Hurricane Helene Information and Resources

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.

Supreme Court Orders

09.30.24 - Supreme Court Order Declaring Judicial Emergency and extending 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

How to Help

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.

A free Disaster Relief Training session will be held Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register here.

For the Public

If you’re in one of these 45 Georgia counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia,  Cook, Echols, Elbert, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Lowndes, McDuffie, Montgomery, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Washington or Wheeler, the following resources may be also 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 for free legal advice 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.

FEMA Resources

• FEMA is taking applications for the Individual Assistance Program, available to residents of the 45 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. 
• Be aware, there are deadlines to apply for FEMA and other disaster benefits. Contact FEMA (800-621-3362) for more information. 
• Use this link to find the closest Disaster Recovery Center near you.
  

From the Governor

Governor Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia. Click here to view the executive order.

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.

SOLACE may also 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.

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.