Washington D.C. (Special to ZennieReport.com) – The Biden-Harris Administration is taking significant measures to support state and local preparation and response measures in advance of Hurricane Helene making landfall. Together with state and local partners, the Federal government is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts and is coordinating requests for Federal assistance.
President Biden approved Major Disaster declarations for the states of Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Emergency declarations were also approved for Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama. As of today, more than 3,500 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed and supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts across the impacted states.
The Administration continues to urge residents to heed the warnings of local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so, as flooding and other hazards may still affect the region.
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Biden-Harris Administration’s Emergency Response
- President Biden approved Major Disaster declarations for the states of Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, allowing survivors to immediately access funds and resources to jumpstart their recovery. Emergency declarations were also approved for Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama.
- Assistance may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.
- As of today, more than 3,500 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed and supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts across the impacted states.
- Search and rescue efforts by state, local, and federal partners are ongoing, and hundreds more personnel are arriving in the region in the coming days, increasing the total number of Urban Search and Rescue personnel to over 1,250.
- At least 50,000 personnel from 31 states and the District of Columbia and Canada are responding to power outages and working around the clock throughout parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to restore power to those communities that can receive power.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving generators and additional power generation assets into the hardest hit areas of South and North Carolina as flood waters recede and debris removal allows. As of this afternoon, approximately 2.3 million customers are without power, down from the region-wide peak of 4.6 million on September 27. - People can apply in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362 or on the FEMA App.