Recovery News

FEMA Individual Assistance Now Available for More Virginians

(Oct. 8, 2024) Residents of Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Pittsylvania, Russell, and Wise counties and the city of Radford are now eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA under the Individual Assistance Program. FEMA assistance can help with costs from damage and losses due to Tropical Storm Helene. Montgomery and Pulaski counties have been added to the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) declaration following Hurricane Helene. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/2fpedxyn. FEMA has released more guidance on how to help with recovery. 

 

Disaster Recovery Center Is Now Open in Washington County

(Oct. 7, 2024) FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are temporary offices set up after a disaster to provide support to impacted areas and communities. The Washington County DRC is located at Damascus Shopping Mall, 736 North Beaver Dam Ave, Damascus, Va. 24236. You don’t need to go to a DRC to apply, but it can help with the process. Location: 736 Beaver Dam Ave., 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Sat.

 

Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Exceeds $286 Million

(Oct. 7, 2024) Federal assistance for survivors of Helene has now surpassed $286 million with an additional $180 million in mission assignments to federal partners. FEMA continues to coordinate recovery efforts while preparing for the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Milton along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

 

FEMA Supporting Survivors with Disabilities Through Proactive and Inclusive Disaster Recovery Efforts

(Oct. 7, 2024) FEMA’s Disability Integration Advisors are on the ground in areas impacted by Helene to ensure recovery resources are accessible to all survivors. Accessibility isn’t confined to one FEMA program or specialist and is incorporated into the execution of all its work and programs. Disability Integration Advisors are experts in proactively addressing the disability community’s equities, working alongside FEMA leadership to guide FEMA staff in incorporating these equities into their work. Their duties include ensuring distribution of water and food to survivors who cannot get to reach points, and helping “those who require assistive aids to file a FEMA application receive what they need to begin the recovery process.” 

 

VDEM Conducting Initial Damage Assessments in Southwest Virginia

VDEM is conducting Initial Damage Assessments throughout the affected areas of Southwest Virginia today. Residents may see teams of personnel in the community taking photos of impacted homes. VDEM personnel are working with our local impacted partners and incident management teams from the National Capital Region, Southwest Virginia, Central Virginia, and Hampton Roads.

Governor Youngkin will be requesting expedited approval for a Major Disaster Declaration to the President for all available programs and resources for the commonwealth. More information will follow as we receive a response to the request.

For more information regarding the federal declaration process, and criteria for a federal declaration, please visit How a Disaster Gets Declared | FEMA.gov. 

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Anyone helping to clean up debris from the hurricane in southwest Virginia is asked to keep it on their own property (for now) and away from the street so Virginia Department of Transportation can get through to clear public roadways. Once done, debris removal will begin, and further guidance will be given on where to put it.

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Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to individuals in the designated localities whose employment or self-employment was impacted by Hurricane Helene. For more information visit https://ow.ly/raFs50TCuL8.

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Find a flood map and risk reduction resources here. 

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For social workers and others who want to volunteer or help in the devastated areas of western North Carolina, the NASW North Carolina Chapter has a website section and statement.  

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Be alert—criminals may impersonate FEMA workers. Always verify ID, never share personal info, and don’t trust unsolicited calls. Contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for legitimacy. Stay informed and stay safe!