Atlanta, GA ~ Atlanta, GA - As Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen and make its way towards the southeastern United States, Governor Brian P. Kemp has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of Georgia residents. Yesterday, he declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties and directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC).

The current forecast for Hurricane Helene predicts that it will impact every part of Georgia. In response, Governor Kemp has requested an emergency declaration from FEMA in order to secure additional resources for the state. He has also urged all Georgians to make necessary preparations to keep themselves and their property safe.

According to forecasters, Helene is expected to reach Georgia on Thursday evening and early Friday morning, bringing with it tropical storm force winds and heavy rain. These conditions could lead to spin-off tornadoes, downed trees and power lines, flooding, and other major impacts.

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In preparation for the storm's arrival, the SOC was elevated to a full-scale activation level at 7 a.m. this morning. GEMA/HS will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance to local emergency management agencies throughout the duration of the event.

GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings emphasized that the safety of Georgians is their top priority during this time. The agency is working tirelessly with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that they are fully prepared for any potential impacts. Resources have been pre-positioned and communication channels have been enhanced in order to effectively respond to emergencies.

Residents are advised not to drive or walk through standing water or drive around barricades in case of flooding. They should also stay away from downed power lines as they pose a risk of electric shock or electrocution. In case of a tornado warning, seeking shelter in storm cellars or basements is recommended. If those options are not available, individuals should go to a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

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For more information on how to prepare for Hurricane Helene, residents can visit the GEMA website at https://gema.georgia.gov/hurricanes and https://gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-geo.... These resources provide valuable information on developing a custom emergency plan and creating a Ready kit.

As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS works in collaboration with local, state, and federal governments as well as private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property during emergencies. Their Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign aim to equip Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. For more information, visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia.

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