COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Disaster Recovery Centers in South Carolina will temporarily close in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays. 

Aiken County, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 17519 Atomic Road, Aiken, SC 29803

Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. through Jan. 7, 2025

Holiday Closure: Dec. 22-29, 2024, Jan. 1, 2025.

Anderson County, Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie St., Anderson, SC 29621

Open Dec. 20-21, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Chester County, Gateway Conference Center, 3200 Commerce Drive, Richburg, SC 29729

Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., through Jan. 31, 2025.

Holiday Closure: Dec. 22-29, 2024, Jan. 1, 2025. 

Greenville County, Freetown Community Center, 200 Alice Ave., Greenville, SC 29611

Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., through Jan. 7, 2025.

Holiday Closure: Dec. 24-25, 2024, Jan. 1, 2025.

Greenwood County, United Way of Lakelands, 929 Phoenix St., Greenwood, SC 29646

Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., through Jan. 31, 2025.

Holiday Closure:  Dec. 22-29, 2024, Jan. 1, 2025.

Spartanburg County, Woodson Community Center, 210 Bomar Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29306

Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., through Jan. 7, 2025.

Holiday closure: Dec. 22-29, 2024, Jan. 1, 2025.

To find all the center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA has obligated over $1 billion in Public Assistance funds to aid Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Milton. Reaching this milestone, in just over two months after the hurricane’s major disaster declaration on Oct. 11, has never been done before in Florida. This rapid response highlights the partnership with the State of Florida to aid local governments’ efforts to help communities recover.

These funds include costs that the state and local jurisdictions spent on debris removal and emergency protective measures. As of Dec. 20, the state of Florida has removed 37.4 million cubic yards of debris, which equals to more than 228,000 tractor trailers loads.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to state and local government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and certain private nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance. The deadline to apply for Public Assistance funds is Dec. 20, 2024.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 and on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

CHICAGO – Winter officially begins this Saturday, Dec. 21, bringing freezing rain, snow and plummeting temperatures. Families can prepare now to stay safe, warm and protect their homes with guidance from FEMA’s #WinterReady campaign.

“It’s never too early to think about what you would do if stranded on the side of the road or stuck at home without power during a snowstorm,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Taking steps today—like making a plan and assembling emergency kits with essential items like food, water, medications and pet supplies—can make all the difference when winter weather strikes.”

Here are a few things to keep in mind as winter rolls in:

1. Wear a coat and dress in layers if you work outside or participate in outdoor activities. This will help regulate your body heat and keep you warm. Be sure to keep your skin covered by wearing a hat, scarf and mittens. Hats help keep the body warmer and mittens are more effective than gloves.
2. Know what to do if you experience frostbite or hypothermia. If the cold causes pain in your body, numb or tingly skin, slurred speech, or shivering, go indoors immediately. Remove wet clothing, wrap up in a warm blanket and if you can, sip on warm fluids to stabilize your body temperature. 
3. Gather supplies for your emergency kits. It’s important to keep an emergency kit in your home. This kit should include nonperishable food, a can opener, water, blankets, prescription medications, a weather radio, a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable cell phone charger, kid-friendly activities, and pet food. It’s also a good idea to make sure everyone in the family has the phone numbers for emergency contacts. It’s also important to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you are stranded in the cold.  This kit should include an ice scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, blankets, nonperishable food, water and a portable cell phone charger. 
4. Heat your home safely. If you use a space heater, remember to keep it at least three feet away from items like curtains, rugs, furniture, bedding and other items that can burn. The heaters should be plugged directly into the wall and the cords should not be frayed or damaged. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. This can release carbon monoxide into the air and cause serious health risks, even death. 
5. Check on elderly friends and neighbors. Older adults often have a harder time regulating body temperature, so they are at a higher risk of experiencing cold-weather related injuries. Be sure to check in on them to see if their heat is working properly and they have what they need to make it through the cold. 

To learn more about how to prepare for extreme cold and severe winter weather, visit #WinterReady | Ready.gov. The #WInterReady campaign also offers messaging, graphics and resources to help educate the public on the risks of winter weather, promote fire safety and urge caution when travelling in winter weather. Access these tools by visiting #WinterReady Partners Toolkit.

Cocke County residents who had damage or losses from Tropical Storm Helene are encouraged to visit FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center in the old Walmart Building in Newport to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The center is staffed with specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration and may have representatives from other organizations to help you recover. Specialists can also explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters, submit your documents to a FEMA processing center, and scan or copy new information or documents needed for your case files.

