Free legal assistance is available to survivors in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who were affected by Tropical Storm Fred.

Survivors facing disaster-related issues who cannot afford an attorney may call the Disaster Legal Aid hotline at 866-219-5262. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours on Monday and Thursday are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Apply for help online at www.legalaidnc.org/get-help/self-help-library/disaster-relief.

The service is operated by Legal Aid of North Carolina, a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people.

Legal Aid may be able to help survivors in the following ways: 

• Clarify home ownership/heir property
• Assist with benefits applications and appeals processes
• Support victims of fraudulent contractors or assist with landlord disputes
• Provide insurance policy assistance
• Assist community groups that support long-term recovery

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.