Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency on Monday, following the severe weather that hit Georgia on Sunday night.
Kemp asserted, “We are praying for those who lost loved ones overnight and the families dealing with severe storm damage.”
Storms claimed the lives of eight people in Northwest Georgia – seven up in Chatsworth and one in Cartersville.
Kemp also indicated that multiple state agencies – the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Department of Public Safety, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation, and Georgia Forestry Commission – have coordinated their efforts along with the private sector to restore power, clear debris, and provide assistance to people affected by the storms. FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor has also extended an offer for federal assistance.
The American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia is assisting families impacted by the storms with emergency housing and financial assistance. If you would like to contribute to the effort, mail your check payable to Red Cross NWGA, 112 John Maddox Drive, Rome, GA 30165. In the memo of that check, write “for families affected by tornados”. Donations may also be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS and online at www.redcross.org/donate.
Kemp made the storm declaration during a press conference outside the State Capitol in Atlanta, at which he also gave an update on the statewide response to COVID-19. The briefing was streamed live and may still be viewed on the Governor’s Facebook page.