The devastation from Hurricane Helene has affected millions of people in the Southeast and has resulted in widespread damage. Many people have lost their lives, communities have been destroyed, families have been displaced and essential services have been disrupted. Recovery and restoration from the aftermath of the hurricane is going to take a long time. Considering the recent impact of Hurricane Helene, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) has compiled a comprehensive list of resources to assist with emergency preparedness and response.

National Resources:

• FEMA
  • https://fema.gov
  • 1-800-621-3362
• American Red Cross
  • http://www.redcross.org
  • 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 
• Salvation Army
  • https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn
• United States Coast Guard 
  • https://www.uscg.mil
• National Weather Service 
  • https://www.weather.gov
• Crisis Clean-up Helpline 
  • (844) 965-1386 

Florida Resources:

• State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) 
  • https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/information-line
  • 1-800-342-3557 
• Feeding Tampa Bay:
  • https://feedingtampabay.org/
  • (813) 254-1190 
• The Florida Divion of Emergency Management 
  • https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/storm-update
  • (850) 815-4000 
• Samaritan’s Purse International Relief 
  • https://www.samaritanspurse.org/
  • (828) 262-1980 
• 211 Tampa Bay 
  • https://211tampabay.org/home/disaster-recovery/
  • (727) 210-4211 
• 211 Navigate Resources 
  • https://www.navigateresources.net/211CommunityResources/Search.aspx
  • 2-1-1 or (407) 839-4357 
• Florida Baptist Convention
  • https://flbaptist.org/disaster-relief-contact/
  • 1-800-226-8584 ext. 3121 

Shelter:

Residents in need of assistance finding or going to a shelter in the Big Bend region for Hurricane Helene can call (800) 729-3413. 

North Carolina Resources:

• NC Emergency Management 
  • ReadyNC  
  • https://www.readync.gov
  • (919) 825-2500 
• NC Department of Transportation 
  • https://www.ncdot.gov
• NC Hurricane Evacuation Routes 
  • NC Department of Public Safety
  • https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene
  • (919) 733-2126 
• NC State Highway Patrol 
  • (919) 742-2124 
• Disaster Distress Helpline
  • Call or text (800) 985-5990 

Georgia Resources:

• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency 
  • https://gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene
  • (404) 635-7200 
• Feeding Georgia 
  • https://feedinggeorgia.org/find-your-food-bank/

MSAA Helpline:

MSAA also offers a toll-free Helpline that allows individuals with MS, family members, care partners, and friends to speak directly with one of MSAA’s experienced specialists who have a social services or counseling background. MSAA’s Helpline may be reached several ways:

• Call (800) 532-7667, extension 154
• Email MSquestions@mymsaa.org
• Chat live via your computer through the online MS Chat feature

Helpline hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, EST

Please note: MSAA’s Helpline is not an emergency service. If there is a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911.

If you or a loved one has concerns regarding medication or are in need of replacement medication, MSAA recommends directly contacting the appropriate pharmaceutical company. You can find contact information for the patient support programs at this link:  Patient Support Programs | MSAA (mymsaa.org)