GEMA/HS, along with their partners and local emergency management agencies , continue relief and recovery operation in Georgia for the survivors of Hurricane Michael.
Assistance
- Debris Cleanup: Citizens affected by Hurricane Michael in need of cleanup on private property can call Crisis Cleanup at 1-800-451-1954 to request volunteer debris removal. Remember to photograph damages before you start the cleanup process. Contact your insurance company for assistance. File an insurance claim.
- Individual Assistance: Residents in Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Crisp, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Laurens, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Seminole, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner and Worth counties can apply for individual assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. To learn more about the disaster aid process, click here.
- SBA Loans: Disaster assistance is available for businesses, homeowners and renters from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Click here to find out more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Residents in the 13 federally declared counties eligible for individual assistance, and who are unemployed or partially unemployed as a result of the storm, may be eligible for DUA. For more information and to see a list of documents needed to obtain DUA, please visit the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- Disaster Legal Assistance: If you have a legal problem related to the storm, call 1-866-584-8027.
- Food Assistance
- Georgians that reside in the counties hardest hit by Hurricane Michael may have the opportunity to receive food assistance through a program called Disaster SNAP. For more information on the criteria, click here.
- Georgia residents who receive food stamps can receive replacement benefit information on the Division of Family and Children Services' website.
- Agriculture: Here's a tool for farmers to determine what assistance is available. A full list of agriculture resources is also available.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers are open in several counties throughout Southwest Georgia to answer questions and help residents through the assistance process. For more details on each center's hours of operation, please visit the Hurricane Michael information on FEMA's website and select Disaster Recovery Centers.
Safety Information
Scams, Fraud, and Price Gouging
Price gouging is prohibited under a state of emergency. Click here for more info or to report suspected price gouging.
Beware of any visitors, mail, telephone calls, text messages or e-mails claiming to be from FEMA or a State of Georgia agency asking for sensitive information or immediate payment. Learn what to look out for here.
The best way to avoid contractor fraud is to arm yourself with a checklist when hiring and working with one.
- Use only state-licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
- Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
- Get a minimum of three estimates in writing, and insist on a clear, written contract.
- Don't pay cash; use a credit card or check instead.
- Don't pay more than half the costs of repairs upfront.
- Pay only as work is completed.
How to Help
In the aftermath of the storm, neighbors helping neighbors is a crucial step in the recovery process.
- Companies, organizations and volunteer groups looking to help communities impacted by Hurricane Michael can now do so through a donation warehouse . More details here: https://bit.ly/2yNTZ0Q .
- Cash donations to trusted organizations like those working through Georgia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is the most effective way to provide assistance to those in need. Find a list of responding organizations at https://gavoad.communityos.org
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