FEMA Assistance Teams Coming to Chester County

Starting Wednesday, November 20th, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews will be in Chester County neighborhoods to help residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Here’s what to know:

DSA specialists wear FEMA attire and carry federal photo IDs. Always ask for ID before providing personal information.

They go door to door, to help people apply for federal assistance, check the status of an application, identify potential needs and make connections with organizations that can provide resources.

FEMA staff will never ask for money—their services are free.

After you’ve applied for assistance, FEMA may call you from an unfamiliar number to schedule a home inspection or gather additional details. It’s important to answer these calls to avoid delays in processing your application.

Ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• With a DSA crew

• Online: DisasterAssistance.gov

• By phone: 800-621-3362

• Download the FEMA app

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center: Check locations at fema.gov/drc

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2024

Chester County Awarded Individual Assistance for Residents Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene

Chester County, SC – Chester County is pleased to announce that residents impacted by Tropical Storm Helene are now eligible to apply for Individual Assistance (IA) through FEMA. This critical financial support is available to residents who suffered uninsured property damages or other losses due to the storm.

The IA program, which is awarded on a case-by-case basis following detailed damage assessments, will provide support for essential needs such as temporary housing, basic home repairs, personal property loss, and other disaster-related expenses. Chester County Emergency Management worked diligently to assess and document the extent of the storm’s impact, ensuring that residents' needs were fully represented to state and federal officials.

"We are grateful for the incredible efforts of our Emergency Management team in securing this vital assistance for our community," said Chester County Administrator Brian Hester. "Their dedication has made it possible for our residents to begin the process of rebuilding and recovering from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Helene."

How to Apply:

Residents can now begin submitting applications for FEMA assistance through the following methods:

  • Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov

  • FEMA App: Download and submit an application

  • Phone: Call 1-800-621-3362, available toll-free daily

Please have the following information ready when applying:

  • Current contact phone number

  • Address before and after the storm

  • Social Security number

  • List of damage and losses

  • Banking information for direct deposit (if choosing this option)

  • Insurance details, including policy number and agent, if applicable

Residents with homeowners, renters, or flood insurance should file a claim with their insurance provider as soon as possible. FEMA assistance will not duplicate benefits covered by insurance, but additional aid may still be available if insurance does not fully cover disaster-related expenses.

Upcoming In-Person Assistance:

Chester County Emergency Management, in coordination with FEMA, is working to establish Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) where residents can receive in-person assistance to apply for benefits. The location and schedule for these DRCs will be announced in the coming days.

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer low-interest loans to residents and businesses affected by the storm. More information on the SBA loan application process will be made available soon.

Chester County urges all residents who experienced uninsured damages or losses from Tropical Storm Helene to apply for assistance as soon as possible. This is a significant step forward in the county's recovery, and we stand united as a community in supporting one another through this challenging time.

For more information, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or contact Chester County Emergency Management at (803) 377-4632

Media Contact:
Brian W. Hester
County Administrator
Chester County Government
Phone: (803)377-1021
Email: bhester@chestercountysc.gov

About Chester County:
Chester County is committed to supporting its residents and rebuilding stronger communities in the wake of disasters. We continue to work diligently with local, state, and federal partners to ensure our community receives the necessary resources for recovery.

Chester County Citizens Academy

The Chester County Citizens Academy is a comprehensive program designed to educate and empower residents about county government operations. Through interactive sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and discussions with key officials, you’ll gain valuable insights into how decisions are made, budgets are allocated, and services are delivered.

Click here to learn more and apply!

Chester County has open positions on our Boards and Commissions!

Click on the board names below to learn more about the openings.

Vacancy:

Click here to fill out the application. The application may be e-mailed or physically mailed. If you have any questions, please contact Kristie Donaldson at (803) 377-7852 or kdonaldson@chestercountysc.gov.

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See Boards & Commission page for Vacant Positions

2021 Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE)
Goal For
Chester Catawba Regional Airport
Chester County

Chester Catawba Regional Airport hereby publishes a proposed overall goal for its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for FY 2024 through FY 2026. The proposed overall goal is 7.1% for all FAA-AIP funded projects in FY 2024 through FY 2026.

For additional information and questions, please contact Keith Roach at 1-803-385-6664 during normal business hours.

Whether your dream is starting your own business, living in a beautiful rural setting or purchasing an historic home in a town where neighbors still stop and visit as they stroll past, Chester County is the place you have been looking for.

Located just off Interstate 77 between Charlotte, NC and the state capital in Columbia, Chester County is the perfect location for residents as well as businesses. Economic growth is booming here but there are still ample opportunities to own some acreage or your dream home at a reasonable price.  Commercial sites are also still available.

We are a growing, thriving community of diverse individuals.  We celebrate our history as we stride boldly into the future. We are proud to welcome GITI, the 9th largest tire manufacturer in the world, to its new U.S. headquarters in Chester County. Our community is on the cusp of something great and we are excited to see what tomorrow holds in store.


It’s a great day to live, work, and grow in Chester County!

All photography provided by WLD. Bill Marion.