Washington, D.C. FEMA has said that the state of North Carolina can get government disaster aid to help with recovery efforts in areas hit by Tropical Storm Helene starting on September 25 and going on for as long as needed.
People in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, can now get federal aid because of what the President did.
Grants for temporary housing and house repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs can all help people and business owners get back on their feet after a disaster.
Some private nonprofits, state, tribal, and eligible local governments can also get federal money to help pay for emergency work in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties, as well as for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Cost-sharing federal funds is also available for statewide measures to reduce risks.
Thomas J. McCool has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for the places that were damaged and needs help from the federal government. If the results of damage estimates allow it, more designations may be made at a later time.
People and company owners who lost property in the designated areas can start the application process for help by registering at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362, or using the FEMA app. Give FEMA the number for any transfer services you use, like video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others.