The Cocke County Disaster Recovery Center is located at the Old Walmart Building behind Krystal Fast Food Restaurant, 593-B W Broadway, Newport, TN 37821. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday to Saturday. The center is closed Sundays and also closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24; Wednesday, Dec. 25; Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1.

All other Eastern Tennessee Disaster Recovery Centers are also closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Their regular operating hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday, except where noted.

• Carter County: Carter County Public Library, 201 N. Sycamore St., Elizabethton, TN 37643. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Saturday.
• Johnson County: Tennessee National Guard Armory, 1923 S. Shady St., Mountain City, TN 37683
• Unicoi County: National Guard Armory/Unicoi Emergency Operations Center, 615 South Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650
• Washington County: Cherry Grove Baptist Church, 104 Cherry Grove Rd., Jonesborough, TN  37659

Survivors have until Tuesday, Jan. 7, to apply for federal disaster assistance.

There are several other ways to apply. Go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time seven days a week and specialists speak many languages. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

SANTA FE, New Mexico – The Roswell Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be closed for the holidays on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. Moreover, the DRC will operate with reduced hours on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

Additionally, the FEMA Helpline will observe holiday hours on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Holiday hours at the Roswell DRC are:

• Tuesdays, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 25, Thursday, Dec 26 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, closed for the holidays.

Holiday hours for the FEMA Helpline are:

• Tuesday, Dec. 24, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 25, closed for the holidays.

The Roswell DRC offers one-on-one assistance to Chaves County homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the Oct. 19-20, severe storms and flooding. The center is operated by the state of New Mexico and FEMA at Roswell Mall, 4501 N. Main St. Roswell, NM 88201 next to Bath & Body Works store. 

At the DRC you can apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance, update your address, phone number or banking information and get answers to your questions about the disaster assistance process.

By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), you can apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance and track the progress of your FEMA application, update your application and get answers to questions about disaster assistance. 

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance 

The first step for individuals and households to receive financial help is to apply to FEMA for federal assistance. There is no cost involved to apply for, or receive, FEMA assistance. There are four ways to apply: 

• Visit the Roswell Disaster Recovery Center operated by the state of New Mexico and FEMA at the Roswell Mall. For location and hours, visit fema.gov/drc
• Go online to disasterassistance.gov/ 
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products  
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily, except holidays. Help is available in most languages. 

For an American Sign Language video on how to apply for assistance, visit youtube.com/watch= WZGpWI2RCNw. 

For the latest on New Mexico’s recovery, visit the disaster web page at fema.gov/disaster/4843, follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6. 

SANTA FE, New Mexico – Attention, New Mexicans who were affected by the Oct. 19-20 storms and flooding. Don’t wait any longer to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply for help is only two weeks away, January 2, 2025. 

Homeowners and renters impacted by the storms and flooding, who live in Chaves County, have only until Thursday, January 2, 2025, to apply. 

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP or other federal and state benefits.  

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance 

The first step for individuals and households to receive assistance is to apply to FEMA for federal assistance. There are no costs involved to apply for, or receive, FEMA assistance. There are four ways to apply:

1. Visit the Roswell Disaster Recovery Center, operated by the state of New Mexico and FEMA at the Roswell Mall in Roswell.

DRC at Roswell Mall next to Bath and Body Works
4501 North Main St,
Roswell, NM 88201

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Go online to disasterassistance.gov/ .
3. Download the FEMA App for mobile devices at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products .
4. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Help is available in most languages. 
5. For an American Sign Language (ASL) video on how to apply for assistance, visit youtube.com/watch= WZGpWI2RCNw.

For more information about FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, visit  www.fema.gov/assistance/individual. 

For the latest information on New Mexico’s recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4843. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.

SANTA FE, New Mexico — FEMA Mitigation experts are available at Home Depot in Roswell, through Saturday, Dec. 21, to offer free advice and tips on how to rebuild stronger and safer against disasters. FEMA encourages New Mexicans, especially those affected by the Oct. 19-20 storm and flooding in Chaves County, to make the most of this free assistance and learn how to reduce future risk.

The FEMA specialists are also available at the Disaster Recovery Center in Roswell Mall. They will answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to help prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Most information is aimed at do-it-yourselfers and general contractor work. 

