While our country is still assessing the final toll Hurricane Matthew has taken on areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, we do know that the storm has had a devastating and deadly impact. Members of the Omni family – many of our customers and employees – were personally affected by the hurricane. Homes and businesses, including several of our offices, were damaged or destroyed by flooding.
Omni joins our communities as we recover from the destruction that Hurricane Matthew left in its path. If you live a hurricane-affected area and are in need of assistance, there are many resources available that can help.
Hurricane Matthew Relief Resources
FEMA
FEMA is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security agency that provides support for recovery from major disasters. FEMA can help you find immediate assistance for urgent needs including emergency medical assistance and shelter. They also offer help for some disaster-related expenses.
Visit the FEMA website for information on how to apply for assistance, file a flood insurance claim, and more.
DisasterAssistance.gov
Through this website you can apply for FEMA assistance online and check the status of your application.
Red Cross
The Red Cross provides a variety of emergency aid and assistance services. If you are unable to return to your home and are in immediate need of shelter, visit the website to find open shelters near you.
Airbnb Disaster Response
Many Airbnb hosts are opening their doors to those in need of emergency accommodations due to Hurricane Matthew. Click on the active disaster area near you to locate hosts in your area who are offering displaced people free temporary lodging.
IRS
The IRS has announced certain tax filing extensions for qualified individuals and businesses in some Hurricane Matthew-affected regions, with more areas expected to be added soon. Visit the website for details and the latest tax relief information.
FloridaDisaster.org
Stay up to date on Hurricane Matthew-related news and announcements on this website run by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. It posts press releases, information on power outages, airports, tolls and public health, a list of WiFi hot spots, links to shelters, and more.
Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency
Georgia residents can visit this website to access important hurricane relief resources. Find links to open shelters, insurance assistance, travel updates, debris removal news releases and other pertinent information.
North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NC Public Safety)
This website provides important information to North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Matthew. Access news releases and links to county emergency management agencies and get updates on road conditions and ferry schedules.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
The DHEC lists boil water advisories for South Carolina on its website. It is also waiving bacteriological testing fees for private wells affected by flooding and rain from Hurricane Matthew. In addition, the department is operating Special Medical Needs Shelters, which according to its website, is “for people whose medical conditions exceed the capabilities of the Red Cross shelters, but are not severe enough to require a hospital stay.”
We hope you find these resources useful as our communities work together to rebuild and recover.
