HURRICANE HELENE SUPPORT INFORMATION

HURRICANE HELENE SUPPORT

October 9, 2024 Update

Dear Team,

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice recognizes the challenges many of our employees are facing due to the recent severe weather events. As a result, we want to share the press release below from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding potential assistance for storm survivors in south Georgia.

DJJ remains committed to supporting you during these difficult times by providing lists of resources that may aid in your recovery efforts. These will include links to FEMA’s services, state and local relief programs, and mental health support services from EAP.  

Stay safe, and please contact your supervisor if you need additional support navigating these resources.

Please note that while we are here to assist, DJJ is not a disaster response or relief agency and is not authorized to offer financial assistance to its employees.


FEMA Is Contacting People Affected by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene

Release Date: October 9, 2024

ATLANTA – Georgians who apply for disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene may be eligible for assistance for both disasters. FEMA is placing calls to survivors in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, and Screven counties who only registered for one of the disasters to inform them that they can apply for assistance for both disasters if they sustained damaged from both storms.

These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. FEMA may also send a text message if they are unable to reach you by phone. If you are concerned about verifying if it is FEMA, you can call 800-621-3362. FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Their services are free.

Applications for both storms must be submitted separately. Eligible survivors affected by both storms may receive funds for food, water, baby formula and other emergency needs as well as money to help pay for a temporary place to stay. Federal grant funds may help with survivors’ immediate housing needs and can be used for the cost of staying with friends and family or hotel/motel lodging. If applicants already created a Login.gov account, they may use that same account in accessing both applications.

Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 to apply for FEMA assistance. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

When applying, people will need to describe what damage occurred and on what date, to ensure federal disaster assistance from the two storms is not duplicated. Keep all receipts for expenses associated both disasters, including:

  • Home repairs
  • Repairs to a septic system, water well or private road
  • Purchase of a generator or chainsaw
  • Replacement of personal property items such as appliances
  • Vehicle repairs or replacement
  • Insurance settlement or denial
     
  • For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4821 and fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
     

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SUPPORT FOR DJJ EMPLOYEES AFFECTED BY HURRICANE HELENE

DJJ is checking to see if any of you have been affected by Hurricane Helene. Please let us know if you or your family are facing challenges due to the storm and would like assistance.

Please contact your supervisor or reply to this message so we can understand your needs and direct you to the appropriate resources. Here are some services that may assist with immediate recovery efforts:

Emergency Medical Assistance: Dial 9-1-1

Emergency Shelter: Find shelter options by entering your zip code at: 

Immediate Needs: Contact your local emergency management office or voluntary agencies, or call United Way 2-1-1 for assistance with food, shelter, and other needs.

Report Damage/Debris Removal:

  • Georgia Emergency Management: Tropical Storm Helene | Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
  • Clean-Up Assistance: If you need assistance cleaning damages from Hurricane Helene, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386.
  • Local Emergency Management Agencies: Find a Location (georgia.gov)

Below is a list of Hurricane Helene relief resources across the state. Please share this with your coworkers, family, and friends as needed.

Shelters:

  • Coffee - Central Square Complex: 216 S. Madison Ave, Douglas, GA 31533
  • Lanier - Lanier County High School: 52 West Pattern Ave, Lakeland, GA 31635
  • Lowndes - Park Avenue Methodist Church: 100 E Park Ave, Valdosta, GA 31602
  • Pierce - Rec Dept. Gym: 705 College Ave, Blackshear, GA 31516
  • Richmond - May Park Rec Center: 622 4th St, Augusta, GA 30901
  • Richmond Henry Bringham Rec Center: 2463 Golden Camp Rd, Augusta, GA 30906

 

 American Red Cross Shelter & Feeding Locations in S.E. GA:*

 

  • St. Johns Church – 408 East Oak St. Mc Rae Helena, GA 31055 (Telfair County)
  • Blackshear Recreation Center – 705 College Ave. Blackshear, GA 31516 (Pierce County)
  • Cook County High School – 9900 GA-37 Adel, GA 31620 (Cook County)
  • Lanier Primary School – 28 S. Valdosta Road Lakeland, GA 31635 (Lanier County)
  • Park Avenue Church – 100 E Park Ave. Valdosta, GA 31602 (Lowndes County)
  • Central Hamilton Elementary School – 553 Chan Bridge Dr. Jasper, FL 32052 (Just across the state line)

