ATLANTA (October 16, 2018) | Senator Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge), along with Governor Nathan Deal, Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and other leaders, participated in the state’s briefing with President Donald J. Trump on Hurricane Michael.
“I want to commend Governor Deal and all of our state and federal agencies who have worked tirelessly to bring assistance to all of our citizens affected by this historic storm,” said Sen. Burke. “The rebuilding process will take months, but I know that our community and fellow Georgians will come together to assist those whose lives have been impacted. I am encouraged by the administration’s quick response to send federal aid and all of those who have traveled to the region. I know the future for many in our community is uncertain but I can say with certainty that we are here to help with any and all efforts to rebuild.”
On Wednesday, October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall in Mexico Beach, Florida, as a Category 4 storm and quickly moved into parts of southern Georgia. The storm left devastation in its path, leaving many citizens without power, destroying infrastructure and damaging crop production throughout South Georgia.
On Monday, October 15, Governor Nathan Deal announced that Georgia’s request for federal aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael was approved. In this aid package, 31 counties were approved for public assistance while six counties were approved for individual assistance. Included in the six are Decatur, Early, Miller and Seminole Counties from Senate District 11. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency will be in charge of providing these counties with individual assistance.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance online here or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
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For Immediate Release:
October 16, 2018
Ines Owens, Director
ines.owens@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028