Hurricane Helene:

• No longer have the job that provided their primary source of income.
• Are unable to reach their place of employment.
• Cannot work because of an injury caused by the storm.
• Were unable to begin employment or self-employment due to the storm.
• You became the primary support of your family because of the death of the head of the household because of the disaster

Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if the unemployment resulted from:

• The physical damage or destruction of the place of employment.
• The physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state, or local government in immediate response to the disaster.
• Lack of work, or loss of revenues, if, prior to the disaster, the employer or self-employed business received at least a majority of its revenue or income from an entity in the major disaster area that was damaged or destroyed in the disaster or an entity in the major disaster area closed by the federal, state, or local government.

How to apply

Apply for the DUA benefits online at VEC’s Claimant Self Service at: uidirect.vec.virginia.gov/CSS/CSSLogon.htm which can also be found on VEC’s website: www.vec.virginia.gov or you may call VEC’s Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363. The call center is open from 8a.m. to 4:30p.m. (M-F). You will first have to complete the UI form to determine eligibility for UI benefits or DUA benefits.

What information you need

To complete your application, you will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN), and the name, address, and dates of employment of all your employers for the past two years, including out-of-state employers.

You will need to provide all supporting evidence no more than 21 days after the application has been filed. The documents you need to provide might vary depending on your circumstances and previous employers but could include proof of identity, your most recent federal income tax form, and other documents proving that you were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred. If you need to submit proof of income for the past year, you can submit those documents after the 21 days deadline but no later than the end of the disaster assistance period. Delays in submitting your documents can impact your benefits and overall processing times.

Visit VEC’s website for more information about DUA and other programs you may qualify for. You can also contact us at 1-866-832-2363. To learn about all the federal assistance programs, you and your family might qualify for, we recommend contacting FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

Reemployment services are available at Virginia Works offices around the state.

Additional information and services can be found at https://www.vec.virginia.gov/

Is there any relief for farmers?

The USDA has disaster assistance available for Hurricane Helene recovery.

USDA Information for Farmers: Download USDA Recovery Information (PDF)

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, USDA staff is available to assist when you are ready.  USDA is working diligently to implement program flexibilities and waivers, to help streamline your recovery process. We are regularly reviewing our programs so please check in periodically with your local USDA office for updates.

Documenting Loss

We encourage you to document damages and losses your operation has sustained as best you can, including gathering farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses. Livestock producers are advised to document livestock numbers by taking time and date-stamped video or pictures of injury or loss, to the extent possible. Please know that we recognize these are extremely extenuating and stressful circumstances and there may be instances where documentation is lost, destroyed or unattainable. Regardless, please contact us and we will do whatever we can to help you access the assistance you need.

Reporting Loss

Once you are able to safely evaluate the impact on your operation, be sure to contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office or your crop insurance agent to report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses. For producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance, the USDA Risk Management Agency has authorized Approved Insurance Providers to provide flexibility on reporting requirements for those who are unable to report losses due the disaster.

Available Assistance

Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.
Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.

Meanwhile, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal mortality disposal from natural disasters and other causes.

Online Resources and Tools

To learn more about programs available to producers here are some resources on  farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options.  Additionally, FarmRaise offers an FSA educational hub with livestock disaster assistance decision tools as well as farm loan resource videos.

Disaster Recovery Programs: Flexibilities and Waivers

USDA has issued program delivery flexibilities and waivers.  We know this is a lot of information, but we want you to know what’s available as quickly as possible. As the recovery process progresses, there may be more flexibilities and waivers needed. Updated information will be timely shared as details unfold.

The information below describes some of the current program flexibilities and waivers, as of Oct. 3, 2024, available for producers impacted by Hurricane Helene. To learn about benefits available through our recovery programs including those listed below, please view the  Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet.

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP):

• Extended ECP and EFRP signup that begins Oct. 15, 2024, and runs through June 1, 2025, in states affected by Hurricane Helene.
• Waiver of onsite inspection requirement for non-engineering practices for ECP and EFRP.
• Executed Emergency Response (ER-850) authorization of emergency National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) circumstances to expedite FSA approval of practices involving surface debris removal, fence restoration, and non-ground disturbing activities.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP):

• Guidance to FSA County Committees and local staff to exercise maximum flexibility in determining acceptable loss documentation and to ensure LIP applications are acted on timely.

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP):

• Assistance to help cover above normal costs to transport livestock to feed and/or transport feed/forage to livestock in hurricane-impacted states.
• Assistance to help cover above normal costs to haul water to livestock in hurricane-impacted states.

Tree Assistance Program (TAP):

• Extension of TAP assistance to trees/bushes/vines that have not died but are no longer capable of production (not economically viable).

Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP):

• Waiver of 72-hour notification requirement on hand harvested crops.
• Extended deadline to file a Notice of Loss with FSA.
• Flexibility for FSA staff to perform loss adjustment activities and/or waive field inspections in cases where the cause of loss can be verified through other means.

Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL):

• Additional time for producers to deliver commodities to a buyer to repay MALs with sale proceeds.
• Postponement of MAL foreclosure letters applicable to losses or damages due to hurricanes for up to 90 calendar days.

Contact USDA

When you’re ready, we’re ready.  To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.

USDA has resources available through the FSA call center at 877-508-8364, the USDA hotline at 833-ONE-USDA (663-8732), or producers can access program information online at farmers.gov.

Why was my locality not included in the lists for assistance?

There are a number of factors that go in to determining eligibility for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance, and these are two separate programs with different criteria. Impacted localities not included initially have up to 30 days from the declaration date to be added. Damage assessment teams are already in the field collecting data to determine eligibility for additional localities.

Who do I call if I am in mental health crisis?

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Call or text  1-800-985-5990.

Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto  1-800-985-5990  presiona “2.”

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at  1-800-985-5990  using your preferred Relay provider.