Author: Tee Johnson

Hurricane Milton is bearing down on Florida’s west coast as tens of thousands of people flee north into Georgia. If you’re one of those evacuees, it’s no doubt you need resources.

This article will show you some free resources you can take advantage of in Georgia in light of the storm.

For Floridians evacuating Hurricane Milton, there are several free resources available in Georgia:

Shelters

Multiple Georgia state parks are offering shelter options for families fleeing the storm. These parks are specifically prepared to accommodate evacuees.

Here are some shelters available in South Georgia for Hurricane Milton evacuees:

1. Georgia State Parks: Various state parks in Georgia are open to evacuees. It’s recommended to check the availability and specific locations through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

2. Atlanta Motor Speedway: This facility has opened its grounds for evacuees, providing space for camping and sheltering.

3. Local Emergency Shelters: Various emergency shelters operated by the city and county authorities are prepared to assist evacuees. It’s recommended to check with the Atlanta City Government’s official website or contact local emergency management for specific locations.

U-Haul Free Storage

U-Haul has extended an offer for free self-storage, which can be particularly helpful for those needing to store belongings temporarily while evacuating.

Local Assistance

Check local county and city websites in Georgia for additional resources such as food assistance, safe places to stay, or any community programs designed to help evacuees.

FEMA Resources

Visit FEMA.gov for information on disaster assistance and resources available to those affected by the hurricane. For up-to-date information and resources, it’s essential to stay connected to local news outlets and official government announcements.
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One of the heroes of the Falcons overtime win against the Tampa Bay Bucs was backup receiver KhaDarel Hodge. You probably don’t know much about him.

After a thrilling 36-30 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, fans know exactly who he was. His 45-yard catch-and-run touchdown in overtime was the difference.

KhaDarel honed his football skills in small town Texas. After high school, he attended Hinds Community College, where he transitioned to wide receiver, for one season before joining the squad at a small HBCU in Texas, Prairie View A&M University.

He then went undrafted in 2018. He caught on with the practice squads for the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions before signing with the Falcons in 2022.

KhaDarel Hodge finally got his star turn Thursday night against the Bucs. Here’s what he had to say after the game.

Here are some key details about him: 

• Born: January 3, 1995, in D’Lo, Mississippi
• Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
• Weight: 208 lbs
• College: Prairie View A&M University
• NFL Career: He went undrafted in 2018 and was initially signed by the Los Angeles Rams.

Hodge has proved to be a pretty interesting guy away from the field. He’s active on Instagram, where he shares his humorous side.

Throughout his career, he has also played for the Cleveland Browns before joining the Falcons in 2022. As of now, Hodge has appeared in multiple games and has made significant contributions to his teams over the years.

Final Word

The Falcons schedule is shaping up favorably. Can they make the playoffs? Stay tuned.

Jamie Foxx is doing a couple of one-man shows this week in Atlanta. The actor and singer is no stranger to Atlanta, having filmed various movies in the metro area through the years. This time, he comes back as headliner.

The performances, which were originally titled “One More Chance: An Evening with Jamie Foxx,” are now being called “What Had Happened Was.” The show dates are Thursday October 3, 4, and 5 at t the Coca-Cola Stage at Atlanta’s Alliance Theater.

“Join us for an unforgettable one-man show as I share my journey through a serious health scare, filled with humor, heart, and inspiration,” Foxx shared on Instagram. “Experience a side of me you’ve never seen before in this intimate performance, where I’ll open up about my struggles, triumphs, and everything in between.”

He also wrote: “I have some people to thank in a big way. If you’re in Atlanta around that time and you’ve been rocking with me this whole time let me thank you personally.”

Final Word

Live performances have sort of become a nighttime occurrence here in Atlanta, with several venues hosting acts every weekend.

Georgia’s biggest city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers. Check out who’s performing in Atlanta. The city has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. 
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The Atlanta Braves have been eliminated from the Major League Baseball postseason after Wednesday’s loss to the San Diego Padres.

Braves Manager Brian Snitka said despite the sour ending, he was proud of his squad.

“Nobody’s ever ‘woe is me’ or griping about anything, this or that, they just keep playing,” he said in postgame comments. “They kept working. Their energy never waned. Their attitude never waned. I’m about as proud of the team as I’ve ever been.”

The Braves began the season with pennant aspirations, but key injuries proved to be too much to overcome.

