Trying to reach a missing person impacted by Helene in NC? What to do and who to call
READ MORE
Hurricane Helene Aftermath
Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer about Hurricane Helene and the aftermath, particularly in Western North Carolina.
Expand All
Days after Hurricane Helene swept through the southeast, recovery efforts are still underway for North Carolinians stranded without food, water and other supplies in the western part of the state.
According to Governor Roy Cooper, first responders have received hundreds of calls for rescue and more than 1,000 requests for welfare checks, with that number expected to rise.
How to report missing person or request welfare check
As crews work alongside local governments, state and federal partners and volunteer organizations to support victims impacted by the storm, officials say 911 calls should be made for emergencies only.
If you need to report a missing person or request a welfare check on someone potentially in danger, you should call NC 211 (1-888-892-1162), a information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina.
Available in most languages at all times in every county, NC 211 is used to provide residents verified resources across the state for basic needs, including housing, food and healthcare, its website says.
When disaster strikes, like Hurricane Helene, the service is part of the State’s Emergency Plan for updates, storm-related issues or non-emergency related questions. Residents can dial 2-1-1 and speak to a trained Community Resource Specialist or use the online NC 211 search tool at nc211.org.
If you’re struggling to contact someone who may need assistance, you can add loved ones to the United Way of North Carolina’s search and rescue efforts by submitting a missing persons request, welfare check or rescue request online at unitedwaync.org.
Requests can also be made by texting ‘PERSON’ to 40403.
You can find more information about Helene-related information and resources, including power outages, open shelters and crisis cleanup,online at ncdps.gov/helene.
This story was originally published September 30, 2024 at 7:34 PM with the headline "Trying to reach a missing person impacted by Helene in NC? What to do and who to call."
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.JPG)
.JPG)
