September 13, 2004
Lee County- As Ivan inches closer to South Georgia, Lee County Emergency Management Officials have their guard up.
"We're planning for the worst and hoping for the best," says Emergency Management Director and Lee County Fire Chief Joe Pollock.
He is closely monitoring just how much rain Ivan could dump into the Kinchafoonee Creek.
"Unfortunately we may be looking at approximately six inches of rain over the next few days, so that's probably going to bring it back up. We might have some slight to moderate flooding, but we don't anticipate any major flooding even at the Kinchafoonee," Pollock says.
But Ivan could bring winds stronger and more destructive than what Tropical Storm Frances had for Lee County, so for the next few days all emergency officials have been put on standby.
"We told everybody to prepare not only personal things, your family, your personal structures and all, but just be prepared to work a couple of days if need be."
If power is knocked out, Pollock says everyone should be prepared. He stresses the importance of following manufacturers instructions when using grills and generators, and urges people to think twice about lighting their homes with candles.
"You know candles are dangerous. We have an awful lot of fires started by candles each year."
Emergency officials say even though Ivan hasn't made up it's mind whether it will head straight for South Georgia, people should like them plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Chief Pollock also recommends that Lee Countians pay close attention to media coverage and go to the county's website for up-to-date information about the creek level, possible school closings, and Ivan's path. The address is www.lee.ga.us.
Posted at 10:20 PM by elaine.armstrong@walb.com
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