Hurricane Dorian is now a strong Category 5 storm more than 250 miles wide. It’s moving west at just 1 mile per hour. While the coast is bracing for the brunt of this storm, here in Macon-Bibb County, we will probably see some wind and rain on Wednesday (Sept. 4). Follow the EMA on Facebook for continued updates.
Governor Brian Kemp has ordered an evacuation order for all Georgia counties east of I-95, which means we here in Macon-Bibb will be receiving evacuees from the coast. We are working with The Red Cross and our partner agencies to open a shelter for any evacuees we may receive. Once that shelter is up and running, we’ll announce its location. In addition, Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare will serve as our pet shelter for the duration of the storm.
We’re encouraging everyone to download the Red Cross Emergency app (the one with an exclamation point as its logo) to keep up with the latest information on Dorian, as well as shelter operations. In the app, you can mark multiple locations to receive alerts for your area and your loved ones’ areas. Click here for more information on that app.
How You Can Help
Many people have expressed interest in donating to help evacuees. We’re asking for donations of gift cards only. There are strict public health rules regarding food donations, and we’ve determined the best way to help those in need is through gift cards. With the cards, the team can acquire food, bedding, pet food, and other vital items.
Macon-Bibb Fire Stations will be a collection point for these gift cards. Those locations are:
- Fire Station #1, 195 Coliseum Drive, 31201
- Fire Station #3, 4036 Napier Avenue, 31204
- Fire Station #10, 800 Oglethorpe Street, 31201
- Fire Station #11, 3020 Riverside Drive, 31204
- Fire Station #107, 3410 Jones Road, 31206
- Fire Station #108, 7100 North Peak Road, 31220
- Fire Station #110, 2930 Heath Road, 31206
Macon-Bibb Animal Welfare (4214 Fulton Mill Road) is asking for volunteers to help with Pet Shelter operations. Anyone who’s interested in doing so, you can stop by the shelter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for the duration of shelter operations. Or you can call (478) 954-0833. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license.
Although the impacts of the storm may be minimal here in Middle Georgia, now is a good time to sign up for free emergency alerts from The Macon-Bibb EMA. MBC Alerts will notify you by text, phone call, or email when severe weather hits us. Click here to sign up.