Hurricane Helene left a path of devastation. For the millions of individuals living in community associations, we know beyond the immediate danger, the ability to recover swiftly is essential. While ensuring the safety of lives remains the most critical concern, we also recognize the importance of restoring access and services to help these communities rebuild.
CAI is working diligently to ensure community associations receive necessary support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency , particularly gaining access to debris removal resources. The aftermath of a storm like Hurricane Helene can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to enter, residents to leave, and critical services to be restored. Debris removal is a key step in helping communities regain normalcy.
FEMA declared disaster areas in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Each state has a dedicated page with disaster area maps and resources for affected regions. You can access the FEMA Hurricane Helene resources here.
CAI is tracking federal, state, and local resources for communities and continues to share these resources with members.
State-Specific Impact
Florida: CAI is actively communicating with CAI chapters and the Florida Legislative Alliance to gather information from impacted members. The CAI Florida Legislative Alliance is working to encourage Governor DeSantis to prioritize debris removal from private roads and communities in the next disaster declaration. Hard-hit areas include Anna Maria Island, Cedar Key, Horseshoe Beach, Crystal River, Keaton Beach, and more along the Gulf Coast.
North Carolina: Communication was established with CAI chapter and legislative action committee leaders to assess the situation. Asheville and Boone experienced severe devastation, and efforts are underway to coordinate with Governor Cooper, Senator Budd and Senator Tillis for disaster assistance for community associations. On September 30th, Senator Budd and Tillis sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Criswell urging debris removal from private roads be included in all major disaster declarations.
Tennessee: Areas like Newport and Erwin were impacted. We are working with the chapter and legislative action committee leadership to assess the impact on members.
Georgia: CAI is working with the Legislative Action Committee and local chapters to provide support to affected members in areas such as Atlanta.
As we continue to monitor recovery efforts, CAI is committed to advocating for access to essential resources, including debris removal, to ensure communities can recover as quickly and safely as possible.
We encourage our members to stay connected with local emergency services and follow all safety directives. As always, your well-being is our utmost priority, and we will continue to advocate for the necessary federal support to help communities like yours recover and rebuild.
