Prioritizing Mental Health After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Prioritizing Mental Health After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

The Silent Struggles: Life After a Hurricane

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we are reminded of the critical importance of mental health, especially in the aftermath of traumatic events like hurricanes. The aftermath of hurricanes like Hlene and Milton brings visible devastation—damaged homes, uprooted lives, and the immense task of rebuilding. However, the toll hurricanes take on mental health is less apparent but equally critical. While it’s essential to prioritize physical recovery, it’s just as important to address the emotional wounds left behind. Understanding the mental impact of hurricanes can help individuals and communities heal.

Hurricane Helene affected millions, displacing families and wreaking havoc on countless properties. The extensive devastation spanned several states, forcing entire communities to grapple with not only the physical destruction but also the emotional toll. To make matters worse, Hurricane Milton made landfall yesterday, just days after Helene, delivering a second blow to those already reeling from the aftermath of Helene.

The Mental Health Struggles After a Hurricane

Hurricanes do more than damage infrastructure; they disrupt lives and inflict emotional trauma. Feelings of helplessness, fear, and loss are common as survivors face the reality of destruction. According to a study by Jean Rhodes at The University of Massachusetts, “Hurricane Katrina survivors showed significant levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.” Although these symptoms are natural responses to extreme stress, they can hinder long-term recovery if not addressed.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton may bring up similar challenges, where survivors are left not only to rebuild their homes but also their sense of security and well-being. Both hurricanes have left countless communities reeling, with residents now grappling not just with physical destruction but also the emotional burden of recovery. This is why prioritizing mental health alongside physical restoration is essential.

Understanding the Collective Trauma on Society

Communities often experience collective trauma after major disasters. While media coverage may focus on material destruction, the emotional scars inflicted on communities can last for years. People may suffer from sleep disturbances, survivor’s guilt, or even chronic stress, which can affect work, relationships, and overall well-being.

Research from previous hurricanes like Katrina has revealed the importance of community support systems and mental health services in preventing long-term psychological damage. Programs focused on grief counseling, mental health hotlines, and peer-support groups are invaluable in helping survivors process their trauma and begin the healing process. In the case of both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, it is crucial to establish accessible mental health resources for all affected communities. 

Taking Time to Recover Mentally

In the immediate aftermath of a hurricane, it’s natural to focus on survival and rebuilding, but emotional recovery is just as urgent. Ignoring mental health can lead to severe consequences like burnout, anxiety disorders, or depression. Encouraging survivors to take time for themselves—whether through therapy, relaxation techniques, or simply processing their emotions—can be the difference between a slow emotional recovery and years of mental health challenges. Just as homes and communities need restoration, so do minds and hearts.

Strategies to Support Mental Health After a Hurricane

  1. Acknowledge the Trauma: Accept that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or anxious. Speak openly about your emotions with family, friends, or a mental health professional.
  2. Lean on Your Community: Community support can play a crucial role in the recovery process. Joining local groups or virtual support networks allows individuals to connect with others who share their experiences.
  3. Seek Professional Help: Professional mental health support, whether through therapy or counseling, can be vital for navigating the complex emotions triggered by a disaster.
  4. Practice Self-Care: Simple practices like meditation, journaling, or even daily walks can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

Mental Health Resources

Resource Service Phone Email
Florida Department of Children and Families Disaster Distress Helpline: Trained counselors are available 24/7 800-985-5990
Florida Disaster Florida disaster mental health resources 850-815-4000
Central Florida Cares Provides free, confidential crisis counseling and support to people in distress due to disaster 407-985-3560
Anxiety and Depression Association of America Works to prevent, treat, and cure anxiety disorders and depression 240-485-1018 information@adaa.org

 

Together We Recover

Recovering from a hurricane isn’t just about clearing debris and rebuilding homes; it’s about healing hearts and minds. On this World Mental Health Day, as we recognize the profound impact of mental health on our overall well-being, it’s important to remember true recovery includes your mental well-being. Take time to reflect, heal, and seek help when needed—because rebuilding mentally is just as vital as the tangible aspects of recovery. If you or someone you know has been affected by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton, reach out to our team today to begin your recovery process.

Navigating FEMA Assistance Post Hurricane Helene and Milton

What You Need to Know

As the dust settles from Hurricane Helene, many individuals and families are left grappling with the aftermath and seeking assistance. With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall tomorrow, the need for recovery resources may soon increase. One key resource available to those impacted by these storms is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Understanding how to navigate FEMA assistance can make a significant difference in your recovery process.

What is FEMA Assistance?

