Governor urges all Georgians to prepare for possible coastal and inland effects of the storm
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal Wednesday issued an emergency declaration for all of the state’s 159 counties ahead of Hurricane Florence. Deal’s office says the governor acted on a recommendation from Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) officials.
The declaration temporarily suspends federal drive time limits on truck drivers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gasoline, emergency and disaster relief materials. It frees up state resources to “assist in preparation, response and recovery activities” throughout the state. The governor’s declaration prohibits price gouging.
“The state is mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety ahead of Hurricane Florence,” Deal says. “In light of the storm’s forecasted southward track after making landfall, I encourage Georgians to be prepared for the inland effects of the storm as well as the ensuing storm surge in coastal areas.”
Deal says GEMA/HS is leading the state’s preparedness efforts. Georgia is coordinating with federal, state and local officials to provide public shelter and accommodations for evacuees from other states.
The governor asks all Georgians “to join me in praying for the safety of our people and all those in the path of Hurricane Florence.”
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the GEMA/HS website here.
