As Hurricane Idalia barrels towards West Florida, Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency, but resources for evacuees are limited here locally.
Idalia is expected to make landfall as a category 3 hurricane in the Big Bend region of the Gulf Coast. Data provided by the National Hurricane Center shows that Idalia may be the largest storm to hit the Apalachee Bay area in 172 years, with storm surges that may reach 10 to 15 feet.
The good news is that the area of landfall, according to the models, is sparsely populated.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has also declared a state of emergency for the Palmetto State.
According to Lisa Rodriguez-Presley, emergency affairs supervisor for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, there is likely not going to be a need for taking in a mass of displaced people.
“As of right now, we are evaluating the situation and are communicating with the Florida Transportation Department, but they have not indicated a need for evacuees to be housed in Augusta,” Rodriguez-Presley said.
In the past, evacuees from hurricanes have been housed in local school gyms that are equipped with showers, but Keisa Gunby, public relations professional with the Richmond County School System says that the Board of Education does not have a memorandum of understanding with any Florida counties to accept evacuees.
However, that does not mean that the CSRA would not be able to respond, should the need suddenly arise.
According to a message at the East Central Georgia office of the American Red Cross, the executive director, Susan Everett, has been deployed to Florida and is expected to remain several weeks to render long-term aid.
Columbia County’s EMA does have some resources that are maintained year-round in case of sudden need, according to EMA Director Shawn Granato. The county maintains two trailers packed with supplies.
“We have not been asked to provide any help so far, but we can immediately set up shelters at Patriots Park and the Exhibition Center with cots, and we have toiletries, toothbrushes and blankets,” Granato said.
The Augusta chapter of The Salvation Army does have emergency supplies at the ready, according to Director of Development Derek Dugan.
“In an extreme emergency we can add 30 to 40 beds. So far there has been no request for assistance, but should that happen, we are ready,” Dugan said.
The Augusta area should expect very heavy rain and flooding as well as high winds and Gov. Kemp says that everyone in the path of Idalia should take precautions.
“Georgians in the expected impact area can and should take necessary steps to ensure their safety and that of their families. We are well positioned to respond to whatever Idalia may bring,” Kemp said.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter and Editorial Page Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
