Flash Report #18 Hurricane Helene

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• A new Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) will be opening on Sunday, October 13, at noon in Newport.
• Water and wastewater infrastructure remain impacted across the affected area and multiple boil water advisories remain in effect.
• Requests from state and local partners are being fulfilled through the State Emergency Operations Center.
• Emergency Services Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, TN Department of Military, and more are monitoring and responding to the situation to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
• There are 17 confirmed fatalities as of this report. (No change)

CURRENT SITUATION

A new Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) will be opening on Sunday, October 13, at noon in Newport at 466 Learning Road, Newport, TN for survivors impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Many of the resources that have been available in past Flash Reports have been made accessible on TEMA's dedicated Helene webpage. There, survivors can find information about the multitude of services and resources available to survivors, such as Multi-Agency Resource Center locations and services, the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center, and more information about applying for federal assistance.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) continues to respond and assist with recovery efforts following the floods that devastated many counties in Northeast Tennessee.

MULTI-AGENCY RESOURCE CENTERS

Three Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) have been established for individuals affected by Hurricane Helene. Each MARC will be staffed with personnel from FEMA and other federal, state, and regional partners to ensure residents have access to all available resources following the flooding event. Eligible individuals in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) at a MARC location, if preferred.

MARC Locations:

Elizabethton

1749 HWY 19E

Elizabethton, TN 37643

Jonesborough

306 Forest Dr.

Jonesborough, TN 3765

Newport (Opens Sunday, 10/13 at 12 p.m.)

466 Learning Road*

Newport, TN 37821

*Depending on the navigation service you are using, the address may show up as 466 Learning Way.

The MARCs will be open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. ET, Monday - Saturday. On Sunday, MARCs will be open 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. ET.

Those eligible for FEMA's IA program can also apply for direct assistance online anytime or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. Individuals may receive help with rental assistance, home repair, and personal property replacement, in addition to other uninsured or underinsured disaster losses. More information on FEMA's IA program can be found here.

WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITIES

• Several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to flooding impacts:
  • Hamblen County, Lowland Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Unicoi County, Erwin Utilities Authority
• As of Oct. 11, 17 drinking water facilities have reported operational issues. Of those, 11 facilities have issued boil water advisories. If you have lost water or have a loss of water pressure, check with your water system for more information and recommended actions.

TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

As of Friday, October 11, there are 4 active leads that TBI is coordinating with local law enforcement response. Please note, this number does not represent the total of unaccounted individuals, just public leads that still need to be cleared.

• Cocke County: 1
• Greene County: 3

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

• The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 17 weather-related fatalities.
  • Two in Cocke County
  • One in Greene County
  • One in Knox County
  • One in Johnson County
  • Eight in Unicoi County
  • Four in Washington County

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

• If you are suffering a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
• Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance: online anytime or by phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET.
• Individuals may be eligible for FEMA's Serious Needs Assistance, an upfront, flexible payment of $750 to help cover essential items while survivors are assessed for Individual Assistance eligibility. For more information about Serious Needs Assistance, visit FEMA's website.
• The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (844) 965-1386 has been established for survivors who need assistance with clean-up efforts. This service is at no cost to the survivors who are requesting assistance. The hotline will be available until Oct. 25.
• The Disaster Hotline, (423) 830-2696, has been established to serve as a unified regional hotline.
• The Tennessee Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to be cautious and wary of disaster relief scams.You can find helpful tips on their website.
• Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
• Hire only licensed contractors and do not pay the total amount before the work is complete. More tips for consumers can be found here.
• Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority. Always call 811 before you dig.
• Report down or cut power lines and stay clear of the area.
• If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. TDCI's Complaint Line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
• Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don't drown.
• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.

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