RESIDENTS URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS; STAY OFF ICY ROADS
Saturday February 21, 2015 — With the improving weather forecast and power outages repaired in most locations, the Red Cross will transition today from operating shelters in North Georgia to providing emergency assistance on a case-by-case basis for people with disaster-caused needs. Our volunteers and supplies remain on stand-by to reopen shelters based on need and changing conditions. We also continue to work closely with local EMAs and organizations to serve their communities.
The following Red Cross shelters will close today by 1:00 P.M:
NORTHEAST GEORGIA
Forsyth County
Freedom Tabernacle Church, 2160 Freedom Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041
Hall County
First Baptist Church, 751 Green St., Gainesville, GA 30501
NORTHWEST GEORGIA
Gilmer County
Gilmer County Middle School Gym, 1860 S. Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540
Since Monday, with the generous support of the community, our partners and volunteers, the Red Cross has provided a safe haven and meals for hundreds of North Georgia residents who escaped the bitter cold in eight Red Cross shelters. We cared for individuals and families, including some people with special needs, such as new mothers and their infants, and people in wheel chairs, on oxygen, with low vision and dealing with diabetes. Of these, Red Cross caseworkers are also working with 14 families/individuals to help them with their additional, disaster-caused needs.
Despite the severe weather conditions, Red Cross volunteers continue to respond to home and apartment fires statewide and have provided food, shelter and other necessities for thousands of people since January 1st. Just yesterday, we responded to 30 incidents and helped 86 Georgians with food, clothing, shelter, emotional support and other essentials following fire-related disasters.
