Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources for Tennesseans
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA): Click here to learn more about Hurricane Helene’s impact on Tennessee.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA Public Assistance (Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities) is available for the following counties: Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington.
FEMA Individual Assistance is available for those in following counties: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. FEMA Individual Assistance provides financial support and direct services for eligible individuals and households impacted by a disaster. You must register for Individual Assistance by January 7, 2025. You can apply for Individual Assistance today:
- Online by visiting disasterassistance.gov
- Calling 1-800-621-3362
- Downloading and applying on the FEMA App.
FEMA has put together more information about Tennessee-specific resources here. Read more about the federal and local resources that are available in your community.
Shelter Operations
In Tennessee, food and shelter operations are ongoing. Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross are managing shelters in impacted areas. For the most up to date shelter locations visit here.
Road Conditions
Several roads and bridges have been destroyed due to Hurricane Helene. For the latest information, please visit the Tennessee Department of Transportation website here.
Business Assistance
Business owners in declared disaster areas can apply for SBA assistance to help in the recovery. The SBA encourages applicants to apply on their website for needed disaster loans. Residents also have the option of calling the SBA directly at 800-659-2955.
The SBA’s Tennessee specific page also has several documents linked at the bottom that provide additional insight into loan details/specifics.
IRS Tax Relief
The IRS is postponing various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred beginning on September 25, 2024. Tennessee’s relief period ends on May 1, 2025. For more information on tax relief, please visit the IRS’s website here.
Farmer Assistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers with crops insured under the Federal crop insurance program to immediately contact their local crop insurance agent to report any damage to insured crops after the storm. After, farmers should consult USDA’s Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool to see what assistance programs they may be eligible for. For questions or further assistance, you may wish to contact the Farm Service Agency’s help line: 877-508-8364.
Missing Individuals
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has established a hotline for individuals needing to report a missing person in the ongoing East Tennessee flood emergency: 1-800-TBI-FIND.
To report a missing child during a disaster, please also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which operates the National Emergency Child Locator Center, at 1-800-843-5678.
Volunteer and Donate
People wishing to volunteer or donate should consult lists of reputable organizations available here. Further, Bristol Motor Speedway is serving as a major donation and collection hub. For more information on how to get involved click here.
Local Emergency Resources
Carter County Emergency Management
Cocke County Emergency Management
Greene County Emergency Management
Hamblen County Emergency Management
Hawkins County Emergency Management
Mountain City (Johnson County) Emergency Resources