Hurricane Helene
Protective Actions and Key Messages
- If you are suffering a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
- Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance by Jan. 7: online anytime or by phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and midnight ET.
- Individuals may be eligible for FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance, an upfront, flexible payment of $770 to help cover essential items while survivors are assessed for Individual Assistance eligibility. For more information about Serious Needs Assistance, visit FEMA’s website.
- The Tennessee Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to be cautious and wary of disaster relief scams. You can find helpful tips on their website.
- Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
- Hire only licensed contractors and do not pay the total amount before the work is complete. More tips for consumers can be found here.
- Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority. Always call 811 before you dig.
- Report down or cut power lines and stay clear of the area.
- If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. TDCI’s Complaint Line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
- Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.
- Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.
Hurricane Helene News Releases
- FLASH REPORT #20
- Gov. Lee Announces Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program
- Federal Disaster Declaration Granted to Counties Recovering From Flooding in Northeast Tennessee
- TDEC Issues Temporary Water Contact Advisories for East Tennessee Areas Affected by Extreme Flooding
- TDEC Issues Mandatory Water Conservation Order for Upper East Tennessee and Shares Boil Water Advisories
- Four Northeast Tennessee State Parks Closed Due to Weather
- All FLASH REPORTS
Level 3 - State of Emergency
At this level, a serious emergency or minor disaster has occurred or a situation is deteriorating rapidly and public warnings are being issued. The Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP) is activated and a state of emergency is automatically declared per TCA 58-2-107. Key or specifically needed emergency service coordinators for state departments are recalled to duty the State's Emergency Operations Center.