UMCSC Disaster Response Hotline - 803-726-3106

disasterresponse@umcsc.org

Crisis Clean-Up Line - 844-965-1386

crisiscleanup.org

FEMA has declared 12 counties in South Carolina as disaster areas that will qualify for individual assistance and public assistance (organizations who are responding) to offset disaster related expenses. More information about what those are can be found when applying or by going to the website. I have put the quick link in this document with information from the site.

A special note about the applications that people need to know are:

1.     One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since the disaster at home, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (such as having no power and everything spoils), Shelter (paying for a place to stay with friends, family or a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, etc). Say “YES” to this question. That will result in you receiving Critical Needs Assistance to purchase any of these items.

You can apply online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or by telephone at (800) 621-3362. Otherwise, you can download the FEMA weather app from Google PlayStore or the Apple Store and you can apply for assistance on the app and upload receipts. 

Whichever method you choose, the form has a few questions that are tricky. In order to avoid delay, please follow the following tips:

2.    When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer no if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. The question means to ask whether you stay at your home or apartment and will trigger the ability for you to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends.

3.      When asked if utilities are out, say yes, if your utilities were out for even a few days. This triggers assistance to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel to power a generator.

4.       When asked “are you willing to relocate” say yes if you cannot live in your home due to damage. This question means you are willing to stay in a hotel or apartment temporarily, and triggers that funding assistance for you. It is not asking if you are willing to move away from your home permanently.

5.      If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to a certain amount, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to a certain amount. Again you need to provide the receipt. Save your receipts.

Help for Individuals and Families After a Disaster

If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot help with losses already covered by insurance. Learn more about the steps after applying for assistance.

Apply for Disaster Assistance

The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.

Get Immediate Help

Find help with needs that FEMA is not authorized to provide. Check with your local emergency management officials. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.