It has been almost a week since Helene made landfall in Florida as a category 4 hurricane. Since then, the effects of this devastating storm have been felt throughout the South, and even as far away as Indiana and Ohio. Currently, millions of people across multiple states are without power, running water or reliable communication.

It's difficult to view the pictures and videos of lives lost and entire communities destroyed. Thankfully, I can say that all Forest Service employees who reside in any of the impacted areas have been accounted for. Power loss and damaged roads remain issues across most areas, but most significantly across Appalachia. 

To our employees, as well as their families, friends and our many partners and volunteers, I extend my full support as Chief of the Forest Service. All of you are an integral part of us, our mission and the work we do. Our thoughts are with all of you in these moments of uncertainty. And as you continue the hard road toward recovery, the Forest Service will be there to assist in every way we can. 

To all other Forest Service employees, I know that even though you might not have been in the path of the storm, you want to help. I have included resources at the end of this message to help you get involved.  

Federal, state and local organizations are working around the clock mobilizing every resource available to support life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. Currently, more than 1,000 FEMA staff are supporting the effort. FEMA is also coordinating a federal force of over 3,500 personnel, each contributing their expertise to this mission. 

Several incident management teams have been mobilized to support forests impacted by this storm. The Southern Region is fielding responses for support from within the Forest Service and for FEMA. Our focus remains on the safety and well-being of our employees, while we mobilize Casualty Assistance and Critical Incident Stress Management teams. We stand by to assist impacted areas with rapid assessments, GIS support and to mobilize additional resources, as needed. 

I am grateful to first responders who are helping people get clean water, a meal, a place to sleep and other basic needs. Conditions are extreme in many areas still, with ravaged neighborhoods, access limitations and flooded streets. It will be many weeks before residents see any semblance of normalcy. Our focus in the region is on assisting emergency responders and our employees.  

Efforts are underway to help employees and their families in the recovery. Currently, employees in these areas received approval for administrative leave while they are displaced and without power. Our Human Resources Management staff has taken steps to ensure employee payroll is submitted and processed so much-needed funds are there when they need it. Many of our employees reside in counties where the president has declared a major disaster and may be eligible for FEMA assistance. 

There is room for each of us to get involved if we are able. You can immediately contribute assistance through a number of organizations; please visit USAGov’s How to help survivors after a disaster page for information.  

Recovery from the flooding and damage caused by Helene will take time. During this uncertain time, know that affected employees and their families have the support of the agency behind them. As an organization committed to our core values of service, interdependence and safety, we will do everything we can to help you throughout this process. 

Please know that there are many resources available to help you. Reach out if you need help.

Sign up for the DHS Surge Capacity Force

Do you want to contribute more directly?

The Department of Homeland Security has activated its Surge Capacity Force to enable federal employees (GS-15 and below) to assist FEMA's disaster workforce.

Sign up for the Surge Capacity Force—a unique opportunity to support FEMA during and after major disasters and develop new skills beyond your regular role. This opportunity is open to federal employees from any agency, not just DHS.

Visit https://www.dhs.gov/surge-capacity-force to learn more or email surgecapacityforce@fema.dhs.gov with any questions.

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