Power Outages Continue In The Augusta Area – Current Resources Available
Hurricane Helene hit Augusta and surrounding areas hard on Friday, September 27, and hazards remain throughout the area as crews work to clean up downed trees and power lines and clear debris. Power outages continue to be a widespread problem throughout the area, but power crews are working around the clock with additional crews coming in from out of state to assist.
Power Outages
While power outages continue throughout the area, many have had power restored. On Thursday, Georgia Power announced the original plan to have 95% of Augusta’s power restored by Saturday, October 5, has been pushed back. The projected date is now Monday, October 14.
As a result of continued power outages, Richmond County School will not observe the scheduled PowerUp Asynchronous Learning Day on October 11. On Thursday, Richmond County School Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw announced a return date of Wednesday, October 16. This will hopefully be enough time for all schools to regain power, water, internet, and personnel. Also, some bus routes still need clearing.
The Richmond County School System Nutrition Services is also working with local agencies to locate food distribution sites to help the community while schools and offices are closed. More information will be available before Monday, October 7.
Traffic Signals That Aren’t Working
While much of the area has seen improvement, there are still hazards to be aware of. Some roads may still have debris or downed trees blocking portions of the roadway. And in some areas, traffic signals may not be operational. Remember, if you encounter a traffic signal that isn’t working, you should treat it as a 4-way stop. There have been accidents and some near misses due to people not following this protocol. Please be safe and stay alert.
Other Issues From Hurricane Helene + Resources
Get Hurricane relief/recovery information from the American Red Cross here.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency has resources available and information here.
Richmond County Schools have delayed reopening until Wednesday, October 16. More details here.
Trash collection resumes regular collection on Monday, October 7, if your street is passable.
If you’re clearing tree debris, place it curbside for collection.
The City of Augusta offices reopen on Tuesday, October 8, and the Judicial Center reopens on Wednesday, October 9.
Resources for Wednesday, October 9
Starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, bottled water and tarps will be available at Southgate Plaza, located at 1631 Gordon Highway.
The HUB, located at 631 Chafee Avenue in Augusta has a resource pantry. They are also accepting donations.
- Golden Harvest Food Bank: Food distribution locations for Wednesday, October 9 at Our Lady of the Valley in Gloverville at 10 am; Sanctuary of Augusta on Cox Road in Evans at 11 am; Christ Central in New Ellenton at 11 am; Unity Outreach Church-Langley Fire Department in Langley at 11 am; First Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on MLK Jr. Blvd in Augusta at 12 pm; Bon Air Apartments on Walton Way at 12 pm; Family Connections of Warren County in Warrenton at 2 pm; Thomson Family YMCA on Hill Street in Thomson at 2:30 pm.
- Oasis Church at Hephzibah: Community Recovery Distribution starting at 4 pm Wednesday, October 9. Water, diapers and wipes, baby formula, cleaning supplies, toiletries and non-perishable food and fresh fruit will be available.
- Patriots Park on Columbia Road: water and other supplies available from 10 to 5
- Concerned Woman, Inc: They will reopen Thursday, October 10, at 104 Johns Street. They will have food and water from 10 to 12
- Augusta Rescue Mission offers free laundry services at Fresh Start Laundry. For the time being, hours are Monday through Friday 9-11 am, and 1 to 3 pm
- First Baptist Church in North Augusta will be serving hot meals Wednesday, October 9; and Friday, October 11 at 5:30 pm. Meals will be served from the kitchen located on Spring Grove Avenue, between West and Georgia Avenues.
- Fort Eisenhower Emergency Assistance Center is now open for those living and working on the installation who need assistance following Hurricane Helene. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
- Trinity on the Hill Church on Monte Sano Avenue will distribute supplies everyday this week, October 7-12) from 11 am to 2 pm. They will have food bags, diapers, formula, wipes and essentials. They also need donations of spaghetti/sauce, peanut butter and jelly, canned meats, canned vegetables, formula, wipes, baby food/cereal, diapers and pullups, snacks (chips, crackers and granola), cereal, cleaning supplies, bread and fruit.
- World Central Kitchen is providing hot meals to the Master’s Table Soup Kitchen at 702 Fenwick Street this week, October 7-13, from 11 am to 12 pm.
- North Augusta Department of Public Safety will have food and water available from 9 to 5 Wednesday.
- City of Augusta Animal Services: Call 311 if you are elderly, disabled or homebound and in need of pet food.
- Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta: Dominion Energy is providing access to mobile showers every day from 10 am to 3 pm
- Greater Augusta’s Interfaith Coalition on Walton Way: Free food giveaway and other supplies each day, except Sundays, from 12 to 4.
- Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going door-to-door in the areas affected by Helene helping residents apply for assistance and assessing emerging needs.
- Dog and cat food donation drop-off sites in Augusta: Allstate -the O’Neal Agency on Peach Orchard Road; Art of Broad; First Baptist Church on Walton Way; First Citizen Bank on Walton Way; HUB for Community Innovation; Mayor’s South Augusta headquarters on Windsor Spring Road; Sacred Heart Cultural Center; Security Federal; and Turner Keyboards. While supplies last, pet food can be picked up at First Baptist Church, HUB for Community Innovation, and the Mayor’s South Augusta headquarters. Homebound, elderly, and the disabled can call 311 for supplies to be delivered.
- October 10 (Thursday): A drive-thru pizza lunch at 4336 Whiskey Road in Aiken from 11:30 to 12:30.
If you’re without power/water, the Augusta Rescue Mission has free laundry services and has extended its hours.
FREE warm meals are offered every single day, even on weekends, at the following locations in Augusta:
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Augusta located at 1833 Broad St at 4:00 p.m.
- Hub for Community Innovation Augusta located at 631 Chafee Ave at 4:00 p.m.
- Center of Hope shelter located at 1384 Greene St at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, October 7th – Friday, October 11th: Richmond County School System (RCSS) schools will distribute hot meals from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:
- Glenn Hills Middle School – 2941 Glenn Hills Drive, Augusta
- Hephzibah Elementary School – 2542 Highway 88, Hephzibah
- McBean Elementary School – 1165 Hephzibah – McBean Rd, Hephzibah
- W.S. Hornsby Elementary School – 310 Kentucky Avenue, Augusta
If you are having any issues with water, be sure to report it!
The Augusta Fire Department is asking residents not to burn debris from the storm, which could cause problems as recovery continues in the area.
Available shelters in Augusta:
May Park Community Center – Address: 622 4th St, Augusta, GA 309012.
Henry Brigham Community Center – Address: 2463 Golden Camp Rd, Augusta, GA 30906
Available Resources at Both Shelters:
- Safe sleeping areas
- Hot meals
- Water and hygiene supplies
- Red Cross assistance
- Medical support for minor needs
- Charging stations
Both shelters are open 24/7 for anyone in need.
More Tips:
Assist With Recovery/Relief In Augusta
Augusta-Richmond County’s contractor is seeking qualified subcontractors to assist with debris removal projects.
The City of Augusta is also seeking volunteers and donations to help support relief efforts in the area.
