Hurricane Irma: Milton Prepares To Respond To Storm

MILTON, GA -- Depending on Hurricane Irma's path, the city of Milton is informing residents they should be prepared to see the effects of the storm as early as 8 a.m. Monday. The city notes its staff has been monitoring the storm over the weekend and wanted to provide some updates on how the city will gear up to respond to this powerful beast.

Milton's emergency management team, which includes representatives from police, fire, public works, communications, and the city's management team, met Friday to begin preparations for Monday's expected weather.

Based on the current National Weather Service predictions, the city expects anticipate rain, high winds and the possibility of downed trees and power lines. There is also the possibility of spin off tornadoes during an event like this. Residents should monitor local weather conditions via television, radio, and/or weather radios and be prepared to react accordingly (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Watch: Hurricane Irma Officially Arrives In Florida

As weather conditions worsen, Milton residents are strongly advised to stay off the roads, as this will allow public safety and public works crews to navigate the streets and render emergency aid.

"Do not remove or drive around any traffic cones or barricades--these are deployed due to a public safety hazard and are there to protect you and our public safety personnel," the city said.

Metro Atlanta and much of Georgia are now under a tropical storm warning, to urge Peach State citizens to prepare for high winds, downed trees and widespread power outages. From 8 a.m. Monday into Tuesday morning, much of Georgia, including the Atlanta area, will be lashed by 40 to 60 mph winds and heavy rain as Irma barrels through the Southeast, weather forecasters say.

Milton also anticipates City Hall being open for business on Monday, including holding its regularly scheduled City Council meeting. However, we will update our residents should that change prior to or during the day on Monday. Milton's Emergency Operations Center will open early Monday morning or over the weekend should conditions deteriorate more quickly.

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Here are the following tips shared by the city of Milton in anticipation of Hurricane Irma's arrival into Georgia:

Preparedness Tips

• Download the Ready® Georgia mobile app for your smartphone. Learn more here.
• Read GEMA Hurricane Irma Preparedness Tips here.
• Get flashlights/batteries ready.
• Make sure cell phones are fully charged ahead of the event.

Power

Contact your power provider for outages. Below are the contact numbers for the companies providing electricity to Milton:

• Sawnee EMC - Report online here or call 770-887-2363. Visit their Storm Center website for more info.
• Georgia Power - Report online here or call 888-891-0938. Visit the Outage & Storm Center website for more info.
• Cobb EMC - Report online here or call 770-429-2100. Visit the Outage & Storm Center website for more info.
• Call 911 immediately to report any downed power lines and stay away.
• If you are a Milton resident using a medical device that requires electricity, complete this online form to register your name and address with the Milton Fire-Rescue Department. Milton Seniors may also use the Medically Fragile/Milton Seniors registration form to register for welfare checks.

Traffic Signals

We will work to get any intersection lights functioning as quickly as possible, but prolonged power outages may prevent us from getting signals going timely. We will evaluate, prioritize and deploy temporary stop signs and/or public safety personnel as deemed necessary. Remember to follow these traffic directions:

• Flashing red signal requires you to come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection with caution.
• Flashing amber (yellow) means proceed through the intersection but with caution.
• Dark traffic signals require motorists to treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Tree Removal

• City personnel and public works contractors will be focused on clearing any trees from the roadways and temporarily moving debris to the shoulder.
• If you have a downed tree on your home that obstructs an exit point, Milton Fire is prepared to assist with emergency tree removal. All non-emergency tree removal must be addressed by the resident.

Flooding

While the current forecast does not call for significant rainfall, weather can be unpredictable so keep these things in mind:

• FEMA reminds us to "Turn around. Don't drown!" Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet and 1 foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Don't walk or drive through flood waters including flooded bridges--you don't know what lurks below and the road or bridge may no longer be there.
• Equestrian owners are encouraged to move their horses out of flood-prone or low-lying areas.

The Milton communications team will provide periodic updates as needed via email and social media (Facebook and Twitter). Residents should rely on local news outlets for immediate weather updates and directives.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Irma Preparedness Kit: What You Need To Pack
• Hurricane Irma Live Updates: Millions Flee Florida, Pets Left To Die, Landfall On Sunday

Image via National Weather Service