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Even though the Atmore area doesn’t expect to have direct impact from Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura, city officials said today that personnel are taking all necessary precautions.

Mayor Jim Staff said on his Facebook page that the city has a pre-disaster debris removal contract, which is rebid every three years.

“The current contract is with Crowder-Gulf,” Staff said. “In the event of a storm, resulting in damage to structures, downed trees, power lines and blocked roadways, Crowder-Gulf will have debris removal crews and equipment in Atmore within hours.”

FEMA has strict guidelines that require key personnel to have ongoing meetings prior to a storm.

Staff said he met with Police Chief Chuck Brooks and Fire Chief Ronald Peebles last Friday to monitor the storms. The meetings will continue tomorrow morning.

“We are also in close contact with Escambia County and the State of Alabama Emergency Management agencies,” he said. “Our disaster plan adheres to all FEMA guidelines.  Shelters are identified, if needed. Essential city buildings, water towers and wastewater treatment plant have generators. We have a consultant on retainer, who is a retired corp of engineers employee with over 30 years of experience in storm mitigation.”