Helene Resources
Individuals in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA). Learn more about FEMA's IA program, here.
The deadline for survivors to apply for Individual Assistance is Monday, Dec. 2.
Survivors can apply:
- Online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov
- By phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and midnight ET. Multilingual operators are available.
- On the FEMA App.
- In-person at Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) or FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locations.
General Health Information
- Flooding is a significant risk during hurricanes and other natural disasters, posing threats to life, health, and property. Understanding safetymeasures and recovery resources is crucial for minimizing harm and facilitating effective response efforts. The Tennessee Department of Health has created an overview to provide critical information on how to stay safe after flooding events, including strategies to avoid hazardous areas, ensure safe drinking water, manage food safety during power outages, and recovery resources. Learn more about flood safety and resources, here.
- The Northeast Regional Health Office has established a Citizen Information Hotline, (423) 979-4689, to provide information related to flood safety regarding flooding due to Hurricane Helene. This hotline will provide general flood safety information and education.
Prescriptions
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for Tennessee to aid uninsured residents in replacing prescription medicines or certain medical equipment lost or damaged due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Learn more about EPAP.
Boil Water Advisory Health Concerns
- Due to the impacts to the drinking water facilities in many of the affected counties, many facilities have issued a boil water advisory. Learn more about drinking water advisories from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, learn more about restaurants and grocery stores reopening following a boil water advisory from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Following a disaster or emergency event, it is common for individuals and families, as well as disaster responders, to experience distress and anxiety related to safety, health, well-being and recovery.
Call or Text 988
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has a dedicated line to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention.
Any individual whose job is impacted by a major disaster should apply for benefits through Tennessee’s unemployment program. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development will first determine if a displaced worker is eligible for state unemployment, and if they are, they will receive benefits from the state program.
To learn more about Disaster Unemployment Assistance, visit the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Website.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has created a dedicated recovery webpage to consolidate information, guidance, maps, and applications to support recovery and response from Hurricane Helene related to environmental programs.
TDEC issued a temporary water contact advisory on October 2 telling the public to avoid all contact with waterbodies affected by the extreme flooding in East Tennessee. This applies to all surface waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds as well as any other waters affected by the flooding. Read the full advisory here.
For the most up to date information on water conservation orders, boil water advisories, and other water impacts, visit TDEC's webpage.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced today that it has received federal approval to issue replacement benefits for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers located in the following counties:
- Carter
- Clay
- Grainger
- Hancock
- Hawkins
- Johnson
- Unicoi
- Washington
For more information about TDHS SNAP Replacement, visit their website.
Driver Services Division is issuing duplicate identification licenses and driver licenses. All three locations are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
Elizabethton Driver Services Center
1741 HWY 19 E Bypass
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Newport Grammar School
301 College Street
Newport, TN 37821
Unicoi Police Department
3600 Unicoi Drive
Unicoi, TN 37692
Tennessee Department of Revenue announced four tax relief measures for Tennessee businesses and individuals affected by Hurricane Helene.
To learn more about these efforts, read Gov. Bill Lee's full release.
Many roads and bridges in Upper East Tennessee have been compromised due to recent severe weather. All roads in Upper East should be considered potentially hazardous, and motorists should avoid traveling in these areas.
Tennessee Department of Transportation has created a Helene webpage with more information on impacted roadways.
If you need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Helene, call (844) 965-1386 to ask for help. You will be connected with organizations, community groups, and faith-based organizations who may be able to help.
Services are no cost to survivors, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need.
This hotline will remain open until November 8, 2024.
If you are cleaning up debris, these guidelines are a good place to start to ensure your debris is properly sorted to be able to be picked up. Be sure to check with your county first as they may have their own guidelines or schedules in place.