State of Georgia Responds to Hurricane Harvey

August 30, 2017

Gov. Nathan Deal today outlined Georgia’s efforts to assist in Hurricane Harvey rescue and recovery operations in Texas. He also announced steps taken to help safeguard Georgians’ fuel supply during the aftermath of the hurricane.

“On behalf of all Georgians, Sandra and I continue to pray for the victims of Hurricane Harvey as they continue to suffer,” said Gov. Deal. “The devastating impact of this storm has yet to be fully realized, and we offer our thoughts and prayers to the families and communities affected by this disaster. As response and recovery efforts continue, the bravery and selflessness demonstrated by first responders and everyday citizens is nothing short of heroic. The kindness and courage of others acts shines light during the darkness faced by so many, and is a beacon of hope for all of us.

“To those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, you are not alone. Georgia and the rest of the nation are with you. We have boots on the ground in Texas and teams working here to help coordinate response efforts and provide support. This multi-agency initiative includes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), the Georgia Department of Defense (GA DoD) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). I stand ready to offer any further assistance or resources that may be needed as recovery operations continue.

“Finally, I’ve taken steps to mitigate the effects that Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath will have on Georgia’s fuel supply. Earlier this week I applied for, and received, a fuel waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This waiver will help ensure our fuel supply remains uninterrupted. Further, I’ve issued an executive order waiving rules and regulations for truck drivers transporting motor fuel in Georgia, as well as for those carrying hurricane relief supplies. While recovery efforts continue and until normal operations resume, I urge the public to maintain regular consumption levels and travel schedules.”

The multi-pronged response includes the following:

Fuel and trucking

  • On Aug. 29, the EPA issued an emergency waiver through Sept. 15 for the metro Atlanta area. 

 

  • On Aug. 30, Gov. Deal issued an executive order waiving trucking requirements for the transport of motor fuel and hurricane supplies. 

 

  • For additional information on EPA fuel waivers, contact Kevin Chambers with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division at Kevin.Chambers@dnr.ga.gov or 404-651-7970.

 

GEMA/HS

  • GEMA/HS is coordinating with state and local partners and has offered Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the support of 75 Georgia personnel to assist in search and rescue efforts. The state is poised to deploy 50 members of the Georgia Search and Rescue task force and 25 members of Georgia Department of Natural Resources swift water teams.

 

  • GEMA/HS is also working with the Georgia Voluntary Organizations Assisting in Disaster (VOAD) and the Red Cross on the coordination of volunteers and donations. Individuals and organizations are asked to donate or volunteer through the National VOAD site. Large organizations with the ability to organize and transport donations to Texas may also contact GEMA/HS and the Georgia VOAD at volunteers@gema.ga.gov.

 

 

GA DoD

  • GA DoD’s team of domestic operations professionals has been in constant contact with the National Guard Bureau, FEMA, GEMA/HS, other supporting states and the State of Texas to assess the needs in Texas and be prepared to readily provide resources as needed and authorized by Gov. Deal and GEMA/HS.

 

  • At Gov. Deal’s authorization, the Savannah-based 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard yesterday deployed a C-130 H3 cargo aircraft and 15 personnel to aid in the emergency response efforts for the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey. The crew first flew into Scott Air Force Base in Illinois to pick up disaster recovery pallets before mobilizing to provide relief support to Texas and the Texas National Guard. There have been no new requests for additional personnel or equipment.

 

If you would like to get involved locally, either through donations or by volunteering your time, the following organizations in the GNTC service area will be collecting donations:

 

Catoosa County Campus Area:

  • American Red Cross - 4115 S Access Rd, Chattanooga, Tennessee, TN 37406 – 423-265-3455 - call 1-800-REDCROSS, or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.  Volunteers also needed.

 

Floyd County Campus Area:

  • Rome Cares – Drop Off Location – Beginning Friday morning, September 1 at 8 a.m., you can take donations to 1929 North Broad Street, which is a warehouse near the North Rome Church of God.  Will be open for several weeks  Email: romecaresga@gmail.com   Phone 706-252-0978
  • Operation Texas Star at Russell Regional Airport, 304 Russell Field Road NE, Rome, GA 30165 They are seeking help specifically in collecting bottled water, non-perishable food, and filled propane tanks for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. These items can be brought to their collection point at Richard B. Russell regional airport, or they can be arranged for pick up, by calling 706-206-6285.
  • Elm Street Elementary accepting cases of bottled water - 8 S. Elm Street, Rome, GA

 

Gordon County Campus Area:

  • Crane Eater Community Church will be accepting donations from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. this Saturday, September 2 at the church-3168 Red Bud Road in Calhoun.  The drive is registered with the American Red Cross and will accept the attached items.  Contact Kenneth Hayes at 770- 548-3152 or Elizabeth Gay at 706-280-5358 for more information.  Volunteers are welcome to help load and unload supplies. 

 

Polk County Campus Area:

  • Victory Baptist Church - 15 Hendrix Rd, Rockmart, GA 30153 – 678-685-4570
  • Cedartown First Presbyterian Church – 314 John Hand Rd, Cedartown, GA  30125 – Accepting donations Saturday, September 2nd.  Drop off donations or volunteer from 9am-12pm
  • Cedartown First United Methodist - 201 Wissahickon Ave, Cedartown, GA 30125 – 770-748-7862
  • Mary Miller State Farm Agency in Rockmart is a drop off location for donations - 1340 Chattahoochee Drive, Rockmart, GA 30153 – 770-684-9193

 

Walker County Campus Area:

  • Rock Spring United Methodist – 3477 Peavine Rd, Rock Spring, GA 30739 - any and all donations – Monday-Thursday
  • Food City in LaFayette is allowing people to make a monetary donation at the checkout counter. 100% of the funds raised will be allocated between The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse and The Houston Food Bank.
  • Cherokee Ridge Elementary is taking part in the “Adopt A Classroom” program. They will be taking in “School Supplies” for elementary school children that will be in need. Location: 2423 Johnson Rd, Chickamauga, GA 3070
  • United Methodist Committee on Relief – Assembling hygiene kits and collecting monetary donations.  They are also collecting items such as box fans, 25’ heavy duty extension cords, 2 gallon sprayers, rakes with 3” tines, and wheel barrows.  Please visit umcor.org for a full list of collection items.
     

Whitfield Murray County Campus Area:

  • American Red Cross, 211 W. Fort St., Chatsworth, GA 30705
  • American Red Cross,1101 S. Thornton Ave., Dalton, GA 30721
  • The Salvation Army, 1102 North Thornton Ave., Dalton, GA 30720
  • The Salvation Army, 500 South Third Ave., Chatsworth, GA 30705
  • Monetary donations can be made through the American Legion.
  • All area Kroger grocery stores are taking monetary donations to aid in relief efforts.