Hurricane Helene’s impact has been felt deeply across Smyth County and Southwest Virginia. Below is a list of resources available to residents who have been affected by the hurricane. For those able, please consider donating supplies for those in need.

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Disaster Recovery Center in Marion, Va. Will Open Oct. 17

BRISTOL, Va.– A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be opening in Smyth County at the Public Safety Administration Building, located at 230 S. Park Street in Marion on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 8 a.m. Disaster survivors can visit any DRC to receive assistance. Additional centers will be opening in the coming weeks throughout southwest Virginia.

The center is located at: 

Smyth County 

Public Safety Administration Building

230 S. Park St

Marion, Virginia 24354

Hours of operation:

Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

“Smyth County is very proud to work with FEMA and the Commonwealth to provide a Disaster Recovery Center. We have worked through Helene to provide avenues for citizens to get help. We encourage everyone who has needs, please seek help. The County’s partnership with FEMA will allow citizens get additional help that is available,” said Chief C.W. Crawford, Smyth County Emergency Services Coordinator.

“FEMA is grateful for the partnership with Smyth County and the Commonwealth for coming together to open this Disaster Recovery Center,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. “Survivors can visit any open Disaster Recovery Center and no appointment is needed. FEMA is eager to provide residents of southwest Virginia with resources, help survivors apply for assistance, and answer questions about their recovery.”

Survivors do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone.

The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Dec. 2, 2024.

If you have received a letter from FEMA about your application status, visit a DRC to learn more about next steps. DRC staff can help you submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process your application and answer any questions you may have.

FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.

For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.



Hurricane Helene Relief Information:  https://smythchamber.org/hurricane-helene-relief/


For daily updates visit our Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/SmythCountyVirginia

 

 

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