Governor Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency for four South Georgia counties -- Baker, Calhoun, Dougherty and Mitchell counties -- affected by this week's tornado.

“The state is making all resources available to our local partners to assist with damage assessment, cleanup and restoration efforts,” said Deal.

SHELTER & SHOWERS:

The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Avalon United Methodist Church, 3018 Gillionville Road in Albany, and at the Albany Civic Center, 100 W. Oglethorpe Blvd. Many churches providing Good Samaritan shelter.

The Albany Area YMCA, 1701 Gillionville Road, is providing access to showers to people without power and hot water.

POWER:

Damage that can be repaired has been or is being repaired. Much damage requires entire rebuilding of systems, which will take significantly longer. Neighborhood timelines at City of Albany, GA - Municipal Government.

*The rain and cold weather coming our way will impact repair and rebuilding times.*

REPUTABLE CONTRACTORS:

There are unscrupulous businesses out there. Find reputable contractors and service providers to help you restore and rebuild through the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce's Membership Directory at albanyga.com.

FAIR PRICING:

Price gouging -- or raising rates on necessary goods and services above what is considered reasonable and fair -- is prohibited by law during a declared state of emergency. Suspected price gouging should be reported immediately to the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce at (229) 434-8700.

INTERNET ACCESS:

MediaCom has set up free Internet access in the Albany Civic Center parking lot, 100 W. Oglethorpe Blvd., and at First Baptist Church of Albany, 145 Oakland Parkway in Leesburg.

GIVE HELP & GET HELP:

Many organizations and churches are seeking resources and volunteers as they provide services to those in need. The City of Albany Disaster Relief is another organized way to give help and get help.

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE:

Contact the Emergency Operations Center at (229) 483-6226, (229) 483-6267 and (229) 483-6228.

People with disabilities in need of assistance should call (229) 436-4845.