Days and hours at Home Depot, through Dec. 21 are:

Home Depot
2350 North Main St. 
Roswell, NM 88201

Monday-Saturday
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

DRC Roswell Mall next to Bath and Body Works
4501 North Main St,
Roswell, NM 88201

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FEMA Mitigation teams have engaged with 3,000 New Mexicans this year, providing support to communities impacted by storms, floods and wildfires. FEMA has Mitigation Specialists, through the Community Education and Outreach Program (CEO), available across multiple platforms to help you navigate repairs and rebuilds to reduce future damages due to natural disasters. 

The FEMA Mitigation Helpline is open, free of charge, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This service is staffed with specialists who, if unavailable at the time of your call, will return the call within 24 hours. Call 833-336-2487 for help and advice.

If you need to update information for your application, or check the application status,  visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The FEMA Helpline is available 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.

For the latest information on New Mexico’s recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4843. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6. 

ATLANTA – After you apply for federal disaster assistance, it is important that FEMA be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may come from unidentified or out of area numbers.

If there are changes in your phone number, current address, banking or insurance information, please let FEMA know as soon as possible or you may miss important telephone calls or correspondence.

FEMA may need to call some survivors to continue processing their application for assistance after Tropical Storm Debby, Aug. 4–20, 2024, or Hurricane Helene, Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024. FEMA also may contact some survivors to obtain more information for their application.

You can update your contact information in several ways: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. Survivors can also call the Georgia Call Center at 678-547-2861 Monday through Saturday.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

HICKORY, N.C. – Amid a busy holiday season, Tropical Storm Helene survivors who applied for FEMA assistance should continue to stay in touch with the agency to update application details with any new information.

It is critical to keep FEMA advised. Missing or outdated material could delay your getting help. Information that needs to be updated may include:

• Your current housing situation, phone number or mailing address.
• Adding or removing the name of a person designated to speak for you.
• Adding or changing names of household members and number of people living in the home.
• Changes in your application for FEMA help.
• Correcting or verifying home and property damage.
• Updating your payment preference

The easiest way to provide missing or new information is to create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you don’t have Internet access or need services not on the FEMA website, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline is open every day and help is available in most languages. 

When contacting FEMA, be sure to refer to the nine-digit application number you were issued when you applied. This number is included in all correspondence you get from FEMA. 

Applicants who sustained housing damage and received an eligibility letter pertaining to FEMA assistance may also need to submit additional documentation. That documentation may include: 

• Proof of insurance coverage (documentation from insurance provider, policy number)
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider 
• Proof of identity (driver’s license, state or federally issued id, or social security card)
• Proof of occupancy (utility bills)
• Proof of ownership (deed, property tax bill)
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of disaster.

You can learn how to replace lost or damaged documents by reading the fact sheet How To Replace Lost Documents in North Carolina.

If you have questions or disagree with the initial decision, you may call the FEMA Helpline to find out what additional information is needed.  If you would like to appeal, the eligibility letter includes an optional appeal form that must be submitted within 60 days of the date of your decision letter.

You may submit an appeal and supporting documentation in the following ways:

• Online through DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
• By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

If you have not yet applied for FEMA help, please visit DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, by using the FEMA Mobile App, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person assistance. Disaster Recovery Center hours vary and may be limited due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is Jan. 7, 2025.

Applicants should mention any access or functional needs they may have when applying. FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning, and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print audio, and electronic versions. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.  To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit: 

Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – You Tube.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – At the request of the state of South Carolina, FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program has been extended to Jan. 11, 2025, for Helene survivors who continue to need temporary shelter.

This allows households additional time to identify other housing solution or make repairs to their home. This will continue providing free hotel and motel rooms to more than 6,000 families who are already checked into area hotels.

“Extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program through the holiday season provides much-needed relief and support to South Carolinians rebuilding their lives after this disaster,” said Kim Stenson, South Carolina Emergency Management Director.

The program has been extended through the night of Jan. 10, 2025, for South Carolina Helene survivors who continue to need temporary shelter. They will check out of lodging Jan. 11, 2025.

To date, more than 10,000 households have taken temporary shelter in Transitional Sheltering Assistance participating hotels; more than one-third have found suitable, longer-term housing and moved on with their recovery.

