NOAA via APIn this geocolor image captured by GOES-16 and released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Irma, a potentially catastrophic category 5 hurricane, moves westward, Tuesday morning, Sept. 5, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean toward the Leeward Islands.

VALDOSTA — Lowndes County Emergency Management is tracking the path and development of Hurricane Irma.  

Irma is forecast to impact the southern tip of the Florida peninsula by this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. Depending on the path, Lowndes County could experience the effects of Irma by the middle of next week. 

Just as local governments are preparing public infrastructure for impact, residents are encouraged to take the necessary steps to protect homes and businesses. The county is recommending residents sign up for CodeRed the county’s free emergency notification system, the county stated in a press release.

Residents should visit www.lowndescounty.com and click on the storm icon. Everyone should have an emergency plan in place, for preparedness tips visit www.ready.ga.gov. 

For residents who have sheltered from severe weather in the past, they should make plans for shelter now. While public shelters will be available if needed, residents are usually more comfortable sheltering with friends and family, the release stated.

Do not wait until the last minute to start looking for a place to shelter.

Pet owners that may need to relocate to a shelter should make alternate plans for their pets. While some shelters may be pet friendly, there is no guarantee pet friendly shelter space will be available. 

Also, local ordinances require pets to be properly cared for during periods of severe weather. Pets must be provided adequate shelter that allows them to stay dry and out of the weather, which includes extreme temperatures, the release stated. 

All residents should update emergency contact lists to include key friends, family or others to include service providers.

Residents should make sure their home or business is free of items that could become flying debris during a strong storm. 

The county encourages residents to disassemble trampolines to the extent they cannot become airborne. Trim any trees or limbs that could cause damage to property. Local governments cannot perform work on private property, according to the release.

For residents with generators, they should be tested and fueled prior to power outages.

If someone is dependent upon electricity for any life sustaining measures such as oxygen, medical equipment, etc. and do not have a back-up power source available, plan now for an alternative solution.

The City of Valdosta is in regular communication with Lowndes County Emergency Management and is activating its storm plans to prepare for inclement weather. 

Preparation includes communicating with employees regarding workplace readiness, filling fuel tanks, lowering water levels at the Mill Pond to accommodate additional storm water, checking catch basins, testing generators and ensuring all city equipment is ready to use, the release states.

The city remains vigilant and encourages residents to take storm precaution seriously for their safety and the safety of their families.

Currently, Lowndes County is not a favorable location for evacuees to seek shelter, according to the release. This could change if the path of the storm moves out of the county’s area. According to Georgia Welcome Center officials, hotel/motel rooms are booked from the Georgia-Florida line to north of Cordele. 

Additional information will be released as it becomes available. For more information, please contact Lowndes County Clerk Paige Dukes, 229-671-2400 or pdukes@lowndescounty.com.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256