In a minute: Here's info you need in aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Tight on time or don't have power? This story is for you. It's an abbreviated, text view at what's happening and how to find help after Hurricane Helene's landfall in Florida. Click here for more details.
Hurricane Helene landfall near Perry, Florida, with 140-mph winds
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region Thursday at 11:10 p.m.
Helene hit just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River, about 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida.
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Power outages across Florida
As of 1 p.m., more than 940,000 customers were without power in Florida, down from 1.2 million without power at 5 a.m. See the latest in your area.
Florida deaths attributed to Hurricane Helene
In Florida, at least seven deaths have been attributed to the Hurricane Helene as of 1 p.m.
Five of the deaths were reported in Pinellas County, which encompasses Clearwater and St. Petersburg, said Cathie Perkins, director of emergency management, at a news conference Friday.
How to find help after Hurricane Helene
If you are in immediate danger call 911.
State Assistance Information Line: 800-342-3557. Find information on available resources. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.
You can find information on open shelters here.
How to find licensed contractors to help with damage
Disaster Contractors Network: Find licensed contractors to help with your post-hurricane repairs.
Price gouging? Here's who to call
If you suspect price gouging, report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 866-9NO-SCAM (7226).
Expect storm surge to be Gulf Coast problem for awhile
Expect flooding to be a problem for days or even weeks in many Florida counties.
Flooded roads, along with homes and businesses with structural damage, have been reported. Floating debris is common in flooded areas and some locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
Sewer system in St. Petersburg shut down
St. Petersburg's Northeast Sewer Plant has been shut down because of flood damage, and inspections that must be completed. The part of the city that is affected is north of 30th Avenue North and east of Haines Road or Interstate 275.
Do not drain water out of sinks, tubs, or toilets; sewage could back up into homes.
Drinking water is still available.
How to document hurricane damage
Before you start cleaning up, though, you should document all of the damages as-is. Take video as you walk through your home, including checking drawers and closets.
How long do you have to file an insurance claim?
You have only one year to file an insurance claim for hurricane damage. So you have until Sept. 26, 2025, to file a claim for Hurricane Helene damage.
When can you return home if you evacuated?
It can take hours for floodwaters from a major hurricane like Helene to recede. If you’ve evacuated because of the storm, you should only return home when officials say it’s safe.
How to save books, photos, important documents from flood waters
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Smithsonian Institution have some tips to help you try, with luck, to save and preserve your precious belongings.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: What to know: Power outages, how to find help after hurricane