In 2024, the Braves have faced several key injuries that have impacted their season:

Braves’ 2024 Season Marred by Key Injuries

• Ronald Acuña Jr.: Placed on the 60-day injured list due to a torn left ACL, he is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
• Spencer Strider: The ace right-hander required season-ending elbow surgery after participating in only two games this season.
• Austin Riley: The slugging third baseman suffered a fractured right hand in mid-August and was ruled out for the playoffs.
• A.J. Minter: The key reliever is dealing with left hip inflammation.
• Huascar Ynoa: He is experiencing right shoulder discomfort, which has affected his availability. These injuries have contributed to a challenging season for the Braves, especially as they approached the playoffs.

Final Word

The 2024 season for the Atlanta Braves was marked by significant challenges but also notable achievements:

The team began the season with strong performances, maintaining a competitive position in the National League East.

Offensive Production Was an Issue

Despite the setbacks, players like Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley continued to produce, helping the Braves remain competitive in many games. With the injuries to key pitchers, the Braves struggled to maintain consistency on the mound. Their bullpen faced heightened pressure as younger pitchers stepped up to fill roles.

Final Word

The Braves managed to secure a playoff spot, demonstrating resilience throughout the season. They finished with a solid record, which allowed them to compete in the postseason, but they couldn’t win a game once October began.

Overall, while the season was hampered by injuries, the Braves still showed promise and competitiveness, setting the stage for a hopeful bounce-back in the following season.

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The Mall West End, a longstanding retail property slated for transformation into a mixed-use district, has officially been sold for redevelopment.

In a Tuesday announcement, Atlanta officials confirmed the acquisition. Atlanta Urban Development Corp., in partnership with BRP Cos. and The Prusik Group, plans to replace the mall with affordable housing, retail shops, restaurants, and office spaces.

“”This is a long-awaited new era for the West End. This is not just a redevelopment of the Mall West End—this is fulfilling a commitment to a community,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a press release. “Our Administration is dedicated to creating affordable housing and vibrant business spaces that respect and preserve the rich legacy of this historic neighborhood. Together with our partners, we will work to ensure the heart and soul of the West End continues to thrive under our stewardship.”

What Is the Redevelopment Plan for West End Mall?

The redevelopment of the Mall West End will be a multi-year process, with the project team actively engaging residents, legacy business owners, and other stakeholders to gather input and feedback. Construction on the Mall West End redevelopment is expected to begin in 2025, with phase one completion slated for 2026.

 The West End redevelopment plan includes:

• Approximately 125,000 square feet of retail, including a grocery store, fitness center, food & beverage, and local boutiques
• Approximately 900 mixed-income rental units, with 70% workforce housing, 20% affordable at 50% AMI, and 10% at 80% AMI
• A minimum of 10,00 square foot of affordable commercial space allocated for qualified small, local businesses
• Student-targeted housing
• A planned 150-key hotel
• A planned 12,000 square feet of medical office space
• Extensive community amenities such as activated street scape, fitness center, resident lounges, and bike parking

Funding includes a $5 million acquisition loan from Atlanta Urban Development, $5 million from Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (led by President and CEO Clyde Higgs) and $19 million in acquisition financing provided by Merchants Capital.

In July 2024, the City of Atlanta detailed plans to do something big with West End mall, a staple of the West End section of the city.

Approximately 120,000 square feet of retail, including a grocery store, fitness center, food & beverage, and local boutiques, 893 mixed-income rental units, with 70% workforce housing, 20% affordable at 50% AMI, and 10% at 80% AMI for 271 total affordable housing units, 152 beds of student-targeted housing, a 150-key hotel, 12,000 square feet of medical office space, and extensive community amenities such as a public green space, fitness center, pool, resident lounge, and bike parking.

“With affordable housing at the forefront, the West Enddevelopment represents a unique opportunity to revitalize and reinvest in the West Endcommunity, creating a more vibrant, connected, and equitable neighborhood,” said John Majors, CEO of the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation. “We are proud to partner with BRP Companies on this project with the support of Mayor Dickens, and deliver this well-deserved, transformative project. AUD exists to bring innovative, unique collaborations to market that yield substantially more affordable housing than would otherwise be possible.”

The Mall West End, surrounded by expansive surface parking, is located near MARTA’s West End station, less than a mile from the Lee + White retail and entertainment district along the Beltline’s Westside Trail, and just steps away from the Atlanta University Center.

The $450 million redevelopment will be backed by a $5 million acquisition loan from the AUDC, $5 million from Atlanta Beltline Inc., and $19 million in acquisition financing from Merchants Capital, according to the release.

Final Word

Yes, Atlanta is changing. And it’s not just the buildings. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!

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Georgia public safety officials warned metro Atlanta residents that Thursday morning they may literally get wind of the chlorine plume coming from Conyers, three days after a chemical fire creating a public safety threat.