*All ARC locations listed include overnight shelters

Salvation Army Feeding Locations in S.E. GA

Chatham County:  

  • Canter of Hope Shelter-3100 Montgomery St Savannah          
  • EOC - 295 Police Dr Savannah
  • Nassau Trailer Park -1605 Dean Forest Road, Savannah           
  • Kingdom Life 425 W Montgomery Crossroads
  • Thompkins Regional Center 2333 Ogeechee Rd Savannah     
  • Garden City Empowerment Center- Hwy 21 Garden City         
  • Tybee Island YMCA - 205 5th Street Tybee Island        
  • Life Bridge Ministries - 8511 Waters Ave Savannah     
  • Brighton Wood Subdivision -215 Brighton Wood Drive Pooler
  • Compassion Church - 55 Al Henderson Blvd Savannah           
  • Mighty Eight Museum 175 Bourne Ave. Pooler      

Lowndes County:

  • Sands Horizon and State Park - 1195 Old Statenville Park, Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • Lloyd Greer Homes - 1102 West Gordon Street, Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • Hudson Dockett Homes - 807 South Fry Street, Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • Ora Lee West Homes - 610 East Ann Street, Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • Flying Tiger Storage - 4036 Bemiss Road, Valdosta, GA 31605 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • The Salvation Army of Valdosta, 320 Smithland Pl., Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH & DINNER 

Atkinson County:

  • Atkinson County HS - 145 Rebel Lane, Pearson, GA 31642 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • City Hall - 33 Fleetwood Avenue, Willacoochee, GA 31650 - LUNCH & DINNER

Jeff Davis County:

  • Fire Station - 17 W. Georgia Avenue, Denton, GA 31532 - LUNCH & DINNER (10/01/24)
  • Jeff Davis Middle School - 93 Collins Street, Hazlehurst, GA 31539 (BEGINNING 10/02/24)

Brooks County: Brooks County Agricultural Building - 400 E. Cortland Avenue, Quitman, GA 31643 - LUNCH & DINNER

Appling County: Fairground - 186 Industrial Drive, Baxley, GA 31513 - LUNCH & DINNER

Bacon County: Bacon County HS - 1190 US-1 S, Alma, GA 31510 - LUNCH & DINNER

Coffee County: Central Square Complex - 216 S Madison Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533 - LUNCH & DINNER

Pierce County: Pierce County Extension Building - 705 College Avenue, Blackshear, GA 31516 (BEGINNING 10/02/24)

Telfair County: Fire Station - 181 E Oak Street, McRae-Helena, GA 31055 - LUNCH (First Responders Only)

Ware County: Waycross City Auditorium - 865 Pendleton Street, Waycross, GA 31501 - LUNCH & DINNER

GEMA POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION:

Several points of distribution have been established in counties throughout the state. Individuals in the affected areas are encouraged to come to pick up essential items:

Atkinson:

  • Willacoochee City Hall, 33 Fleetwood Ave. West, Willacoochee, GA
  • Atkinson Co. Fire Station, 33 Austin Ave. West, Pearson, GA

Berrien: 800 Tifton Rd., Nashville, GA 31639

Candler: 655 W. Lytell St., Metter, GA 30439

Clinch:

  • 575 Wood Lake Rd. Homerville, GA 31634
  • 80 City Hall Dr., Fargo, GA 31631

Evans: 613 W. Main Street, GA

Jeff Davis: 31 Pat Dixon Rd, Hazlehurst, GA

Jefferson: 1200 School Street, Louisville, GA 30434

Lanier: 28 South Valdosta Hwy, Lakeland, GA 31635

Laurens:

  • 1794 Hwy 117, Rentz, GA 31075
  • 930 East Hwy 80, East Dublin, GA

Lowndes:

  • First Baptist Church Lake Park, 601 W. Marion Ave, Lake Park, GA 31636
  • Five Points, 3103 N. Ashley St., Valdosta, GA 31602
  • Flying Tiger Storage, 4036 Bemiss Rd., Valdosta, GA 31605
  • Lowndes County Civic Center, 2102 E. Hill Ave., Valdosta, GA 31601

