CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Helene hit the Florida coast as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday night. It tore through the Sunshine State, up through Georgia, and into the Carolinas. Now, neighbors in both North Carolina and South Carolina are in need of a hand in the wake of the storm.
WCNC Charlotte has partnered with the American Red Cross to help gather donations to go to efforts that will help people impacted by Helene. We've launched a special web page where you can either select a monetary amount or enter your own. You can make donations using a credit card or PayPal account.
If you wish to donate by mail, you can print and fill out a donation form and mail it to:
American Red Cross
PO Box 37839
Boone, IA 50037-0839
Donations can also be made via phone at:
1-800-435-7669
TDD Operator: 1-800-220-4095
How Can You Stay Safe After a Flood?
Prevent Injuries
- Understand the dangers you may face and keep your loved ones safe.
- If you evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going home.
- Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.
- Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
- Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, rather than candles, to reduce fire risk.
- Many injuries happen during cleanup. Wear protective equipment, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs. Follow the advice of local public health officials.
- Learn how to use equipment safely. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water because you could get electrocuted.
- Cleaning up is a big job. Take care of yourself. Work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
Protect Your Health
- Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Check with your local public health department about drinking water safety.
- Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
- If your home was flooded:
- If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
- Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.
Take Care of Yourself
- It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
- Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
- You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
The need for volunteers with the Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse may be significant in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, click here.
To find out more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, click here.
The American National Red Cross is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the American National Red Cross are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Red Cross' tax identification number is 53-0196605.