Note: We will continue to update this page as we find resources that might be helpful in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Latest update: October 14, 2024.
President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration in South Carolina, which makes federal funding available to help in the recovery effort. People and businesses in Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Anderson, and Pickens Counties are eligible to apply for grants to help with temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property.
To apply for assistance, register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA app. You can also call 1-800-621-3362.
SBA BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTER NOW OPEN
The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery Center in the Upstate to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Customer service reps will be at the temporary center to answer questions, help with SBA disaster loan applications, and provide status updates. The field operations center will be open Monday through Saturday at 411 University Ridge in Greenville. They'll accept walk-ins, but you can also make an appointment in advance.
Due to South Carolina's Major Disaster Declaration, businesses in Greenville and Spartanburg counties (among others) are eligible to apply fo FEMA grants and low-interest loans from SBA.
GET TAX HELP AFTER THE HURRICANE
REPORT BUSINESS DAMAGE
In SC, the state's Emergency Support Function (ESF-24) supports businesses during natural disasters. Complete the ESF-24 survey to report business damage.
Businesses can call the South Carolina Department of Commerce ESF-24 Desk at 803-737-3952 or email esf24@emd.sc.gov for assistance, information on resources, and to report any unmet needs.
TIPS ON DEALING WITH DAMAGE
FEMA has some tips for home and business owners affected by Helene:
Take photos or videos of the damage before you clean up
Make a list of damaged items and gather original receipts if you have them
Call your insurance agent to submit a claim
EMERGENCY MANAGER APP
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has an app you can use to report property damage, keep track of supplies, and stay connected with loved ones (along with many other functions). The Emergency Manager can function when utilities are out and a data connection is not available.
Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.
HURRICANE SEASON RESOURCES:
The SC EMD has a wealth of information, links, and recovery advice on its Hurricane Season Resources page. Get info on business re-entry, insurance, continuity plans, and a lot more.
CLEANUP HELP
SC's Emergency Management Division has a Crisis Cleanup service staffed by volunteers. While the service is dependent on demand and volunteer availability, it's designed to help with cleaning up trees, tarping roofs, and clearing debris. Call the Crisis Cleanup line at 844.965.1386 or visit crisiscleanup.org.
UPDATED ROAD TRAVEL INFO
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has a storm resources page. There you can find links to the 511 Traveler Information System, the Roadway Information System, and the SC Hurricane Guide. SC 511 has traffic cameras, travel time estimates, and other helpful tools for drivers. Click the image below to get a real-time view of road closures, accidents, and traffic flow.
GSP IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport says it's open and fully operational for commercial passengers, general aviation, and cargo services. A spokesperson told us travelers should check directly with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information.
POWER RESTORATION
Crews are working around the clock to restore power to homes and businesses. In the City of Greer, Greer CPW says it has fewer than 1,300 customers who are still without power. The utility provider says it is focusing its restoration efforts on the following areas on Oct. 2:
Taylor Rd.
Calina Heights
Mount Vernon Road area
Kendrick St.
American Legion Rd. area
Crestview Hills
Greer Mill area
Sunnyside area
Lakeview Circle
Arch Dr.
Coggin Dr.
Tyger Woods subdivision
Brushy Creek/ E.A Woods community
Isolated service line and meter box issues
GET UPDATES FROM OTHER POWER PROVIDERS:
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS
Business owners, people who are self-employed, and folks who have lost their jobs as a direct result of Hurricane Helene can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Workers or business owners who meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive between $150 and $326 per week.
Visit the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce website to see the eligibility requirements and begin your application.
SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER LOANS
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide low-interest loans to help qualified businesses with long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene.
Businesses and non-profits can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, equipment, inventory, and other assets. Applicants should apply for EMA grants and SBA disaster loans simultaneously if possible. The SBA also recommends filing necessary claims with your insurance company as soon as possible.
Get more info and apply at sba.gov/disaster.
MANUFACTURING RESPONSE SURVEY
The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance has heard from manufacturers across the state who want to know how other companies are handling the disaster recovery. SCMA has created a brief survey to collect information on Hurricane Helene's impact and share best practices. Take the survey here.
ASSESSING AGRICULTURAL DAMAGE
The Clemson Cooperative Extension is measuring the impact of Hurricane Helene on the state's agricultural production. Agricultural businesses can share info about their crops and animal impacts here.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
The South Carolina Small Business Development Centers provide free services to help business owners bounce back from disasters, explore financial options, and navigate available programs. Find your regional reps here.
Women's Business Centers throughout the state are set up to help disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Learn more about the CommunityWorks Women's Business Center in Greenville.
PRICE GOUGING LAW
It is against the law to unreasonably raise prices during a disaster. Learn more about the rules and report any suspected cases here.
CLEANUP SAFETY ADVICE FROM OSHA
The South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration has many resources to help keep you and your team safe as you clean up storm damage. Tip sheets posted on SC OSHA's website include chainsaw safety, electrical safety, mold hazards and cleanup and much more.
Can't find the help you need? You can call or text 2-1-1 for free assistance locating organizations that can fill your needs. If you have internet access, the 211 website has a disaster section with helpful links.
Greenville Water has deployed its Quench Buggy to help folks who have wells and currently don't have access to clean drinking water. You will need to bring your own containers to fill. The Quench Buggy will be available on Thursday, October 3 from 8am to 4pm at Greenville Water's administrative facility at 407 West Broad Street in Greenville.
Visit the United Way of the Piedmont website to request assistance, access a regularly updated spreadsheet of where you can go for critical needs, and find out how you can help the United Way hep others in need.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
SC DHEC Disaster Preparedness (post-storm tips, many documents in Spanish)
Ready.gov (includes tips on returning after storms and is translated in many languages including French, Portuguese, and Russian)
Check back regularly for resource updates.