Mcduffie: 229 Knox River Rd., Thomson, GA 30824

Montgomery: 701 C Dobbins St Mount Vernon, Georgia 30445

Richmond:    

  • 4335 Windsor Spring Rd., Hephzibah, GA 30815
  • 1631 Gordon Hwy, Augusta, GA 30906
  • 535 Telfair St., Augusta, GA 30901

Screven: Screven County Elementary School, 1333 Frontage Rd. East, Sylvania, GA 3046

Tattnall: 1 Battle Creek Warrior Blvd., Reidsville, GA 30453

Telfair:

  • 181 East Oak St, McRae-Helena, GA 31055
  • 65 Main St Lumber City GA, 31549

Toombs:

  • First Baptist Church, 107 E Second Street, Vidalia, GA 30474
  • Southeastern Technical College, 3001 East 1st Street, Vidalia, GA 30474

Treutlen: 4145 Fowler St., Soperton, GA

Warren: 169 SR-80, Warrenton, GA 30828

Wheeler: 63 Commerce St, Alamo, GA 30411
 

GEORGIA BOARD OF PHARMACY

Georgia State Board of Pharmacy Statement on Hurricane Helene | Georgia Board of Pharmacy

How to get prescription medication filled

Some people affected by Hurricane Helene wonder how to fill their prescription medications if their pharmacy isn’t open. The Georgia Board of Pharmacy says any pharmacy can refill certain medications for up to 30 days during the state of emergency. That means if your normal pharmacy is closed, you can go to the closest one that’s open for a 30-day refill. The medication cannot be a Schedule II controlled substance.

STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

https://oci.georgia.gov/

The Georgia Department of Insurance is hosting a Hurricane Claims Village in Augusta and Valdosta to assist Georgians who have been impacted by the storm. At the Catastrophe Claims Village, policyholders can meet face-to-face with professionals in the insurance industry who can help them file a claim or answer any insurance-related questions they may have. The Catastrophe Claims Village will include representatives from the Georgia Department of Insurance and major insurance carriers. The Insurance Department’s Criminal Investigations Division will also be on hand to investigate any potential fraudulent activity and educate residents on how to protect themselves from post-disaster insurance scams. Georgians who cannot attend the event are encouraged to call our Consumer Services Hotline for assistance at 1-800-656-2298, available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

 

GEORGIA ATTORNEY GENERAL

Office of the Attorney General (georgia.gov)

CONSUMER ALERT: Beware of Scams & Fraud Following Hurricane Helene

As families and communities throughout the state work to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, Attorney General Chris Carr is urging Georgians to be on the lookout for price gouging, home repair fraud, charity fraud, and imposter scams.

To report suspected price gouging or fraud, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123 (toll-free in Georgia). Consumers can also submit a complaint online here.

DEPARTMENT OF DRIVERS SERVICES

https://dds.georgia.gov/

The following locations are closed on Wednesday, October 2nd :

  • Helena (PT)
  • Douglas
  • Reidsville 

Please continue to monitor the DDS website and our local social media channels for the latest weather updates on center closures and delayed openings.

Thursday – Gov. Brian Kemp declares major disaster for Richmond, Columbia, Burke counties

Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday declared a major disaster for 41 Georgia counties, including Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties, due to Hurricane Helene.

Residents can apply for aid covering temporary housing, home repairs and other recovery needs. Assistance includes grants and low-cost loans.

"The Major Disaster Declaration will begin to provide critical resources to the limited counties designated for Hurricane Helene," according to GEMA/HS director Chris Stallings. "Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our residents, and we will continue to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners to provide the support needed during this challenging time.

