Downed trees or wires? How to report damage, hazards in Macon after Hurricane Helene

There are a few ways to request help with damage in Macon following Hurricane Helene, and it’s not always 911.

Macon-Bibb County urged people to only contact 911 in case of emergencies, as officials anticipated a greater call volume during the storm. There are other options for non-emergencies.

If physical damage is found, such as fallen trees or electrical poles, people should inform the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency by calling 833-535-4362, or submit a damage form via the MBC Alert mobile app. One can access the form by clicking “Hurricane Helene” in a red bubble on the app’s home page, then click “Report Damage.”

Some repairs can be completed by county code enforcement by calling 478-803-0470.

Residents should then inform their insurance company of the incident to file a claim. Photos or evidence of the damage are usually helpful.

Those who are uninsured or under-insured can contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency for further assistance under the Individuals and Households Program. Federal assistance can include funds for temporary housing or repairs.