DHS Team,

With Hurricane Matthew approaching, the Southeastern area of our state is bracing for very serious weather conditions, including winds upward of 58 miles per hour on the coast.

Gov. Nathan Deal has issued a mandatory evacuation for six coastal counties east of I-95 and voluntary evacuations for coastal residents west of the interstate. We have already closed some offices in these areas in anticipation of severe weather.

If you are in Southeast Georgia, please stay tuned to weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA) website also has updates on evacuation orders, tips for securing property in preparation for a hurricane and updated maps showing shelter locations.

For your convenience, a map depicting mandatory evacuations and a map with information on the impact of the storm and shelter locations are available. The DHS website will be updated with local office closures as they are announced.

Your safety and the safety of your families is our priority. Please follow all evacuation orders and do not attempt to drive in inclement weather.

Our thoughts are with you as you prepare for the storm.

Sincerely,

Robyn A. Crittenden