FEMA will notify households approximately seven days before their checkout dates with the method of communication they selected when originally applying for assistance. A message is also sent to their participants’ disaster assistance accounts if they have set them up on DisasterAssistance.gov.

For more information, survivors should contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Lee County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Survivors of Hurricane Debby can also be served by the center. 

Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.

Center location:

Lee County

Museum of Medical History-Building AA
8099 College Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Hours: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

CHICAGO — Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in Butler County, Ohio. Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal period begins today, December 18, 2024. The preliminary maps and changes from current maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state, and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. Contact your local floodplain administrator to do so. 

• Appeals must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. 
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress. 
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information, such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary, they can submit a written comment. 

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps. 

For more information about the flood maps: 

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon during operating hours). 
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone toll-free at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.  

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting www.FloodSmart.gov. 

For more information, contact the FEMA Mapping Team at FEMA-R5-MAP@fema.dhs.gov.

Hickory, NC – In partnership with the state and local government, FEMA will close the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Caldwell County for the holidays at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. The Center will reopen Jan. 2 at 8 a.m.

Caldwell County Health and Human Services Building (3rd floor)

2345 Morganton Blvd. SW

Lenoir, NC 28645

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at https://www.disasterassistance.org or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed.  To find those center locations, go to https: www.fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Jan. 7, 2025.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – At the request of the state of South Carolina, FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program has been extended to Jan. 11, 2025, for Helene survivors who continue to need temporary shelter.

This allows households additional time to identify other housing solution or make repairs to their home. This will continue providing free hotel and motel rooms to more than 6,000 families who are already checked into area hotels.

“Extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program through the holiday season provides much-needed relief and support to South Carolinians rebuilding their lives after this disaster,” said Kim Stenson, South Carolina Emergency Management Director. 

The program has been extended through the night of Jan. 10, 2025, for South Carolina Helene survivors who continue to need temporary shelter. They will check out of lodging Jan. 11, 2025.

To date, more than 10,000 households have taken temporary shelter in Transitional Sheltering Assistance participating hotels; more than one-third have found suitable, longer-term housing and moved on with their recovery.

FEMA will notify households approximately seven days before their checkout dates with the method of communication they selected when originally applying for assistance. A message is also sent to their participants’ disaster assistance accounts if they have set them up on DisasterAssistance.gov.

For more information, survivors should contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico ― The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to support Puerto Rico's recovery by allocating funds to three municipal police stations in Vega Baja, Cataño and Gurabo to strengthen their infrastructure due to damage following Hurricane María.

“Municipal police stations provide multiple services to the community throughout the year. The safety that the police provide is key to enjoy various events during this festive season, whether they are downtown or within our family spaces,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

One of the facilities that received FEMA funds and has already completed its repairs is the Vega Baja headquarters located on Betances Street. Among the services offered to the public are preventive patrols, community orientation, security during activities, as well as assistance to the state police and attention to all types of complaints. 

For the Vega Baja municipal police commissioner, Israel Ramos Pabón, “the service we provide to citizens is the greatest satisfaction we can have”. He said that what he enjoys most about his work is “sharing with extraordinary men and women who are willing to give their lives to serve our people.” 

The municipality of Vega Baja received over $251,000 for repairs to the police station. Acoustic panels, lighting and air conditioners were replaced on the building; and the painting of interiors and exteriors was carried out. The funds included over $50,100 for mitigation measures to anchor the air conditioners to the roof and waterproof the exterior walls to prevent similar damage in the future.

Three 2006 patrol cars were also replaced with new 2023 vehicles. The new SUV patrol cars are equipped for daily police work with radios, light bars and signage. As rapid response vehicles, the new models are more stable and reliable when driving.

Likewise, the municipality of Cataño received over $405,000 for work on the municipal police station on Las Nereidas Avenue. This building has a reception area, gym, administrative offices and cells. Part of the work in progress includes painting and replacing door access systems and locks, as well as replacing televisions and antennas.

The police station receives about 35 people weekly and offers services such as complaints, security at activities, funeral escorts, roadside assistance and educational talks at schools. 

According to Cataño’s municipal police commissioner, Eliezer Vargas, the police station is part of the community and provides safety and protection to citizens all year round. Vargas stressed that it is important to preserve the municipal police station because “the police stations are like a house: they must be preserved to provide excellent services.”

