Lowndes EMA opens shelter
Published 3:09 pm Thursday, September 1, 2016
VALDOSTA – Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency will be opening Mathis Auditorium Thursday evening as an emergency shelter.
Mathis City Auditorium, 1017 Myrtle Street, will open as a shelter at 7 p.m. Residents coming to the shelter should bring any items that might be needed through the night to include: prescription and emergency medication; medical equipment such as a wheelchair/walker, oxygen, etc.; extra clothing; pillows; blankets and sleeping bags; hygiene supplies; flashlight with extra batteries; small board games; books for entertainment; specialty snacks and juices for those with dietary restrictions; basic snacks; baby food and formula; diapers; beach chair or camp chair; identification; insurance papers and other comfort items.
Do not bring alcohol or illegal drugs. Further, other safe arrangements should be made to shelter pets. For more on safe sheltering during a tornado visit www.ready.gov.
Lowndes County Emergency Management Director Ashley Tye said, “Hermine is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 Hurricane prior to making landfall late tonight in the Florida Big Bend. Because the winds extend far from the center Lowndes County can expect to begin seeing tropical storm force winds approximately 40-45 mph beginning around 8 p.m. tonight,” Tye said in the release. “These winds could strengthen to 55-60 mph during the hours of 11 p.m.-8 a.m. The tropical storm force winds should exit the area by 11 a.m.-noon.The rainfall estimates are still calling for 7-9 inches of rain through Friday evening.
“While the rivers should have capacity to handle that amount of rainfall they could approach minor flood stage later next week. Staff will continue to monitor conditions until levels go back to normal. The biggest concern is flash flooding as a result of heavy rains. Citizens residing in low lying areas or those that have had issues with flooding during past rain events should make preparations now as a precaution.”
In addition to hazards posed by rainfall, residents should closely monitor wind conditions for the duration of the event, experts said. Meteorologists have indicated a “slight risk” of tornadoes. Tornadoes related to tropical storms usually occur ahead of the main storm and can develop quickly with little to no warning. Those residing in mobile homes or structures that might otherwise be vulnerable, should seek shelter, officials said.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, trampolines, bird feeders or any other items that could be moved by strong winds.
Flooded roads, streets and bridges may be significantly damaged or washed away, posing a threat to motorists. Drivers are being told not attempt to travel during periods of severe weather. In the event of localized flooding, turn around-don’t drown, officials said.
In the event of downed power lines or trees/water over roads, streets, and bridges officials said call 911 to report the damage so that the area can be safely secured.
Residents should always call 911 in the event of an emergency; however, please do not call for weather/condition updates, the county said in a press release.
Lowndes County Emergency Management will be posting updates on Facebook at EMA Lowndes, throughout the evening as conditions develop.
Residents are also encouraged to sign up for CodeRed, Lowndes County’s free emergency notification system, by visiting www.lowndescounty.com, and clicking on the CodeRed icon.
Emergency Management recommends residents maintain a working National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio to receive alerts and weather information directly from the National Weather Service. Up to date forecast information can also be found by visiting www.srh.noaa.gov/tlh.
While Governor Deal has declared a state of emergency, funds have not been made available for storm damage recovery. The declaration is required so that resources can be made available for response and recovery as coordinated through emergency management operations.
Residents sustaining damage to private property should photograph and otherwise document the damage and contact their insurance company, prior to clean up. Repairs should only be handled by a licensed contractor, county officials said.
Lowndes County Emergency Management, the cities of Valdosta, Hahira, Lake Park, Remerton, and Dasher, will continue to coordinate services through the night via the County’s Emergency Operations Center to ensure a safe and efficient response to conditions, as Hermine moves through the area, officials said.
For more information contact Lowndes County Public Information Officer, Paige Dukes, 229-292-6142 or pdukes@lowndescounty.com.
Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1256.