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Hurricane Helene

Resources for North Carolinians Responding to Hurricane Helene

Our hearts are with the nearly 1 million residents impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene and all the first responders who are working hard on recovery efforts. PBS North Carolina is working with state and local officials to share critical information and resources. Explore more below.

State and Federal Resources

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Aid

FEMA has extended the application deadline for FEMA Individual Assistance to January 7, 2025. Individual Assistance includes financial assistance for serious needs, displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.

3 Ways to Apply for Disaster Aid    ONLINE    DisasterAssistance.gov   FEMA APP   Download the FEMA APP    CALL    800-621-3362
3 Maneras de Solicitar Asistencia por Desastre   Internet   DisasterAssistance.gov/es    Aplicación de FEMA   Descargue la aplicación de FEMA   LLAMAR   800-621-FEMA (3362)  or   TTY 800-462-7585

Residents in the counties affected by Hurricane Helene should register for FEMA assistance by the January 7, 2025 deadline.

Survivors with internet or telephone access can register for assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. 

If you use a relay service such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For Kids & Families

Hurricanes can be particularly difficult for young children. These tips from Sesame Workshop can help them feel safe and cope with their emotions. For more family resources, visit sesameworkshop.org. >

Give them the facts & offer comfort.

Answer questions honestly in simple words. Reassure your child that you love them and will take care of them.

Listen & talk.

Encourage your child to share their feelings with words or pictures.

Take care of yourself.

You can be more helpful to your children when you've attended to your own physical and emotional needs.

Inspire a sense of hope.

Explain that no matter what has happened, you still have each other build a better future. 

Meet the Helpers

Introduce children to community helpers and practice emergency preparedness. Research has shown that introducing children to community helpers in a safe and fun environment can help them react better during times of crisis. Explore the video series and learn how you can use it in your home, school or community.

Coverage from PBS NC

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A Message from David Crabtree, PBS North Carolina CEO

Statewide we’re all reeling from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Our hearts are with all the families and communities whose lives have been upended.

Thank you to the first responders, agencies and local partners working together. PBS North Carolina is doing everything it can to support their critical work.

We will continue to work together. Thank you.

Coverage from PBS NC Series

SCI NCWhat Hurricane Helene Left Behind

Riverkeepers in Western North Carolina are sampling water in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Watch Stories & Episodes
1 / 6 Videos
What Hurricane Helene Left Behind
SCI NC
What Hurricane Helene Left Behind
How Hurricane Helene Spawned Record Landslides
SCI NC
How Hurricane Helene Spawned Record Landslides
What made Hurricane Helene so destructive in North Carolina?
SCI NC
What made Hurricane Helene so destructive in North Carolina?
Western North Carolina Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Black Issues Forum
Western North Carolina Hurricane Recovery Efforts
October 11, 2024
State Lines
October 11, 2024
October 4, 2024
State Lines
October 4, 2024

More from PBS News Hour

North Carolina residents lean on community help after Helene

North Carolina residents lean on community help as they struggle to rebuild after Helene

Watch Clips
1 / 12 Videos
North Carolina residents lean on community help after Helene
PBS News Hour
North Carolina residents lean on community help after Helene
News Wrap: Hurricane Helene's death toll passes 200
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Hurricane Helene's death toll passes 200
North Carolina residents struggle to rebuild after Helene
PBS News Hour
North Carolina residents struggle to rebuild after Helene
N.C. election workers battle misinformation after Helene
PBS News Hour
N.C. election workers battle misinformation after Helene
Crews work to find N.C. residents still missing after Helene
PBS News Hour
Crews work to find N.C. residents still missing after Helene
Greg Biffle becomes rescue pilot in Helene's aftermath
PBS News Hour
Greg Biffle becomes rescue pilot in Helene's aftermath
Helene recovery complicated by lies and conspiracy theories
PBS News Hour
Helene recovery complicated by lies and conspiracy theories
Helene’s destruction spotlights gaps in homeowners insurance
PBS News Hour
Helene’s destruction spotlights gaps in homeowners insurance
News Wrap: Biden tours Helene storm damage in Carolinas
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Biden tours Helene storm damage in Carolinas
Helene shows no place immune from impacts of climate change
PBS News Hour
Helene shows no place immune from impacts of climate change
Deadly floods submerge North Carolina towns in Helene’s wake
PBS News Hour
Deadly floods submerge North Carolina towns in Helene’s wake
Helene's impact felt far and wide across the South
PBS News Hour
Helene's impact felt far and wide across the South

In response to Hurricane Helene, PBS North Carolina is working with state and local officials to share critical information and resources. For more information, please visit the NC Department of Public Safety’s website.
VISIT NCDPS.GOV >