With the threat of Hurricane Katrina looming, the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Fire Department are making preparations to help ensure the county weathers the storm as safely as possible.

Hurricane Katrina poses a threat to the metro-Atlanta area for several reasons, according to Forsyth County Fire Chief and EMA Director Danny Bowman.

1) The hurricane’s projected path as of Friday morning puts the storm's eye passing over or near the Atlanta area Monday evening into Tuesday morning.

2) The waters in the Gulf of Mexico are approximately 90 degrees F., which would allow Katrina to make landfall as, perhaps, a Category 3 Hurricane near Apalachicola, Florida.

3) The waters in the Gulf have not been disturbed by any storm system over the past 60 days, causing the 90 degree F. water to run very deep and therefore intensifying the storm.

4) There is no significant weather system approaching from the west which would affect the projected path of the storm.

Forsyth County officials are busy today preparing for what impact Hurricane Katrina could potentially bring to the area. All Forsyth County Fire Department and EMA staff, including firefighters and administration, are now on heightened alert, whereby "strike teams" (2 firefighters in pickup trucks) are being formed. Six or more of these "strike teams" will be available to supplement the major fire apparatuses. Small tools and equipment such as chain saws and medical response bags are being double checked.

EMA Specialist Lorraine Morris met on Friday with personnel at a local Red Cross approved shelter at the Cumming First United Methodist Church located at 770 Canton Highway. For a complete list of approved shelters in Forsyth County please visit www.forsythco.com and go to the Emergency Management Agency page.

All Fire Department and EMA personnel have been advised to prepare to return to duty on Monday evening as the storm approaches. Should the hurricane veer off in another direction, they will be relieved and permitted to return home.

Lieutenant Kevin Wallace has been designated by the Fire Chief to work in coordination with the E-911 Communications Center as a liaison due to the anticipated large number of dispatches over the fire radio frequency.

The public is reminded that every fallen wire should be considered energized and dangerous. Never touch a wire lying on the ground or hanging on trees, homes or from power poles. Citizens are also reminded that now is the time to check their home emergency preparedness kits for flashlights, fresh batteries, weather radio and any necessary medications. Remember to dial 911 in case of emergency.