Resources to Prepare for

Hurricane Helene

FEMA stands ready to support local and state efforts ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, which is forecast to become a major hurricane before landfall in Florida bringing life-threating storm surge and hurricane conditions later this week. Now is the time for people to have their hurricane plans in place and prepare for the storm. 

Listen to Local Officials Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions. If you’ve evacuated, only return home when they say it’s safe. Visit Ready.gov/hurricanes for other tips.

• Let friends and family know before you leave and when you arrive.
• Charge devices and consider getting back-up batteries in case power-outages continue.
• Fill up your gas tank and consider downloading a fuel app to check for outages along your route.
• Bring supplies such as water and non-perishable food for the car ride.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines, they may be live with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.

Live on the coast? You are most at risk for extreme winds and flooding

Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. Storm surge historically is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.

Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.

 Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.

If you are under a flood warning:

• Find safe shelter right away.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Depending on the type of flooding:
• Evacuate if told to do so.
• Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
• Stay where you are.

Use FEMA text messaging to find up to three emergency shelters or FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers nearby

To search for shelters near you, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 (e.g. Shelter 12345). You may look up shelters any time through the American Red Cross shelter map or by downloading the FEMA App.

Download the FEMA App

The FEMA app allows you to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more. The FEMA app is your personalized disaster resource, so you feel empowered and ready to take charge of any disaster life throws your way.  

PLAN: Learn how to prepare for common hazards quickly and easily.

PROTECT: Knowing when and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during a disaster can make all the difference.

RECOVER: The FEMA App gives you the tools you need to recover after a disaster.

The DHS Partnerships Center carries out the policies and program priorities of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, DHS and FEMA for faith and community-based organizations related to all-hazards preparedness, emergency and disaster response and recovery, safety, security, and human trafficking. The DHS Partnerships Center offers a variety of resources to the public at dhs.gov/faith.

The DHS Partnerships Center does not endorse any non-governmental organizations, entities or services.

DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships 

Have a comment, question or looking for information? E-mail us at Partnerships@fema.dhs.gov