Press Release – For Immediate Release
October 2, 2024 - Wilkes County, NC FEMA has declared Individual Assistance (IA) for Hurricane Helene in Wilkes County
If Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.
Take photos before you begin cleaning up.
Make a list of damaged or lost items & gather receipts.
Doing this helps speed up the process with insurance & other assistance programs.
Residents in Wilkes County affected by Helene should register for FEMA assistance. Survivors with internet or telephone access can register for assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
Before an applicant is determined eligible to receive assistance, FEMA reviews applications to ensure general conditions are met. When applying for FEMA assistance, an applicant must declare the information provided is true.
These general conditions must be met for an applicant to be eligible to receive assistance:
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
FEMA must be able to verify the applicant's identity.
The applicant’s insurance, or other forms of disaster assistance received, cannot meet their disaster-caused needs.
The applicant’s necessary expenses and serious needs are directly caused by a declared disaster.
Learn More: fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/eligibility
Be aware that after a disaster, there often are many rumors and scams. Watch for & report suspicious activity.
Beware of scammers when applying for disaster assistance:
Ask our reps to show you a photo ID badge.
Keep your registration number & personal information safe.
Never agree to pay an application fee.
For More Information Visit: fema.gov/disaster-fraud
Apply by:
Wilkes County is one of multiple Western North Carolina counties that has been declared a federal disaster area. Individuals needing additional assistance may be eligible for federal aid under this declaration. Wilkes County Emergency Services will be sending out additional information about the process of applying for federal FEMA assistance once more info becomes available.