WASHINGTON –FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell remains in North Carolina to direct and support ongoing recovery efforts for the federal response to Hurricane Milton in Florida.
The administrator travelled to Asheville, Fairview and Swannanoa in Western North Carolina and met with local, state and federal staff. Recovery efforts continue across six states affected by Helene with FEMA approving nearly $550 million to approximately 400,000 households so they can jumpstart their recovery.
Crews have been working to restore power and communications and more than 96% of originally reported power outages have been restored in North Carolina. Cellular restoration continues to improve, with more than 93% of cellular sites in service as of today. Six Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in North Carolina. Meanwhile, more than 99% of power has been restored to Florida households.
Hurricane Milton survivors in 34 Florida counties and one Tribal Nation can register now for federal disaster assistance. On Oct. 11, President Jospeh R. Biden, Jr., approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following the hurricane.
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, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. In total, over 8,200 federal personnel—including 4,300 FEMA staff—are in communities in these states.
FEMA encourages Helene and Milton survivors to apply online as this remains the best way to apply for disaster assistance. The three ways to apply include visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App. Survivors may receive 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.
The agency reminds survivors that a letter from FEMA saying you’re ineligible for disaster assistance may not be a final decision. Learn more about appealing a decision at FEMA.gov.
These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states impacted by Helene and Milton.