The chemical plume, originating from the chlorine leak at the BioLab facility in Conyers, is being pushed westward toward metro Atlanta by wind conditions, officials said Wednesday, Oct. 2.

On Thursday, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the fumes over Atlanta saying that the city was working with state health officials and that the chlorine smells were below unsafe levels.

Day 5: Chlorine Plume Over Metro Atlanta

A statement from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) suggest that residents in inner metro Atlanta may notice the smell of chlorine. Chlorine readings have exceeded “action levels” in certain areas, and officials are advising caution. While there was a shelter-in-place order affecting around 90,000 residents, it has been lifted for most areas. However, residents are still being advised to stay alert and take precautions as the situation develops.

“The current weather models show the winds will begin to shift from the east to the west after sunset Wednesday,” GEMA said. “Smoke is predicted to settle towards the ground as it moves toward Atlanta. There is a high likelihood that people across Metro Atlanta will wake up on Thursday morning seeing haze and smelling chlorine.”

The agency went on to say that as the air settles each evening, smoke tends to settle toward the Earth. “As the air lifts back up in the afternoon and evening, the smell and haze should dissipate. Chlorine has a very low odor threshold, meaning you can smell it before it reaches a harmful level,” the agency said.

In a Tuesday news conference, Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbit said that an earlier alert that lifted a shelter in place for the county was sent before the wind patterns shifted and is no longer in effect. “We can’t control the weather,” he said.

“Let me make this very clear. You will continue to see the plume. The plume is part of the mitigating process,” he added.

How To Protect Yourself From Bad Air

Protecting yourself from chlorine gas exposure requires prompt action, as chlorine gas is highly toxic when inhaled. Here are the steps to take if you believe chlorine gas is present in the air:

1. Recognize Chlorine Gas Exposure Symptoms

• Early Symptoms: These may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, irritation of the eyes and throat, and a strong chlorine odor (similar to bleach).
• Severe Symptoms: If exposure continues, it can cause severe respiratory distress, burning of the lungs, nausea, vomiting, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and even death.

2. Evacuate the Area Immediately

• Move Upwind and Uphill: Chlorine gas is heavier than air, so it will settle in low-lying areas. Quickly move to higher ground and head in the direction opposite to where the wind is blowing from to minimize further exposure.
• Distance Matters: Try to get as far away from the source as possible. Even moving a mile away may significantly reduce your exposure.

3. Use a Respiratory Protection Device

If you have access to any of the following protective gear, use it:

• Gas Mask with Chemical Cartridge (Specifically for Chlorine): The most effective protection comes from wearing a full-face gas mask with cartridges specifically designed to filter out chlorine gas.
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): This is used by first responders and industrial workers in hazardous environments. SCBAs supply clean air from a tank, protecting you from inhaling toxic gas.

If specialized equipment isn’t available:

• Improvised Protection: Although far less effective, you can cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth to reduce inhalation of chlorine gas. Wet the cloth with water, a weak acidic solution like vinegar, or even a baking soda solution (which can neutralize some of the chlorine). However, this is only a temporary measure and will not provide full protection.

4. Shelter Indoors

If evacuation is not possible, follow these steps to reduce exposure:

• Seal the Building: Go indoors and close all windows, doors, and vents. Shut down air conditioning and heating systems to prevent gas from entering the building.
• Shelter in an Interior Room: Choose a room with few windows and doors, preferably on a higher floor. Use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal any gaps around doors, windows, and vents to prevent gas from leaking inside.
• Use a HEPA Air Filter: If available, turn on a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter. While this won’t fully filter out chlorine gas, it can help reduce airborne particulates and contaminants in the air.

5. Decontaminate If Exposed

If you have come into contact with chlorine gas:

• Remove Contaminated Clothing: Take off any clothing that may have been exposed to the gas as soon as possible. Cut off the clothing rather than pulling it over your head to avoid further exposure.
• Rinse Exposed Skin and Eyes: Immediately rinse your skin and eyes with large amounts of water to flush out any chlorine. Use cool or lukewarm water, not hot.
• Seek Fresh Air: Continue to breathe fresh air as much as possible to help clear your lungs of the gas.

6. Seek Medical Attention

• Call Emergency Services: If you or someone else is experiencing significant symptoms of chlorine gas exposure, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain, or dizziness require urgent care.
• Long-Term Effects: Even after the exposure has ended, chlorine gas can cause lasting damage to the lungs and airways. Medical professionals may provide oxygen, bronchodilators, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and help you recover.

Final Word

Being a mile away from a chlorine leak still poses a potential risk depending on wind conditions and the severity of the leak. Shelter-in-place is often the best immediate action, but staying informed and following guidance from local authorities is crucial.

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