Hurricane Helene’s landfall as a Category 4 storm brought widespread devastation across several states, severely impacting IAFF members and their communities. Homes were destroyed, power is out for more than 1 million people, and critical services like water, food, and communication have been disrupted. The IAFF is on the ground in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, assisting members and the communities where they live and work.
“Our members are out there responding to their communities around the clock. It’s our job to ensure they have the support they need, from home repair to financial relief,” General President Edward Kelly said. “As they continue to bravely answer the call for those they serve, our union will be there to help assist them and their families.”
Twelfth District Vice President Walt Dix, IAFF Director of Health, Safety and Medicine Sean DeCrane, and IAFF Go-Team members are coordinating the response from an IAFF command center in Orlando, Fla..
There have been 87 requests for home repair assistance so far in Central Florida. It is anticipated more than 100 disaster relief cards – financial assistance for members whose homes were severely damaged by the storm – will be distributed throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Hillsboro County.
“I have been responding to hurricanes for decades,” Dix said. “This storm brought in a tremendous amount of water which caused extreme flooding across multiple states. I have never seen such widespread devastation.”
Our members are out there responding to their communities around the clock. It’s our job to ensure they have the support they need, from home repair to financial relief.
General President Edward Kelly
Operations are also underway in the Augusta, Ga., area. The IAFF has received 10 requests for home repair assistance there, but more are likely.
Needs are still being assessed in Asheville, N.C., and the surrounding areas where some of the worst flooding leveled entire towns. Local 332 President Welcker Taylor has advised to expect, “more members needing assistance than not.”
IAFF members in need of assistance should contact their Local president or district vice president.
Fire fighters who want to help with home repairs should not self-deploy but can complete the Member Assistance Team form here. Someone from the IAFF will follow up with assignments to interested parties. Donations to IAFF Disaster Relief operations can be made through the Foundation.
