ADDITIONAL Early Release of SNAP Benefits Expected to be Announced Soon

Important Hurricane

Update-11:00PM

Additional SNAP Early Release Expected

After Governor Kemp expanded his State of Emergency to include 21 counties, the GFIA expects an expanded early release of some SNAP benefits. Nothing official has been announced yet and the GFIA will update our members as soon as final details are announced.

See list of counties below.

Storm update- 11:00PM

As of 11:00PM, the National Hurricane Center reports life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are expected along portions of the coast of georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and portions of Virginia, regardless of the exact track of Dorian;s center. Water levels could rise well in advance of these winds. Residents in these areas should pay close atention to the advice given by local emergency personnel officials.

Flash flooding will be increasingly likely across coastal Georgia and into eastern Carolina overnight. On Thursday, there is a high risk of flash flooding over coastal sections of the Carolinas,where significant, life threatening, flash flooding is expected.

STAY SAFE!

Curfews

These are the curfews that have been reported for those East of I-95

Bryan County: 9 PM-6AM on 9/3 and 9/4

Camden County: 10 PM-6 AM until further notice

Chatham County: 9 PM-6AM until further notice

Glynn County: 10 PM-6AM until further notice

Please contact Kathy Kuzava if you know of additional local curfews to add to the list.

The GFIA has been working with State Patrol and local Emergency Management Agencies to ensure that GFIA members will be allowed to make deliveries and have their employees get through to ensure our stores can take care of our customers. Please contact Kathy Kuzava if you are stopped while trying to get through an area. (Make sure your employees have some ID that shows they work for your company.)

Please know, you will NOT be allowed into an evacuated area unless it is safe. (See re-entry information)

Road Closures

Jekyll Causeway closed last night at 8:00pm

Please let GFIA know if you find additional roads closed.

Re-Entry Issues

The mandatory evacuations are still in effect for individuals east of I-95 in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh Counties. Contraflow of I-16 has ended and residents of evacuated areas will not be permitted to return until roadways and bridges have been determined to be safe. Stay tuned to your local news and follow all guidance from your local emergency management officials.

Re-Entry Permit Information

We recognize the need for essential response personnel, including essential private sector companies that provide crucial supplies like groceries, pharmaceuticals, and fuel, to gain access into a disaster area to begin the process of getting the community running again.

Under the new process, businesses wishing to seek re-entry access will be required to apply through the state. Only one form is needed per company.

You can apply by filling out this form and emailing it to ExternalAffairs@gema.ga.gov .

To read the State's Re-Entry Standard Operating Guide, click here . For more information about how the process works, click here .

To remind you, an Executive Order was issued temporarily suspending federal rules and regulations which would otherwise limit the hours that operators of commercial vehicles may drive.to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products, emergency supplies, and food. This Executive Order also temporarily waives specific weight, height, and length restrictions for vehicles traveling through Georgia for purposes of disaster preparation or relief, subject to Department of Public Safety oversight and permitting.

If you have any questions, you can contact Kathy Kuzava at 404-819-7744.