FEMA Responds to Hurricane Milton in Florida as it Continues Coordinated Recovery Across Six States Affected by Hurricane Helene

WASHINGTON - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell continues to lead the federal government's coordinated recovery across six states affected by Hurricane Helene, while FEMA remains simultaneously focused on the immediate response to Hurricane Milton in Florida.

The agency was assisting the state of Florida to prepare prior to Hurricane Milton's landfall. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida with local officials assessing the impacts of the storm. Commodities, volunteer agencies, response assets and federal personnel are being coordinated through the FEMA Region 4 Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. Both facilities are activated on 24-hour operations to support the state.

Resources and personnel have also remained in the states affected by Hurricane Helene to provide immediate long-term support. As these comprehensive recovery efforts continue, more than $344 million in federal disaster assistance has gone into the hands of Helene disaster survivors. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is in North Carolina today to meet with state and local leaders, and members of the FEMA workforce supporting response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. These engagements follow his visit to North and South Carolina last week with President Biden.

President Joseph R. Biden has approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Survivors 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 affected states impacted by Helene and the response to Milton.

Tallahassee, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) - FEMA Administrator is leading the federal response to Hurricane Milton at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center.TALLAHASSEE, Florida - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks with Florida's emergency management team at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center. (source: FEMA) Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) - U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division distribute food and water to residents in Asheville, N.C., Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 10, 2024) - Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas visited the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Emergency Operations Center to help those affected by Hurricane Helene. Orlando, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) - FEMA Urban Search and Rescue is prepared and ready to respond to Hurricane Milton. Orlando, Fla - Power restoration trucks and other equipment are pre-staging ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall. Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) - FEMA Deputy Administrator Hooks visits the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center to provide support to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) - AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith visits FEMA Corps members supporting Hurricane Helene response and recovery. Greenville, S.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) - FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks visits Greenville's Emergency Operations Center to meet with the leadership to discuss the stabilization progress for the County. Deputy Hooks met with Greenville County Emergency Management' Director Jessica Stumpf, Deputy Director Pierce Womack, Greenville City Fire Chief Brian Horton, Division Chief David Hindman, South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson, alongside FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, Brett Howard. Newport, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2024) - Volunteers open large distribution points for Hurricane Helene survivors to receive food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies, pet food, diapers and emotional support at Crossroads Community Church in Newport, Tenn.

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 Helene: Rumor Response.

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