By Jade Bulecza - bio | email
VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) - Authorities in Valdosta and Lowndes county are keeping an eye on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
The most common problem with these tropical systems produce here in South Georgia is flooding. South Georgia organizations are preparing for the strong winds and heavy rains that hurricanes or tropical storms could bring to the area.
"We want to make sure we give our system as much capacity as we possibly can ahead of any pending storm such as what we got last summer," said John Whitehead, City of Valdosta Public Works Department.
To prepare, Valdosta's Public Works Crews lower water in detention ponds. They also clear debris from low lying areas and storm drains in an effort to prevent flooding.
"There always needs to be a high alert, an alert factor involved in your community," said Terri Whitlock, American Red Cross Valdosta Chapter. "That's where listening to the weather radio or tracking on the website is important, Even though we're not in Florida it can affect us here in Georgia."
The local emergency management agency updates organizations on potential storms. Organizations are in contact with one another frequently to be sure they're sending the same message to the community.
Disaster does not discriminate says the Red Cross and the most important thing you can do is educate yourself and your family.
The Red Cross also recommends getting a kit and making a plan in case the need to evacuate arises.
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