Atmore city officials held their 24-hour pre-hurricane arrival meeting this morning at city hall.

Police Chief Chuck Brooks said FEMA requires municipalities to have a pre-hurricane arrival meeting every 24 and 12 hours.

The meeting consisted of Calvin Grace, the city’s street superintendent, Fire Chief Ronald Peebles and Brooks discussing issues related to Hurricane Michael’s approach.

“All of the projected forecasts of the weather looks like it’s going to turn at some point,” Brooks said. “This could possibly be a category 3 (hurricane), with winds above 110 miles per hour.

“We just pray for the people of Florida if it does continue to turn,” he said. “If it continues north, we stand ready.”

Brooks said at the 12-hour mark, they’ll discuss potential shelters if they are needed.

“I would like to keep it local,” he said. “We usually use Rachel Patterson as it’s adequate enough for our city residents.”

Brooks said he would like to keep the shelter open to local residents, but will not turn anybody away.

Brooks said first responders and the street department will be on call during the storm.

“Our No. 1 goal after a hurricane hits, as in previous situations, is that we have an obligation to make sure the route to the hospital is cleared,” he said. “We’ll be assisting the power company to get power back, and removing any debris.”

Brooks said those who don’t have to be out on the roads to please stay home.

In regard to sand bags, Peebles said families can come by the fire department and pick some up. Ten bags will be given to each family, and they can be filled at the sand pile beside the farmer’s market.