Hurricane Helene Aftermath Support & What You Can Do

Our thoughts are with those in the Upstate of South Carolina, as well as our neighbors in North Carolina, that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. The devastation is catastrophic, and many communities are in urgent need of assistance. At Joye Law Firm, we want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to everyone affected and emphasize that help is on the way.

South Carolina Emergency Support

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many across the state are beginning the daunting task of cleaning up. To support this effort, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has established a Hurricane Helene Information Line for anyone needing updates on the state’s response or assistance with safety concerns. Call 1-866-246-0133 for information and guidance.

As citizens start the clean-up process, SCEMD urges all residents and business owners to keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Watch Out for Power Lines: Fallen trees may be tangled with live wires, which can be extremely dangerous. Avoid all downed lines and report them to your local utility.
• Stay Out of Flood Waters: These waters may contain hazards like sharp debris or contaminants that can harm your health.
• Avoid Unnecessary Travel: To assist emergency workers, please remain off the roadways unless it’s absolutely necessary to travel.
• Document Damage: Before beginning any cleanup, take photos of damage to your property for insurance claims, and contact your insurance company. Be sure to save all related receipts for repairs and purchases.
• Wear Protective Gear: Use sturdy shoes, gloves, eyewear, and a helmet when handling debris to protect yourself from injury.
• Consult Waste Management: Check with local authorities for proper guidelines on how to dispose of storm debris and trash safely.
• Request Assistance: Residents needing help with debris removal, roof tarping, and more can register with Crisis Cleanup by calling 1-844-965-1386 for voluntary agency support.
• Discard Unrecoverable Items: Safely remove and dispose of items that cannot be cleaned or disinfected properly.
• Use Proper Cleaning Supplies: Most household cleaning products are effective, but always follow the instructions on the label.
• Hire Licensed Contractors: If you need professional assistance, ensure you’re using licensed contractors by verifying them through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation at llr.sc.gov.

Additionally, residents can use the Damage Assessment Tool in the SC Emergency Manager app to report property damage directly to authorities. The app is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play: Download Here.

Power Outages
Widespread power outages remain a significant issue. If you experience an outage, please report it to your local electricity provider for prompt assistance.

Remember, safety comes first in the cleanup process. Stay informed, stay safe, and know that help is available.

Where to Donate

In addition to these local efforts, Joye Law Firm will be accepting donations from our team at our offices in Charleston, Summerville, and Myrtle Beach this week.  If you’re in Charleston and want to contribute to recovery efforts, here are several local businesses collecting donations to support those affected. We will continue to update this list as information becomes available.

Accepted Donations:

Lowcountry

• Isle of Palms Police Department: Donations will be transported to the designated relief location, with collection running until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2.
• Dog and Duck Family Pubs: Emergency relief drive through October 1.
• Hobcaw Brewing Company: Accepting donations from October 1 through October 4 during business hours.
• Cleats: Donations are accepted through October 4 during business hours.
• Gold Star Coffee: Donations are accepted through tomorrow, October 1.

Grand Strand

• Neal and Pam’s in Surfside Beach: Accepting donations until Tuesday at both the restaurant and Neal’s Creekhouse in Murrells Inlet.
• Best Home & Property Services: Collecting items at their Conway office.
• Tiki Tan in Longs: Donations accepted.
• Crooked Hammock Brewery: Accepting donations until Tuesday afternoon.
• Player 1UP: Accepting supplies from Thursday to Sunday with help from other local businesses.
• My Horry News: Donations are accepted at their Conway office throughout the week.
• Southern House of Pancakes: Collecting water, canned goods, and other essentials.
• Kösta Bowls, Innovate Real Estate, and Stella’s Homemade Ice Cream: Accepting donations at all locations.
• Cooper’s Tavern: Gathering supplies through Tuesday for Asheville.
• St. Paul’s Church: Accepting donations throughout the week at their Conway locations.
• Voodoo Brewing Company: Offering a discount to donors at their Myrtle Beach location.
• Black’s Tire & Auto Service: Accepting donations at all locations and receiving Amazon items at their warehouse.
• Skipper’s Auto Sales & Body Shop: Collecting donations at their Conway location.
• Extra Room Self Storage: Accepting items at their Carolina Forest location.
• Poppie’s Downtown Apparel & More: Collecting items through Thursday.
• Just Pets Grooming in Georgetown: Gathering pet food and supplies throughout the week.
• Weichert Realtors Southern Coast and ReMax Southern Shores: Accepting donations at various locations.
• Georgetown First Assembly of God: Collecting items through Wednesday.
• Dependable Service Plumbing & Air, Kei Shin Martial Arts & Fitness, and La Trattoria: Accepting donations throughout the week.
• Wildhorse at Parker Farms in Longs: Accepting donations.

South Carolina Cleanup Efforts

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is actively working to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts. To learn more about how the state is coordinating these activities, please visit SCEMD’s official page.

Other Ways to Help

If you’re looking to make a broader impact, national organizations are also stepping in to assist the communities in need. You can donate to the following trusted organizations:

• Red Cross
• Samaritan’s Purse
• Operation Airdrop

Every contribution helps restore hope to those who have lost so much.

Coming Together During Crisis

We encourage our community to come together and support those who need it most. Whether it’s canned goods, water, clothing, or other essential items, your donations will go directly to helping those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Together, we can make a difference for the communities in South Carolina and beyond as they work to rebuild. Please consider lending a helping hand in any way you can.

Have a resource we should add to this list? Email media@joyelawfirm.com