Hurricane Helene Information and Resources
09.24.24 - Governor Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia. Click here to view the executive order.
The State Bar of Georgia will be posting information and links to resources on this page as they become available to provide assistance and guidance to Bar members and the public as we work to recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene.
Volunteer Opportunities for Georgia Lawyers
If you’d like to use your legal skills to help Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene, use this link to volunteer to help. You can provide advice and next steps and answer questions related to insurance process and claims, fallen tree issues, repair contracts, identity document replacements and other disaster-related issues. Volunteer support training and materials will be available to all volunteers.
For the Public
If you’re in one of these Georgia counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Washington, Wayne and Wheeler Counties, the following resources may be helpful:
Free Legal Assistance Available for Georgia Disaster Victims
- If you have a legal problem related to Hurricane Helene, call us at 866-584-8027 and we will connect you with a volunteer who will provide you with free legal advice.
- If you are a tenant and have a legal problem with your rental due to Hurricane Helene, call Georgia Legal Services Program at 800-498-9469.
Asistencia Legal Gratuita Disponible para las Víctimas del Desastre en Georgia
- Si tiene un problema legal relacionado con el huracán Helene, llámenos al 866-584-8027 y lo conectaremos con un voluntario que le brindará asesoramiento legal gratuito.
- Si usted es un inquilino y tiene un problema legal con su alquiler debido al huracán Helene, llame al Programa de Servicios Legales de Georgia al 800-498-9469.
FEMA Resources
- FEMA is taking applications for the Individual Assistance Program (individuals/households), available to residents of the affected counties listed above, which includes money for emergency housing at hotels, immediate recovery needs and more. Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information or to get started on an application.
- Use this link to find the closest Disaster Recovery Center near you.
Be aware, there are deadlines to apply for FEMA and other disaster benefits. Contact FEMA (800-621-3362) for more information.
Other Resources
- Visit gema.georgia.gov for resources available for those affected, including food distribution locations, shelters, local emergency management agency contact information and opportunities to volunteer.
- Contact the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner if you have questions about insurance policies, claims or any insurance-related topic.
- To report price gouging or fraud, contact the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123. Consumers can also submit a complaint online here.
For the Profession
Supreme Court Orders
09.30.24 - The Supreme Court Order declared a Judicial Emergency and extended certain deadlines in ongoing court proceedings due to the effects of tropical cyclone Helene. Read the full order here.
Information About Court Closures
Administrative Office of the Courts
State Bar Programs and Resources
The State Bar’s SOLACE* Program exists to allow our members to reach out in meaningful and compassionate ways to others in the legal community in times of need caused by events and situations like this. Reach out to SOLACE at solace@gabar.org.
Opportunity to Assist South Georgia Attorneys
The SOLACE Committee received a specific request to collect items to share with the attorneys and the legal community in the South Georgia area. Donations will be accepted Oct. 10-18, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and can be dropped off at 225 Tift Ave. N., Suite C-1, Tifton, GA 31794 or at the State Bar’s South Georgia Office at 244 E. 2nd St., Tifton, GA 31794. (Drop-off locations will not be open on Saturday and Sunday.) You can also ship items to the South Georgia Office, only. Essential items needed include:
- Bottled water
- Portable power hubs
- Camping lanterns
- AA, AAA and D batteries
- Dust masks
- Non-perishable snack items (For a suggested list, visit ready.gov/food.)
- Manual can openers
- Pet food
To coordinate pick-up please contact Jennifer Herzog at jherzog@hallboothsmith.com or 229-382-0515 or Judge Render Heard at 229-386-7909. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Kindall Harville at solace@gabar.org.
As a reminder, SOLACE may be available to respond to requests for in-kind donations, including replacing office supplies and equipment, if they can secure:
- A location for donations to be dropped off and picked up.
- A local area point of contact to coordinate donations.
- Persons available to transport donations to South Georgia.
Email solace@gabar.org for more information.
*SOLACE is a network of individuals within the legal community who are willing to consider providing nonmonetary assistance to help lawyers and other members of the legal community who need support because of a sudden catastrophic event such as illness, injury, fire or natural disaster. It is administered through the State Bar of Georgia.
Use Your Six
If you are feeling overwhelmed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, call 800-327-9631 for confidential assistance.