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
1-800-621-3362
American Red Cross
1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Salvation Army
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn
United States Coast Guard
National Weather Service
Crisis Clean-up Helpline
(844) 965-1386
Florida
State Assistance Information Line (SAIL)
https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/information-line
1-800-342-3557
Feeding Tampa Bay
(813) 254-1190
The Florida Divion of Emergency Management
https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/storm-updates
(850) 815-4000
Samaritan’s Purse International Relief
(828) 262-1980
211 Tampa Bay
(727) 210-4211
211 Navigate Resources
https://www.navigateresources.net/211CommunityResources/Search.aspx
2-1-1 or (407) 839-4357
Florida Baptist Convention
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
NC Emergency Management
ReadyNC
(919) 825-2500
NC Department of Transportation
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
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
https://gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene
(404) 635-7200
Feeding Georgia
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)
