How to Help the Victims and Survivors of Hurricane Helene
Last Updated: October 01, 2024
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Pic: Heidi Lepley
Hurricane Helene is barreling toward Florida's coast with devastating winds and the potential for catastrophic flooding. The storm, classified as a Category 4 hurricane, is set to deliver a life-threatening storm surge and destructive winds, particularly in Florida's Big Bend region. Officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders, and over 346,000 residents are already without power as of Thursday evening. Communities are bracing for impact, with the National Hurricane Center warning that this storm could lead to historic inland flooding.
After hitting Florida's Big Bend storm has moved north into Georgia and the Carolinas after making landfall overnight on Thursday. Though Helene has weakened significantly as of Friday, forecasters warn that high winds, flooding and the threat of tornadoes would continue.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to at least 110 and hundreds are still missing.The president of the United States has said that he could ask congress to pass aid for catastrophic Helene damage.
With landfall of Hurricane Helene , disaster response teams and volunteers are mobilizing to offer support to those in need. However, with powerful winds of 140 mph and storm surges reaching up to 20 feet, the affected regions will need extensive relief and recovery efforts in the days and weeks to come. If you're looking for ways to help, understanding the current situation and contributing to the relief efforts are crucial.
How is the Situation Now?
Hurricane Helene has already left hundreds of thousands of residents in Florida and Georgia without power. With the storm's landfall, Florida’s Big Bend region is under an extreme wind warning, with the eyewall of the storm pushing over the coast. The storm surge is expected to cause significant flooding and damage to homes, while the strong winds pose a threat to lives and property alike.
Hurricane #Helene is a major storm with life threatening hazards.
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) October 01, 2024
❗️Stay indoors & shelter in place
❗️Keep away from windows
❗️Monitor all weather alerts & follow warnings from local officials
State Assistance Information Line - 1-800-342-3557.
Visit https://t.co/nfDMe4HFPM. pic.twitter.com/jNBuFLA1Rp
Cedar Key Fire Rescue has suspended services due to the severity of the hurricane, and other emergency services in the area have been limited. The National Hurricane Center has stressed the severity of the storm, labeling it a "historic inland flooding event" with the potential for significant loss of life. Areas such as Tallahassee and surrounding regions could be directly impacted by the storm's destructive force.
Who is Helping?
We encourage everyone to stay safe as they shelter in place during the storm. Here are some resources to keep in mind:
— American Red Cross (@RedCross) September 26, 2024
- Emergency assistance: Please call 911 if you're in a life-threatening emergency.
- Locating a loved one: If you're looking for a loved one affected by…
Various organizations and government agencies are stepping up to provide immediate relief for those in the path of Hurricane Helene. The American Red Cross has deployed over 500 disaster responders to Florida and Georgia, who are ready to assist as soon as the storm passes. They have already set up shelters and prepositioned trailers filled with relief items such as water, blankets, and hygiene kits.
Save the Children
As #HurricaneHelene impacts the southeastern U.S., we’ve pre-positioned essential items like diapers, hygiene kits and school supplies to support families.
— Save the Children US (@SavetheChildren) October 01, 2024
Help us respond now and in future disasters by donating today ➡️ https://t.co/Lgoe4Xkofg pic.twitter.com/12mDW8SwnR
Save the Children, in partnership with local organizations in Florida, is responding to Hurricane Helene by providing essential supplies like hygiene kits and classroom cleaning materials to children and families most affected. They are also working with local education partners to assess damage to childcare centers and schools, while their Psychosocial Support team evaluates the mental health needs of impacted children and caregivers to plan long-term recovery efforts.
FEMA
Our Incident Management Assistance teams are on the ground in AL, FL, GA, NC, & SC to address #Helene response needs & facilitate federal efforts. Urban Search & Rescue teams, @usacehq power teams, & emergency communications staff are also providing support. pic.twitter.com/WgMf0IPf42
— FEMA (@fema) October 01, 2024
FEMA is actively assisting victims of Hurricane Helene by deploying Incident Management Assistance Teams to affected areas in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. These teams, along with Urban Search & Rescue units, power restoration crews, and emergency communications staff, are working to address immediate response needs. Partnering with federal, state, and local agencies, FEMA is coordinating efforts to support communities and provide essential resources in the aftermath of the storm.
American Red Cross
American Red Cross has prepared nearly 45,000 snacks and ready-to-eat meals to be distributed to affected areas once it is safe to do so. Their teams are standing by, prepared to provide support and care to those displaced by the storm. Shelters have been set up across Florida for residents seeking refuge from the storm, with Uber offering free rides to those in need of transport to a safe location.
Local emergency services, including Cedar Key Fire Rescue, have suspended operations until the storm passes but remain on alert to respond as soon as it is safe. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, as have neighboring states Georgia and South Carolina, mobilizing resources to aid in the recovery efforts.
Table: State-wise Overview of Who is Helping Victims of Hurricane Helene
State |
Damage Overview |
Key Organizations Helping |
Governor’s Initiatives |
North Carolina |
- Widespread damage from fierce winds and heavy rainfall |
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund |
Gov. Roy Cooper has encouraged donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, administered by United Way of North Carolina to assist victims with food, water, and supplies. |
Florida |
- Direct hit from Hurricane Helene as a Category 4 storm |
Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Disaster Fund, aimed at helping people recover from the damage caused by the hurricane. |
|
Georgia |
- Significant damage from the hurricane |
- Send Relief (a nonprofit working with national organizations to provide resources) |
To be updated. Send Relief is coordinating help to affected areas. |
How Can You Help the People Affected by Hurricane Helene?
If you're looking to support those affected by Hurricane Helene, there are several ways you can help:
- Donate to Relief Organizations: Contributing to organizations such as the American Red Cross will ensure that relief efforts have the necessary resources to continue providing support to those in need. Donations help fund shelters, food, and medical supplies for impacted individuals.
- Volunteer: If you're in a safe location, consider volunteering with local shelters or relief agencies. The American Red Cross is always in need of additional volunteers, especially in times of disaster.
- Provide Shelter or Supplies: If you are in an unaffected area nearby, offering temporary housing or donating essential items like water, blankets, and hygiene products can be a great way to assist those who have been displaced.
- Spread Awareness: Sharing reliable information and resources on social media or with your community can help others stay informed and find ways to assist. The more awareness there is, the more people can come together to support the relief efforts.
We Hope this Was Helpful
Hurricane Helene is a powerful storm that will have devastating effects on the people and communities in its path. As the storm bears down on Florida and Georgia, it is crucial that we come together to support the relief efforts.
The American Red Cross, alongside other organizations and volunteers, is leading the charge to provide much-needed assistance to those affected by the storm. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every effort can make a difference in helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene recover and rebuild.
Note: Please call 911 if you're in a life-threatening emergency.
State Assistance Information Line - 1-800-342-3557 , by: FL Division of Emergency Management
Disclaimer: This post doesn’t offer any program of Volunteer FDIP. We are sharing this solely as a purpose of conveying this helpful information to the people who want to support the Hurricane Helene Victims and Survivors.
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