picture of a hurricane from space

Hurricane Response Business Resources

This page is designed to consolidate relevant, real-time updates and emergency resources for business operations across Georgia throughout impact and recovery for Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene.

Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) provides telephonic crisis intervention, clinical triage, and referral for Georgians in need 24/7/365 and dispatches 24/7 Mobile Crisis Services to 159 counties in Georgia. Call or text: 988 | Dial:1-800-715-4225 | Visit Georgia Crisis & Access Line >

For individuals experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains a Disaster Distress Helpline >

Statewide Response

Here, please find important weather, state government office, and road closure information.

For resources from GEMA/HS about Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, please visit:
GEMA Hurricane Information >

Evacuation Routes and Road Conditions:
• Georgia 511 www.511ga.org
• Georgia Department of Transportation

Government Motor Vehicle Regulations, Permitting

Commercial Motor Vehicle exemptions issued by specific states and the Federal Government: 
CVSA Emergency Declarations Portal >

For information on oversize permits through the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS):
Georgia DPS >

Re-Entry

In the event the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation, a re-entry permit will be required for essential response personnel, including essential private sector companies that provide crucial supplies like groceries, pharmaceuticals, and fuel, to gain access into a disaster area. Businesses seeking permits will apply through the state, and approved permits are valid for 3 years. If you feel you may need a permit you are encouraged to apply in advance of the need. See more information and the application process here >

State and Federal Business, Nonprofit, and Consumer Resources

For small business assistance with disaster readiness, relief, and long-term recovery, the U.S. Chamber Foundation maintains a Disaster Help Desk for Business >

To determine whether you are in a Disaster-Declared Areas for SBA Assistance for Hurricane Helene, visit Disaster Declaration Search >

If you are in a Disaster-Declared Area, find information for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene at U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance for Hurricane Helene >

For information reporting price gouging, warnings against home repair fraud, bogus charities, impostor scams, and reporting consumer protection claims against contractors, visit the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection page.

For information or concerns regarding insurance claims, visit the Georgia Insurance Commissioner’s Office. This office has also urged Georgians to document all losses and to avoid rushing into major restoration work.

To report agriculture and livestock damages, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) maintains an online reporting form (preferred method). You may also email [email protected]. For federal rural and agricultural needs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool page is here. GDA’s Emergency Response Hotline is: 1-855-491-1432.

Donations & Service Providers

Donations: If you are interested in providing in-kind donations such as non-perishable food, tarps, blankets, bottled water, clean-up kits, toiletries or other useful items in response to Hurricane Helene, please complete the Georgia VOAD Donations Survey >

Service Providers: If you are interested in providing services and/or goods to Georgians as a contractor during clean-up and recovery from Hurricane Helene, please complete the Vendor Contact Information form >

Vendor Contracts: If you are interested in vendor contracts, please reach out to Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) in the affected area. The list of all EMAs is found here >. 

For a map FEMA map of counties please click here >.

Arts Resources
Individual Artists:

For information on the fund known as “The Actors Fund,” which fosters stability and resiliency and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan, click here: Entertainment Community Fund>

For resources for artists who work in craft disciplines, CERF+ provides a safety net to support strong and sustainable careers: CERF+ The Artists Safety Net>

The Jazz Foundation’s Musicians Emergency Fund provides housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief, and direct financial support in times of crisis.

Arts Organizations, Preservation:

For numerous resources related to emergency planning and response, the following links may be helpful:

Resources to assist with salvage and preservation of physical items, which may include papers, photographs, textiles, art supplies, and others, especially those damaged by water include:

Statewide Utility Updates

Information regarding Georgia Power’s Hurricane Helene recovery efforts can be found at the Storm Center.

Georgia Power restoration progress can be found in this Outage Map.

Information regarding restoration progress from Georgia EMC can be found in this Outage Map.

Shelter, Lodging, & Evacuations Sites

Information regarding Red Cross evacuation shelters across Georgia can be found at: 
Redcross.org >

For resources regarding hotel and lodging availability, shelter information, assistance from our Visitor Information Centers and other important emergency resources please visit Explore Georgia travel alerts:
Explore Georgia Travel Alerts >

 

 

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