Recovering from Hurricane Florence

** Dec. 5th is the last day to register for FEMA or Disaster Relief SBA loans **

Returning Home:

• After the storm: https://www.scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/Library/ML-025204.pdf
• Boil Water Emergencies: https://www.scdhec.gov/boil-water-emergencies
• Indoor mold: https://www.scdhec.gov/environment/your-home/indoor-mold   
• Returning home: https://www.scdhec.gov/disaster-preparedness/hurricanes-floods/returning-home  
• Animals and Insects: https://www.scdhec.gov/disaster-preparedness/hurricanes-floods/protecting-your-pets-emergency  
• Water and Food Safety: https://www.scdhec.gov/disaster-preparedness/hurricanes-floods/water-food-safety
• Private Wells: DHEC is waiving bacteriological testing fees for private wells impacted by the flood. Residents with questions about private wells should call 1-888-761-5989. We will provide information on boiling your water, disinfecting your well, and testing your well. *NOTE: If the well was not flooded, the water quality is the same as before the flood.

FEMA Assistance: **Last day to register is Dec. 5th**

• Individual Assistance (IA): Assistance to individuals and household
  • You may apply for IA through FEMA in the following counties: Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion & Marlboro. You can apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362.
• Public Assistance (PA): Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities
  • PA-Designated Areas: Berkeley, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Lancaster, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg Counties for emergency protective measures (Category A-G), and Charleston, Dorchester, Jasper, Orangeburg and Sumter counties (Category B) including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.   

• Hazard Mitigation (HM): Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards
  • HM-Designated Areas: All counties and Indian Tribes in the State of South Carolina are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

National Flood Insurance Program: Policyholders should call their agent or insurance company to file a flood claim. Policyholders who need assistance contacting their insurance company can contact the NFIP Call Center at 1-800-427-4661. A flood insurance adjuster should reach out within a few days to start the claims process. After filing a flood claim, if NFIP policyholders have additional unmet needs, they are encouraged to register for disaster assistance. They may be eligible for additional funds.  Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

SC Department of Insurance: Call 803-737-6227 for any insurance related questions.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): IRS relief is also dependent on a Major Disaster Declaration. Individuals who reside or have a business in Berkeley, Charleston, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Lancaster, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg counties may qualify for tax relief.

The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies automatic filing and payment relief. But affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area must call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief. More information can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-for-victims-of-hurricane-florence-in-south-carolina

Disaster Relief Loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA):** Last day to register is Dec. 5th**
Applying for Disaster Relief Loans:
The SBA announced that they are Offering assistance to…
Economic Injury eligible: Berkeley, Charleston, Clarendon, Darlington, Florence, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Sumter & Williamsburg counties.
Physical & Economic Injury eligible: Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Marlboro, Marion and Horry counties.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. 

Legal Information: The Disaster Legal Services Program administered by S.C. Bar Association can be reached at 877-787-2227 ext. 120 or 803-576-3815 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online at: https://www.scbar.org/bar-news/article/free-legal-assistance-available-south-carolina-hurricane-victims-2/.

Mental Health: The Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24 hours daily, to provide counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with Hurricane Florence. Call 800-985-5990 (800-846-8517 TTY) (multilingual operators are available; press 2 for Spanish), text “TalkWithUs” (for Spanish “Hablanos”) to 66746 or visit DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov. Information for helping children cope with disaster can be found at www.fema.gov/children-and-disasters.