FEMA Provides Assistance in Georgia Following Hurricane Helene

Atlanta, October 2, 2024 — FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are currently deployed in neighborhoods across Georgia, extending support to residents affected by Hurricane Helene. The assistance efforts are part of the agency’s response to the recent disaster, and apply to any federal disaster declarations made on or after March 22, 2024, in line with updated Individual Assistance protocols.

The FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are distinctly recognizable by their official FEMA attire and federal photo identification badges. Their primary role is to provide on-the-ground support by visiting affected homeowners and renters directly at their doorstep. DSA teams are tasked with facilitating applications for federal assistance, providing updates on existing applications, identifying additional needs, and connecting survivors with other resources and organizations. Importantly, these crews do not request or accept any money from residents.

Residents of numerous counties, including Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, and others, are eligible to apply for assistance through several channels. Applications can be submitted online, via a mobile app, or by contacting FEMA at 800-621-3362 any day of the week. The service also accommodates users of relay services such as Video Relay Service (VRS) or captioned telephones, encouraging applicants to provide their specific service numbers.

In an effort to ensure accessibility, FEMA has released an instructional video on how to apply for assistance, which is available online. For ongoing updates and information regarding the recovery process in Georgia, FEMA advises residents to visit their official website or follow their social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

FEMA’s disaster response operations in Georgia demonstrate the agency’s commitment to aiding communities in recovery and providing the necessary resources to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.