FEMA provides assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters, including those like Hurricane Helene and potentially Hurricane Milton, through various programs. These programs are designed to help with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. For more information on how FEMA is preparing for Hurricane Milton and what resources are available, check out their page: FEMA Hurricane Milton

Types of Assistance Available

  1. Individual Assistance: This program helps cover essential needs such as temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property replacement. If your property was damaged or destroyed in either hurricane, you might qualify for grants to help you recover.
  2. Public Assistance: This program is geared towards state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations to aid in response and recovery efforts. While this may not apply directly to individuals, it’s worth noting that these funds support community rebuilding. FEMA made a recent statement on Instagram naming Hurricane Helene as “one of the largest mobilizations of federal personnel, partners, and resources in recent history.”
  3. Hazard Mitigation Assistance: If you’re looking to make long-term improvements to reduce the risk of future disasters, this program can provide funding for projects that enhance community resilience. These improvements are especially important in regions that are still recovering from Hurricane Helene and may soon experience Hurricane Milton. 

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

  1. Register for Assistance: The first step is to register with FEMA. You can do this online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Make sure to have essential information on hand, such as your address, insurance policy details, and income information.
  2. Gather Documentation: Documentation is crucial for your application. Gather photos and videos of the damage (if and when it’s safe to do so), receipts for any expenses related to the disaster, and any insurance claim information. This will help support your application and could expedite the process.
  3. Meet Deadlines: FEMA has specific deadlines for applications, so it’s important to act accordingly. Ensure you are aware of the deadlines for Hurricane Helene’s disaster declaration, and keep an eye on potential deadlines for Hurricane Milton.
  4. Follow-up: After submitting your application, you’ll receive a FEMA registration number. Keep this number handy, as you’ll need it for any follow-up inquiries. Check your status regularly through the FEMA website or helpline.

Understanding the Claims Process

After applying, FEMA will review your application and may send an inspector to assess the damage. Be prepared for this visit by having all necessary documentation ready, including photos of the damage and your insurance policy details. For assistance with the insurance claim process, our team is ready to help in any way we can. 

Why Partner with Premier Claims?

Navigating FEMA assistance after a disaster is never easy, and with Hurricane Milton on the horizon, the stress and uncertainty is unimaginable. We want you to know you’re not alone. Our team of experienced public adjusters is dedicated to standing by your side, advocating for you, and fighting for you to receive the support and adequate compensation you’re owed per your insurance policy. Together, we’ll start to put the pieces back together. 

Whether you’re recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation or bracing yourself for Hurricane Milton, know that you aren’t alone. This is a time for resilience, and Premier Claims is here to help you navigate the complexities of the claims process. Focus on what truly matters—taking care of yourself, your loved ones, and your future. Contact our team today to begin your recovery process.

Tornado Recovery, Where Do You Start?

Emotions run high as communities assess the full extent of devastation caused over the weekend. About 40 tornadoes tore across the Midwest, including Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas, as well as a few down in Texas. Some reports show around a hundred tornadoes touched down over the tumultuous weekend. It’s clear there is much work ahead to recover from this disaster. But where do you start?

If this whirlwind of devastation affected you, then you most likely asked yourself that very question: Where do I start?

When you experience such a level of devastation that rips your entire life from its foundation and scatters it about, it becomes almost impossible to think straight. The flattened view of homes and memories before you is captioned by children’s confused cries as they search for their Wubbie or bicycle – the equivalent of an emotional tornado. Where do you find time to pick up the pieces of littered remnants of your home and everything within it?

Recovery & Claim Tips

Next Steps

The next steps become increasingly complicated and time consuming. The claims process can take 6 months to a year or longer. Do you have an additional 20 hours available to spend on a claim for the next 6 months to a year on top of your normal life? I know I don’t and most other people don’t either.

Are you prepared to tackle all that is required in the claims process?

Unlike the carrier adjuster, a public adjuster solely has your interests in mind. They can manage the additional 20 hours a week to handle your claim, reducing your burden. Public adjusters are experts in their field. They will advise and assist you throughout the entire claims process, eliminating those nagging questions and uncertainties you have right now.

What should I do?

Where do I start?

How do we get through this?

Premier Claims is familiar with disaster response and aiding property owners with claims, and this time, it’s in our own backyard. Our experts are here to help our community rebuild and heal from this tragedy. For more support, reach out to our team today: https://premier-claims.com/storm-damage/ 

By: Ashley Workman | Sr. Paralegal & Licensed Public Adjuster

Insurance Carrier Collaboration Expedited Claim Process

Million Oaks Condominium Association

Kenner, Louisiana
Hurricane Ida
August 2021


In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the insurance carrier relied heavily on our expertise right from the start of the claim process. This collaboration showcased the mutual respect between the insurance carrier and our public adjusting team, all in the interest of expediting the claim for the policyholder. Recognizing the extensive damage, we assisted residents with their individual claims and coordinated both inspections and repairs for their units. Ultimately, we secured coverage up to the policy limits for the Condo Association and offered complimentary consultation services to residents, helping them recover their losses.


Insurance Carrier Offer: N/A

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,011,000