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

 

GEMA POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION:

BEN HILL          

  • Ben Hill County Health Dept., 251 Appomattox Rd., Fitzgerald, GA 31750

BROOKS           

  • 400 E. Courtland Avenue, Quitman, GA 31643
  • 178 Second Street, Morven, GA 31638

ECHOLS           

  • Community Center, 148 Church of God St., Statenville, GA 31648

JEFFERSON     

  • 101 Griffin St., Wrens, GA 30833
  • 138 Church St., Wadley, GA 30477

LOWNDES

  • Hahira Train Depot, 220 W. Main Street, Hahira, GA 316302

WARE 

  • Ware County Fire Station, 3411 Harris Rd., Waycross, GA 31503

REMOVED POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION:

TATTNALL

  • 1 Battle Creek Warrior Blvd., Reidsville, GA 30453

AMERICAN RED CROSS SHELTER & FEEDING LOCATIONS IN S.E. GA:

  • Central Square Complex – 216 S. Madison Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 (Coffee County)

 

SALVATION ARMY FEEDING LOCATIONS IN S.E. GA: (Savannah Locations unchanged)

LOWNDES COUNTY

  • Lloyd Greer Homes - 1102 West Gordon Street, Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH
  • Hudson Dockett Homes - 807 South Fry Street, Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • Flying Tiger Storage - 4036 Bemiss Road, Valdosta, GA 31605 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • The Salvation Army of Valdosta - 320 Smithland Pl., Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • 1197 Melody Lane, Valdosta, GA 31601 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • 709 E. Brookwood Pl., Valdosta, GA 31601 - DINNER

BROOKS COUNTY

  • Brooks County Agricultural Building - 400 E. Cortland Avenue, Quitman, GA 31643 - LUNCH & DINNER

CLINCH COUNTY

  • Quail Hollow Apartment - 863 Carswell St., Homerville, GA 31634 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • Brookwood Apartment - 480 N. Sweat St., Homerville, GA 31634 - LUNCH & DINNER

COOK COUNTY

  • Cecil City Hall - 134 W. Roundtree St., Cecil, GA 31627  - LUNCH & DINNER

APPLING COUNTY

  • Fairground - 186 Industrial Drive, Baxley, GA 31513 - DINNER
  • Convenience Store - 9659 Golden Isles Hwy West, Graham, GA 31513 - DINNER (7:00PM)
  • Parkers - 9674 Golden Isles Hwy East, Surrency, GA 31563 - DINNER (7:00PM)

ATKINSON COUNTY

  • Atkinson County HS - 145 Rebel Lane, Pearson, GA 31533 - LUNCH
  • Willacoochee City Hall - 33 Fleetwood Avenue, Willacoochee, GA 31650 - LUNCH
  • Dollar General - 17 Minchew Road, Axson, GA 31624 - DINNER
  • Willacoochee Elementary - 430 S. Vickers Street, Willacoochee, GA - DINNER

BACON COUNTY

  • Bacon County High School - 1190 US-1 S, Alma, GA 31510 - LUNCH & DINNER

COFFEE COUNTY

  • Central Square Complex - 216 S Madison Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533 - LUNCH & DINNER

JEFF DAVIS COUNTY

  • Fire Station - 17 W. Georgia Avenue, Denton, GA 31532 - LUNCH & DINNER
  • Jeff Davis Middle School - 93 Collins Street, Hazlehurst, GA 31539 - LUNCH & DINNER

PIERCE COUNTY

  • Emmanuel Baptist Church - 217 W. Carter Avenue, Blackshear, GA 31516 - LUNCH & DINNER

TELFAIR COUNTY

  • Fire Station - 181 E Oak Street, McRae-Helena, GA 31055 - LUNCH (First Responders Only)
  • City Hall - 12 Water Tower Rd., Jacksonville, GA - LUNCH (Food Box Drop)

WARE COUNTY

  • Waycross City Auditorium - 865 Pendleton Street, Waycross, GA 31501 - LUNCH & DINNER

EMANUEL COUNTY

  • Baptist Church Parking Lot - 102 N. College St., Twin City, GA 30471 – DINNER (6:00PM)

WHEELER COUNTY

City of Alamo - 5 W. Main St., Alamo, GA 30411 – LUNCH (12:00PM)

TOOMBS COUNTY

  • First Baptist Church – 107 E Second St., Vidalia, GA 30474 – LUNCH (12:30PM)
  • The Oaks Baptist Church – 920 NW Broad St., Lyons, GA 30436 – LUNCH (12:30PM)

TATTNALL COUNTY

  • North Tattnall Elementary School – 26189 Hwy 23, North Collins, GA 30421 – DINNER (6:00PM)

CANDLER COUNTY

  • City Park – 212 SE Broad St., Metter GA 30439 – DINNER (6:00PM)

Executive Action from Governor Kemp

Governor Kemp has taken several actions throughout the week to help ease the recovery from Hurricane Helene statewide:

Monday. September 30:

·       The Governor requested an official expedited emergency declaration from FEMA to ensure counties needing assistance received it in an urgent manner.

