Emergency Officials Explain Evacuations

     The Jefferson County Emergency Management Office is taking part in regular conference calls with the state to track Gustav.  Jefferson County's Emergency Management coordinator, Greg Fountain, says if the storm heads in our direction, an evacuation could be ordered as early as Sunday.

     Greg Fountain says if you were planning to leave town for the holiday,  or have the ability to do so, get things in order now instead of waiting and facing a time crunch if a mandatory evacuation is ordered. He stresses no decisions have been made. Gustav's not even in the Gulf yet. You should always have a plan and be prepared to leave if a storm threatens during hurricane season.

     Fountain says a lot of people are calling his office, wondering if they should cancel Labor Day weekend plans. He isn't going that far but says there are some things you should consider if you're leaving town, that could reduce the stress when you return. 

     "They need to make sure a neighbor is watching their house. Have their things ready inside the house in case they need to leave they can be prepared," said Fountain.