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Hurricane Michael: What does a state of emergency mean?

Here's what you should be concerned about.

On Tuesday, ahead of Hurricane Michael’s expected landfall, Georgia’s governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for 92 in the state.

Whenever we hear that phrase – “state of emergency” – our ears perk up. But what exactly does that mean?

We studied the governor's executive order, and also went directly to GEMA for clarification.

We found that the state of emergency doesn't mean Michael is going to directly impact every county in the order. It simply gives the state flexibility. Declaring a state of emergency gives the governor and his emergency management team extra latitude to deal with a situation quickly.

READ | Georgia governor declares state of emergency for 92 counties ahead of Hurricane Michael

This happens when a significant event may require state aid go along with local resources. It also speeds up assistance to communities in need, and allows additional resources that will help provide essential services, such as evacuations, shelters, and rescues, as needed.

This particular order also temporarily relaxes rules for commercial truck drivers delivering fuel or emergency supplies

But the main takeaway: Georgia could be soaked by rain and battered by high winds, and because the storm's exact path is still unknown, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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