Disaster Recovery Resources

Need Assistance with Storm Debris Removal or Cleanup in Tennessee?  

Call the Crisis Cleanup - Hurricane Helene Hotline: (844) 965-1386 

If the severe weather impacted you in September 2024, the Crisis Cleanup - Home Cleanup Hotline is open to help survivors in Tennessee. They will connect you with volunteer groups from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities who may be able to assist you with:

• Cutting Fallen Trees
• Drywall, Flooring & Appliance Removal
• Tarping Roofs
• Mold Mitigation for Tornado or Flood Damage

Crisis Cleanup hotlines usually remain open for just a few weeks. Survivors needing assistance should call 844-965-1386.

For information about recovery resources after a devastating natural disaster, the following agencies provide relief efforts for Tennesseans affected by events such as tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and winter storms. For an extended list, please go here. If your organization provides disaster recovery resources for Tennesseans, that are not listed, please email volunteer.tennessee@tn.gov.

• Information for survivors, including recovery resources and shelter locations, is available on TEMA’s Hurricane Helene Response webpage.
• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency's website is the recommended source of information related to disaster services in Tennessee: https://www.tn.gov/tema. 
• FEMA – Get Individual Assistance After a Disaster - FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Apply to FEMA online anytime or by phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 am-11 pm ET.
• FEMA – Fact Sheet - Questions and Answers About FEMA Disaster Assistance (Release Date: December 22, 2021)
• Residents with legal issues due to the storms may call 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486). You can leave a message and an attorney will contact you. Additionally, survivors can access information online about their rights and resources.
• Crisis Cleanup – Survivor Hotline -  This nationally recognized organization is used by local organizations to assist survivors after a disaster. 
• If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts, and contact your insurance company. Consumers who believe they have been wrongfully denied a claim by their insurance company can contact the TDCI Complaint Line: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
• The Tennessee Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs - Price Gouging webpage reminds Tennesseans to be wary of disaster relief scams. 
• Tips for Hiring a Contractor - Hire only licensed contractors and do not pay the total amount before the work is complete. TN Consumer Disaster Recovery Resources
• Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority. 811 is a free, nationwide number to call before digging to mark the location of buried utilities. Always call 811 before you dig
• If you need repairs done after a storm or other disaster, use the TN Department of Commerce & Insurance Verify - License Search tool to verify the licensure of contractors and public adjusters. 
• You can let loved ones know you're safe after a disaster through the Safe and Well website powered by the American Red Cross.
• Rx Open - Facilities Map provides information on the operating status of healthcare facilities in areas impacted by a disaster. Users can search the Facilities map for individual facility status. 

Emergency Shelter Information

September 27, 2024 - Storm shelters have been established by local counties for those who may be in need due to this severe weather event. For further assistance, please see the TEMA - Tennessee Shelters webpage or contact your local emergency management agency.

• To locate Emergency Shelter options by zip code, visit the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.
• FEMA Mobile App – Download to find open shelters. Or text SHELTER and your zip code  (for example, “SHELTER 01234”) to 4FEMA (43362).  For Spanish Shelter Information text REFUGIO and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362). 

Emotional and Mental Health 

• Emotional distress can happen before and after a disaster.  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)  provides several coping tips for traumatic events and disasters.
• Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line, available 24 hours a day/365 days a year, is a resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.   All calls are routed to a trained crisis counselor in your area, who will provide you support and guidance. This service is free! Call 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471). 
• You can also connect with the SAMHSA - Disaster Distress Helpline, if you are experiencing distress or other mental health concerns related to natural or human-caused disasters.