Hurricane Response: Helene

For Hurricane Response: Milton information, please see our Hurricane Response: Milton page

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is working with state, federal, and industry partners to promote the safety of citizens, evacuees, livestock, and companion animals.

Report Hurricane Helene damage on our online reporting form (preferred method).  You may also email Helene@agr.georgia.gov.

GDA's Emergency Response Hotline: 1-855-491-1432

GA Enforcement Discretion for Animal Evacuees from the Anticipated storm Milton

GA - Evacuation of Animals from Areas Impacted by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene

NC - Veterinary Division Tropical Storm Helene ICVI 2024-09-23 Waiver

MS - Waiver Entry Natural Disasters - Helene 2024

FL - Helene Interstate Movement Waiver GA

SC - 2024 LPH Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine Georgia Waiver

TN - Hurricane Helene Emergency Travel CVI Waiver

Emergency Tips

1. Follow emergency instructions given by your local and state Emergency Management Associations.
2. Have a generator of sufficient size and extra fuel to provide for your needs.
3. Store fuel and equipment out of reach so it will not get flooded.
4. Have extra batteries for flashlights/radios and charge cell phones. 
5. Ensure equipment inside and outside the house is stored away or secured and reinforce openings - Flying debris from hurricane winds can cause significant damage.
6. Ensure your pets and livestock are safe - Make plans for feed, water, housing, transportation, destination, and expenses.
7. Check on animals and property for damage after the storm - Ventilation, water supply, feed supply, and structural repairs should be assessed in that order.
8. Store all pesticides in locations that are elevated (on shelves or masonry blocks) above ground level so they will not be impacted by floods and place all pesticides in watertight storage containers.
9. Food should be stored on shelves, relatively high off the floor, to reduce chances of contamination by floodwater.
10. Strategize food stores before the emergency by grouping foods together in the freezer, keeping coolers on hand for power outages that last longer than 4 hours, and freezing food items not going to be used right away (this is a good way to prevent food waste, too).

Emergency Animal Care Tips

1. If animals are missing, report to local animal services and share any identification information (pictures, tattoos, brands) to assist with reunification efforts.
2. Examine for damages and potential hazards before letting sheltered animals back into pastures and ensure that perimeter fencing is secure and/or supplemented with temporary fencing measures until permanent fences are repaired.
3. Check animals for injuries and treat them as soon as they are safely contained, watch animals for any signs of disease and report to your veterinarian.
4. Slowly move animals into regular diets if these have been altered and check livestock feed for water contamination. Do not feed any contaminated feed to the animals.
5. Be aware that animals may be temporarily disoriented, nervous, and restless following the event. Use familiar personnel and protocols to help them re-acclimate.
6. Dispose of any livestock carcasses. If needed, consult the GDA Livestock and Poultry Section, 404-656-3665, for guidance on carcass disposal to ensure Dead Animal Act requirements are met.

(Use the arrows at the bottom to switch between Pet, Equine, and Livestock shelters.)
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