Atlanta News category interest

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - As Georgia is still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s devastation, agencies across the state are bracing to help as Hurricane Milton hits Florida.

Parts of Georgia’s coast could see impacts, as resources are already spread thin across the state.

Hurricane Milton is barreling towards Florida as a category 4 hurricane. Thousands are evacuating and heading to Georgia to hunker down.

Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Milton and has extended the declaration from Hurricane Helene’s devastation. That means Georgia’s gas tax is still suspended.

The Salvation Army, which has one of its hubs in Atlanta, is readying supplies to get to Florida. That’s after they’ve spent the week feeding people in south Georgia.

“We are staging a good bit of equipment this evening from other divisions here in Atlanta ready to deploy down to Florida as soon as it’s clear. We can’t get too close because we’re not sure the path of the storm," said Barry Corbitt, the executive officer for Georgia’s territory of The Salvation Army.

GEMA is repositioning MREs, or Meals Ready-to-Eat, to assist. Both the Georgia and Federal Emergency Management Agencies say they will not divert resources away from areas hit hard by Helene but are still ready to respond.

Local organizations like American Legion Post 516 in Henry County said they just sent donated supplies to Helene victims, but with Milton on the horizon, they will start collecting donations all over again.

“We’re trying to put together a plan to be able to feed them if necessary and supply them with supplies," said Alton Head

Georgia Power is still working hard to get the power back on for so many in areas like Augusta and Valdosta, but they say they are preparing crews to respond to Hurricane Milton if needed.

“We also do not send crews out of state until we are sure our customers will not be affected. Once Milton passes and our customers are restored, we would evaluate any requests for assistance,” said a Georgia Power Spokesperson in a statement.

In south Georgia, the Red Cross is still assisting victims of Hurricane Helene.

“Our primary focus is still shelter – keeping people safe and comfortable with food and access to water. There are so many people that lost their homes and are still figuring out and reeling from the damage caused by Helene,” said Allison Flexner, development communications manager for the American Red Cross.

Helene forced the American Red Cross to cancel 100 blood drives across the state. Milton will likely do the same.

The nonprofit provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, so they’re asking for people who are able to give blood to donate.