Biden-Harris Administration Assisting with Seven Major Disaster Declarations Across Southeast Following Helene and Milton

WASHINGTON - Under the direction of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, more than 10,000 federal employees are assisting with Helene and Milton response and recovery across the Southeast.

Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Milton. Nearly 700 FEMA staff are in Florida to supplement local and state efforts in response to Helene and Milton.

President Biden previously approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, GeorgiaNorth Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Survivors-who to date have been approved for over $441 million in federal disaster assistance for Helene-may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App.

Survivors may receive 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.

These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states impacted by Helene and Milton.

St. Lucie, Fla. (Oct. 11, 2024) - FEMA Administrator Criswell greets the local community after Hurricane Milton, meeting survivors where they are. St. Lucie, Fla. (Oct. 11, 2024) - FEMA Administrator Criswell greets the local community after Hurricane Milton, meeting survivors where they are. St. Lucie, Fla. (Oct. 11, 2024) - FEMA Administrator Criswell greets the local community after Hurricane Milton, meeting survivors where they are. CLEARWATER, Florida -- FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Colorado Task Force One conducts wellness check after Hurricane Milton. (Source: FEMA) Clearwater, Fla. (Oct. 11, 2024) - FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Colorado Task Force One conducts searches after Hurricane Milton.ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Florida -- Soldiers from the Florida and South Carolina National Guard distribute water, meals and sanitation kits to residents who were affected by Hurricane Milton (Source: U.S. Air National Guard) Smyth County, Va. (Oct. 10, 2024) - A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist leaves a flyer with information on applying for disaster assistance after Hurricane Helene at a home in Smyth County, Va., on Oct. 10. Douglas, Ga. (Oct. 11, 2024) - FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Center to help those affected by Hurricane Helene register for aid. Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 10, 2024) - FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open to help survivors of Hurricane Helen. Batesburg, SC (Oct. 11, 2024) - FEMA hosts a Disaster Survivor Assistance event at local factory to help employees register for assistance.

FEMA's Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Rumor Response.

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