Mandatory evacuation map of coastal Georgia.

Mandatory evacuation map of coastal Georgia. / NOAA

UPDATE 10/9/16 9:30 a.m.

This is a message from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

The governor urges coastal evacuees to stay where they are for their own safety.

People looking for family members who were evacuated from medical facilities can call 470-279-9556. To find information on family evacuated from their homes, contact your local Emergency Management Agency. That information is available at gemhsa.ga.gov.

I-16 eastbound remains closed from US 301 (that’s exit 116) all the way to Savannah.  

Evacuees are strongly encouraged to wait until state and local officials have fully cleared roadways and deemed it safe to return. Currently, power lines and trees are down in many areas. And widespread power outages remain along the coast. Cellular service is also limited. Some public water systems continue to have issues.

Until you verify the quality of your water with your local provider, it is highly recommended you boil all water before consumption.

If you get your drinking water from a private well and have experienced flooding, take precautions to boil it before drinking. 

 

If you’ve experienced flooding in your home or business, clean and disinfect everything that got wet.  Floodwaters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories.  When in doubt – throw it out. 

 

For updates on shelters, call 1-800-Red-Cross.  That’s 1-800-733-2767. If you’d like to volunteer with post-hurricane efforts you can visit GEMSHA website at gemhsa.ga.gov or email volunteer@gemhsa.ga.gov.