Gov. Nathan Deal today expanded the emergency declaration to include all 159 counties in Georgia, ahead of heavy rains, strong wind and potential flooding from Hurricane Irma.

Forsyth County government is closely monitoring Hurricane Irma and preparing for any potential impacts it may have on our area. The county’s Emergency Operations Center is slated to be activated at 8 a.m. Monday to coordinate the county’s response and resources and be ready to implement emergency plans.

Be prepared by reviewing your family’s emergency plan and making sure you have a disaster supply kit containing essential items your family needs (medications, bottled water, non-perishable foods, etc.). Secure outdoor items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas, grills, children’s toys and equipment. High winds may bring down trees and power lines. Remember to always treat downed power lines as if they are live. Report a power outage by calling your power company: Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363; Georgia Power 1-888-891-0938.

In the event an emergency shelter is needed, the county will work closely with the American Red Cross and other partners to operate shelters and will announce the location(s) at that time via the county website, county Facebook page, local media and the Ready Georgia app for your smartphone. The county has several approved shelters to choose from. Some of the factors that go into determining which shelter(s) may be opened include the utility status at the shelters, location of damage in the county and location of damage along routes that access the shelter.

Be sure to follow local news outlets for updates, and if you haven’t already signed up to receive emergency and weather alerts from Forsyth County, sign up today: https://goo.gl/BBP4hs.