Old North News

Hurricane Helene has made its presence felt across several southeastern US states, including Florida, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. The storm made landfall on Thursday, causing significant power outages and flooding as it traveled northward.

In response to the widespread impact, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper sought federal assistance. On Friday, he requested a major disaster declaration for the state, covering 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The goal is to secure both public assistance and individual aid to support recovery efforts. "Public Assistance reimburses government entities and some non-profit organizations for emergency protective measures and debris removal, while Individual Assistance can provide direct financial support to impacted residents," reported Governor Cooper’s office.

President Joe Biden approved the request for a Federal Emergency Declaration on Wednesday before the state, enabling financial reimbursement for emergency response actions carried out by government entities and some non-profit organizations.

For individuals and businesses affected, the U.S. Department of Labor has highlighted Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), intended for those whose employment has been disrupted or lost due to the disaster, but are ineligible for regular unemployment benefits.

Businesses are advised to stay informed and take prompt actions to safeguard their interests. Once safe, they should contact their insurance providers, inquire about coverage types, claim processing times, and verify if estimates for repairs are necessary. It is recommended to make temporary but not permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster assesses the damage.

Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety continues to post updates, while the North Carolina Community College System’s Small Business Center Network offers guidance for small businesses during the recovery phase.

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