Georgia Receives Federal Emergency Declaration

On Monday, August 5, 2024, Governor Brian P. Kemp requested a federal pre-landfall Emergency Declaration for the State of Georgia in anticipation of Hurricane Debby. Governor Kemp’s request asked for immediate assistance to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, and lessen the threat of a catastrophe. Late Monday night, the White House issued an Emergency Declaration for the State of Georgia. The Emergency Declaration provides direct federal assistance to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Debby.

Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding for Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Worth Counties.

“This gives us the assurance that all our efforts in responding to this event will be federally supported,” said Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director, Chris Stallings, following the news Georgia received an Emergency Declaration. “We are thankful for the quick response and approval for assistance.”

GEMA/HS will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, and state agency leaders to ensure the State is prepared to respond to any potential impacts from Hurricane Debby.

As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state, and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’ Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.