The allocation for this project includes $13,000 for hazard mitigation works to strengthen the structure against strong winds and to protect the windows from the impact of debris.

Meanwhile, FEMA allocated nearly $46,000 to the municipality of Gurabo for their repairs in progress to the public safety building, which houses the Municipal Emergency Management Office and its municipal headquarters. Here, the weather station, lighting, data servers, communication console and camera system were replaced. 

The funds include over $10,000 for mitigation measures such as protecting electrical equipment from voltage fluctuations, improving drainage, and reinforcing doors and windows to protect them from any other natural events. 

FEMA has approved over $34.5 billion for nearly 11,100 projects to address Puerto Rico’s recovery following Hurricane María.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery,  visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

ATLANTA –FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Chatham, Toombs, and Columbia counties are closing this week, and a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Candler County has been extended until the end of this week.

Regular hours at all centers are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; closed Sundays.

Chatham County -- Closing permanently 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19:

Savannah Technical College

Student Enrichment Center Building

5717 White Bluff Road 

Savannah, GA 31405

Toombs County -- Closing permanently 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19:

Georgia Department of Human Services 

162 Oxley Drive

Lyons, GA 30436

Columbia County -- Closing permanently 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20:

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 20

Columbia County Emergency Mgt. Agency

650 Ronald Reagan Drive

Evans, GA 30809

Candler County – Extended until 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21

Candler Recreation Center

621 W. Pine St. 

Metter, GA 30439

Although these recovery centers are closing, FEMA is still here to support recovery in Georgia. Survivors may visit any open recovery center to get one-on-one help applying for federal assistance, receive updates on their applications and learn about the appeals process. To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Sumter County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Milton. Survivors of Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Debby can also be served by the center.

Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.

Center location:

Sumter County
Webster Community Center
49 SE 1st St. 
Webster, FL 33597
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from the State of Tennessee is extended to Tuesday, Jan. 7, which coincides with the last day to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

If you lost your job or your work hours were reduced or interrupted as a result of Tropical Storm Helene, you may apply for disaster unemployment benefits. You can apply if you live in, work in or travel to your job through Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi or Washington County. 

Disaster unemployment benefits cover Sept. 29 to April 5, 2025, if your unemployment continues to be a direct result of Helene.

To apply, visit TN.gov/Jobs4TNor call 877-813-0950 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday to Friday. If you file online, specify on your application that you were impacted by a disaster.

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by FEMA and operated by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

ATLANTA – Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Brooks and Pierce counties. The recovery center Coffee County will temporarily close for two days; and the center in Toombs will close permanently.

The mobile recovery center in Brooks County is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 16, through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, except Sundays, at this location:

Brooks County

Brooks County AG Building

400 E. Courtland Ave.

Quitman, GA 31643

The mobile recovery center in Pierce County is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 16, through Saturday, Dec. 21, at this location:

Pierce County

Pierce County Extension Office

705 College Ave.

Blackshear, GA 31516

The recovery center in Coffee County will be closed temporarily Wednesday, Dec. 18, and Thursday, Dec. 19. It will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20. The location is:

Coffee County

The Atrium

114 N. Peterson Ave.

Douglas, GA 31533

Valdosta, GA 31601

The recovery center in Toombs County will close permanently at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19. The location is:

Toombs County

GA Department of Human Services

162 Oxley Drive

Lyons, GA 30436

Survivors may visit any open recovery center to get one-on-one help applying for federal assistance, receive updates on their applications and learn about the appeals process. They can find the center closest to them by going to fema.gov/drc, or texting “DRC” and their Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

FEMA provides help to all disaster survivors, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Our top priority is ensuring that disaster assistance is reaching people in need.

If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. Survivors can also contact the Georgia Call Center at 678-547-2861 Monday through Saturday for assistance with their application.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Disaster Recovery Center and a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will open in Spartanburg County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. The Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will open Dec. 14 and the Disaster Recovery Center will open Dec. 16. Their locations and operating hours are:

Spartanburg County

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

Inman Library, 50 Mill St., Inman, SC 29349

Open Dec. 14, 16-19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Closed Dec. 15.

Disaster Recovery Center

C.C. Woodson Community Center, 210 Bomar Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29306

Open Dec. 16-21, 30-31, 2024, Jan. 2-4, Jan. 6-7, 2025, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Closed Dec. 22-29, 2024, Jan. 1, Jan. 5, 2025

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. 

To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.