Hurricane Helene Hits Hard in South Carolina: Power Outages, Aid and How to Give Help
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that made landfall on September 27, thousands of South Carolina residents found themselves without power. But the community spirit in the Upstate region has been phenomenal. We’re here to both instruct and inspire you—where you can find help and how to give help.
Getting Life Back on Track: Essential Municipal Services Resume
With recovery efforts in full swing, essential municipal services are coming back online. According to a social media post by Spartanburg County, the Wellford Landfill is now open to accept household waste. Nearly all recycling centers are back up, functioning from 7.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m., from Monday to Saturday. The sole station that remains closed is Station 8 – White Stone, owing to lack of power and damaged equipment.
Assistance to Those Still Without Power
The Town of Pacolet stands in strong solidarity with its residents. They’ve worked relentlessly with the Lockhart Power Company to target those still grappling with power outages. If you’re in this boat, inform the town what streets remain powerless and PM them your address—they’ll dispatch crews to restore power ASAP.
Financial Support for Impacted Individuals and Businesses
In the face of the disrupted livelihoods post-Hurricane Helene, South Carolina Governor McMaster and S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) funds. Living or working in any of the 23 eligible counties, or the Catawba Indian Nation, may make you eligible to access these funds through the unemployment insurance benefits system. This special provision applies to part-time workers, self-employed individuals, and small business owners who lost personal income due to the hurricane. To apply for benefits or determine DUA eligibility, visit dew.sc.gov or call 1-866-831-1724 for assistance.
Tax Relief for South Carolina Taxpayers
The SCDOR has granted tax relief to South Carolina taxpayers affected by Hurricane Helene. Multiple returns and payments initially due between September 25, 2024, and May 1, 2025, have now been extended to May 1, 2025. This relief applies to all 46 South Carolina counties and aligns with the IRS’ decision to issue relief owing to the storm’s repercussions.
Helping Dealing with Debris and Damage
The chaos left behind by Hurricane Helene has accumulated an immense amount of debris. But fret not! Spartanburg County has begun storm debris collection efforts in collaboration with DRC Emergency Services. As a resident, all you need to do is place any vegetative and woody debris curbside—away from mailboxes, fire hydrants, utilities, or standing trees.
Insurance Assistance for Property and Loss Damage
If you are an insured resident and have experienced damage or losses due to the hurricane, you’re eligible to apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA. This aid can help cater to basic home repair costs, displacement and temporary lodging costs, personal property loss, and other disaster-related needs. Moreover, the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SC DOI) and insurance carriers are offering assistance for filing claims and answering insurance-related questions.
Ways for Upstate Residents to Lend a Helping Hand
While many are focusing on resurrecting their lives post-Hurricane Helene, some are in a better position and wondering how they can help. From monetary donations to providing essential supplies, many organizations, including the Spartanburg Humane Society and United Way of Greenville County, are seeking aid.
Buckle up, folks! We have a long way to recovery, but with mutual support and tireless efforts, we’ll overcome the hurricane implications soon.