·       He authorized an additional 1,000 Georgia Guard troops to assist with response and recovery efforts. 

Tuesday, October 1:

·       The Governor issued an executive order extending the state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties through October 9.

·       He urged FEMA to expand their initial federal disaster declaration, resulting in an additional 30 counties being added. The Governor is continuing to advocate for all communities impacted to received the support they need.

·       The Georgia Department of Revenue suspended enforcement of state penalties for using dyed diesel on public roads through October 31. This critical step will make it easier for trucks to operate on Georgia's roads and reach communities in need.

·       The Governor, with the support of partners in the Georgia General Assembly, suspended the state motor and diesel fuel tax starting on Thursday, Oct. 3rd & and continuing through the duration of the state of emergency. This will help keep costs down in impacted communities facing supply chain disruptions.

·       The Governor announced that 41 out of the 90 counties in his request for an expedited disaster declaration from FEMA had received approval. More details here.

Wednesday, October 2:

·       Following the Governor's urging, FEMA has agreed to Georgia's request for the federal agency to cover 100% of the costs of cleanup for the first three months of the recovery.

Thursday, October 3:

·       Governor Kemp spoke with President Biden thanking him for visiting the state and pushed for more counties to be added to the disaster declaration list and for additional support.

·       The Governor also spoke with Secretary Vilsack & Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks to provide an update on needs surrounding access to meals ready-to-eat (MRE).

·       The Governor was joined by GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings, General Dwayne Wilson of the Georgia National Guard, GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry, and DPS leadership for a press conference providing the latest updates on the state's response and on the ground conditions. 

These actions follow the Governor's actions leading up to and in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene:

·       On September 24, the Governor declared a state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties, enabling resources to get to where they were needed for storm preparation & response. 

·       The State Operations Center was put on full activation to coordinate state agencies' response to the storm.

·       On September 27, the Governor issued an executive order expanding the authorization for Georgia Guard troops by 1,000.

 

Friday – How Augusta residents can tell if the person at their door is FEMA, a contractor, or a scammer

The Augusta Fire Department recently provided information about how Augusta area residents can tell if door knockers are actually from FEMA, a legitimate contractor, or a scammer.

  • FEMA personnel may be going door-to-door, asking residents if they wish to register for disaster assistance, according to the department
  • All FEMA employees will have a government-issued Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card with their photo, according to Augusta Fire.

Anyone concerned about the legitimacy of someone claiming to be a FEMA employee should contact FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362.

Georgia’s Planning and Development Department urged residents to be careful while selecting contractors for home or business repairs post-Helene. To avoid contractor scams, it is crucial to ensure that repairs are done safely and up to code.

Here's a list of tips provided by the City of Augusta:

  • Check for a current business license (expires 12/31/2024, no other date options)
  • Check for proof of insurance (surety bond and/or ACCORD)
  • Make sure the license is for the services that they are offering. Check status here – https://sos.ga.gov/.
  • Only hire/use licensed and bonded electricians. Check status here – https://sos.ga.gov/.
  • For out-of-state contractors, check with the Secretary of State to see if they are registered. (Note: Some municipalities don’t have business license requirements.)

For more information about how to select a contractor and report suspected fraud, contact Augusta Planning and Development at 706-821-1796.

 

Financial disaster assistance available in these Georgia counties

A one-time disaster assistance payment has been made available to eligible residents of Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.   

Registration is required to be eligible for this one-time payment of $750. The payment is intended to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.   

Atkinson, Appling, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Columbia, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Lowndes, McDuffie, Montgomery, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Washington and Wheeler counties.

Homeowners and renters with damage to their homes or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.   

People can apply in four ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362, on the FEMA App, or via disaster recovery centers.