Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Carter County officials have issued an updated list of disaster recovery resources and upcoming deadlines for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene during the week of Dec. 16, 2024.

Approaching Deadlines

• Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP): Applications due by Tuesday, Dec. 31.
• FEMA Disaster Assistance: Deadline extended to Tuesday, Jan. 7. Applications can be submitted at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

FEMA and Recovery Efforts

• Drone Surveys: FEMA drones will fly over affected areas in Carter County during the week to survey flood damage and debris.
• HEAL Program: Gov. Bill Lee’s Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) program continues to support counties across Tennessee. Residents can learn more through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s YouTube channel.
• Poga Bridge Repairs: Engineering bids for Poga Bridge No. 1 and No. 3 were awarded to RK&K, while the Long Hollow Road Bridge remains under review by TDOT.

Holiday Assistance from Salvation Army

The Salvation Army will distribute holiday gift cards for hurricane-affected Carter County households on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 2-5 p.m. at Hampton Elementary School, 408 US-321 Scenic.
Required Documents:

• Photo ID
• Proof of Carter County address
• Verification of household members
• Explanation of hurricane-related impact

Gift cards, redeemable at Walmart, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 423-926-2101.

Housing and Home Repairs

• Holston Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for disaster recovery home repairs in Carter, Unicoi, and Washington counties. Repairs include insulation, flooring, HVAC, electrical work, and drywall replacement. Apply at holstonhabitat.org or call 423-239-7689.

Building Permits

Homeowners in flood zones must contact the Carter County Planning Office at 423-542-1834 for a damage assessment before starting construction or repairs. Building permits are available at no cost for hurricane-affected properties.

Disaster Resource Center (DRC)

The DRC is now located at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, 201 N. Sycamore St., with the following hours:

• Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FEMA Childcare Assistance

Families affected by Hurricane Helene may qualify for childcare assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program. Eligible households can receive up to $200 per week per child for eight weeks. The deadline to apply is Jan. 7.

For more information, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Helpful Links and Contacts

• Carter County: cartercountytn.gov
• TEMA: tn.gov/tema
• SBA Disaster Loans: sba.gov/disaster
• Water Concerns: tn.gov/environment

Residents are encouraged to seek assistance early and take advantage of available programs as recovery efforts continue.