Northeast Georgia gets ready for Gustav impact

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville began gearing up Monday to help with the expected impact of Hurricane Gustav and the arrival of evacuees from the Gulf Coast region struck by the storm.

At the Northeast Georgia Red Cross chapter office, volunteer workers came in on their Labor Day holiday to man the phones.

Red Cross spokeswoman Cheryl Vandiver said her agency started getting ready last Thursday.

"We don't know how many people to expect in this area but we are prepared for whoever comes this way," Vandiver said. "It is very ironic that the same towns are suffering through the same kind of disaster that occurred three years ago."

Vandiver said the Red Cross has set up information numbers for people who call who are looking for assistance.

"If anyone is looking for a shelter close to where they are they can call 1-866-GET INFO," Vandiver said. "If you want to inquire about someone in the area to see if they are safe and well, or let people know you are safe and well, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or get on the Red Cross web site at www.negaredcross.org."

Vandiver said the Red Cross will be needing donations, and anyone who wants to assist may call 1-800-282-1722 or come by the office at 311 Jesse Jewell Parkway and deliver donations in person.

Vandiver said Red Cross evacuee shelters are already opening across Georgia and locally any church or organization that wants to help may call the Gainesville office.

"The churches were great about opening shelters before so we are in the midst of getting that information," Vandiver said.

Red Cross Emergency Services Director Larry Tyson said his Emergency Response vehicle was headed out to lend assistance.

"It will be going to the I-20 rest stop on the Alabama border; we are much better prepared," Tyson said.

An evacuee shelter opened in Gainesville three years ago to care for people who escaped from Hurricane Katrina.

Some 2 million people have reportedly evacuated Southeast Louisiana and have begun filling two Georgia emergency shelters in Villa Rica and LaGrange.