(WJBF) – As Helene intensifies and moves towards Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp and state leaders are on standby to send help with the expected heavy rain and wind.
Early Thursday afternoon, Kemp met with state leaders at Atlanta’s Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) headquarters outlining key priorities.
Inside the GEMA headquarters, multiple agencies are gathered including the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Forestry and Agriculture to figure out the best way to send resources as Hurricane Helene makes its way through the state.
“This is one of the biggest from the Atlantic from a size perspective on the width of — around 500 miles wide — so it will affect a large area as it comes across Florida as it comes into Georgia,” said Kemp.
Officials say that they have crews in place, like cut teams and chainsaw teams, so they can clear out roads and remove downed trees, downed power lines and debris — but their message is for people to simply stay off the roads.
The governor says they have received resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
According to officials, they have already activated 250 National Guards and another 250 on standby, who may have to deploy due to heavy wind and heavy rain which could cause flash flooding or mudslides.
Officials say they want people to be extra prepared by having non-perishable food for the next 72 hours.
“Think about the things you would take to a picnic. That’s the type of food you want inside for a few days – about 72 hours. So whatever you need for 72 hours. You may need a few gallons of water. It’s a good time if you have a bathtub at home or at a well you want to fill those up so you can flush commodes and things like that,” said Chris Stallings, GEMA director in Atlanta.
Stallings added that because this is an all-statewide event, there could be different situations in different counties. So if you are in a flood zone, you should seek higher ground, and if you are in a tornado zone, you should seek lower ground spaces like a basement or a room without windows.
Officials advise residents to protect themselves and their pets and to have a plan in case the weather impacts their area.
State leaders said they have set up shelters, adding that their main priorities are hospitals and senior living facilities.
