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How to get help or lend a hand amid Hurricane Helene’s devastation

Stories by The Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer team, with AI summarization

Updated October 1, 2024 10:50 PM

A rescue team paddles down the Swannanoa River on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has prompted widespread efforts to assist affected communities. We’ve collected tips for how to make insurance claims, how to reach FEMA and how to get help locally.

For those who want to pitch in, we’ve provided information about organizations that are accepting volunteers and donations to aid recovery and support.

Additionally, local initiatives are under way to collect supplies and host fundraisers to support victims.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Residents in Clyde begin cleaning up on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 after massive flooding damaged dozens of homes and businesses. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

No. 1: After Helene: Tips for assessing storm’s damage to your home & filing insurance claims

As clean-up and recovery efforts continue, here’s what to know about dealing with Helene’s impact to your home and property, including filing a claim. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

Blake Nelson, 11, and his father Mitch Nelson clean up a flooded salon in Clyde on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 after massive flooding damaged dozens of homes and businesses. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

No. 2: How to help people and volunteer in NC in Hurricane Helene aftermath

Some got out of floodwaters on a kayak. Some are still waiting for an airlift. Hurricane Helene’s NC victims have a long swim to recovery ahead. Here’s how to help. | Published September 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Coin

No. 3: Want to donate to people in NC affected by Helene? Here’s how to help

Here’s also what you should and should not donate. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Coin

No. 4: Federal aid is available for North Carolinians affected by Helene. Here’s how to apply.

Western North Carolina was pummeled by Helene, a storm that destroyed homes and businesses. Here’s how to apply for federal aid as part of recovery efforts. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi

The remnants of Hurricane Helene hover over Georgia and the Carolinas after making landfall in Florida. Downgraded to a tropical storm, the system has left thousands without power in the Southern Appalachians Friday, Sept. 27. Provided by NOAA USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 5: Helene damaged your home or car? How to get in touch with your insurer, and other tips

Here’s what to do — and what to expect: | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lawrence Mower

Asheville residents residents line up for gasoline at a gas station on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

No. 6: Price gouging law is in effect following Helene. How to recognize & report it in NC

North Carolina businesses are not legally allowed to charge too much for items during a crisis. Here’s how to alert the authorities to price gouging. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

Swannanoa residents walk through devastating flood damage from the Swannanoa River on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

No. 7: How Apple, T-Mobile & Verizon customers can access Wi-Fi & phone signals after Helene

Hundreds of thousands of people are still without power, but companies are providing ways for them to communicate. | Published October 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

Trees snapped off during Helene caused widespread damage in Greenville County and caused four deaths. City of Greenville/provided Courtesy of City of Greenville

No. 8: FEMA just announced assistance is available in SC after Helene. Here’s how to apply

Who’s eligible for federal funding for disaster recovery in South Carolina after Hurricane Helene? | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

Georgia Power linemen work on removing a tree branch from a power line on Riverside Drive on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Multiple traffic lights and businesses down Riverside Drive are without power as of noon on Friday. Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

No. 9: FEMA starts support work in Georgia. It’s unclear when power will come back for many

Officials say they’re waiting for storm effects to clear in some parts of Georgia before power restoration can begin. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alba Rosa

Swannanoa residents share rolls of toilet paper on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

No. 10: Charlotte restaurants, businesses come together for Helene relief effort. You can help.

Along with nonprofits accepting donations, local restaurants, bars, boutiques and other businesses have set up fundraisers and donation drop-offs. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff

Water from nearby Congaree River creeps into Hudson Avenue as the nearby Congaree River begins flooding the Riverland Park subdivision in Cayce on Sunday, Sept 29, 2024. Tracy Glantz tglantz@thestate.com

No. 11: If Helene flooded your SC home, these are the best tips to follow ASAP to reduce costs, damage

Did Helene flood your South Carolina home or are you thinking about flooding more after the storm? These are the best tips to follow to reduce costs and damage to your home after a flood. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Patrick McCreless

Cayce, South Carolina experiences severe flooding as water from Hurricane Helene flows down the Congaree River from North Carolina on Monday, September 30, 2024. Joshua Boucher jboucher@thestate.com

No. 12: How can the Myrtle Beach, SC area help with Helene recovery? Check out these resources

Want to help communities hit by Helene recover? Here’s how you to volunteer and donate. | Published October 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

Tropical Storm Helene as of mid-Friday. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

No. 13: Hurricane Helene leaves behind damage, millions without power. How Texans can help

In total, there has been 22 storm-related deaths reported across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brayden Garcia

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.

This story was originally published October 1, 2024 at 4:15 PM with the headline "How to get help or lend a hand amid Hurricane Helene’s devastation."