WEBSTER COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) -- As Hurricane Isaac continues to move towards our area, leaders in Webster County are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.
"We had a department meeting yesterday (Monday) with all the department heads, fire departments and Board of Supervisors and got all of their equipment ready to be deployed," said Barry Rushing, Webster County EMA director.
"We always prepare for a little worse that what we are going to have. That way, we know we can handle it. From last year's tornado that came through here, we've learned a lot," said Jimmy Forrester, Webster County public information officer.
One thing leaders said they learned is the importance of working communication devices. Rushing checked to make sure his two-way radio worked.
He also checked to make sure the emergency spillway is open to handle the rain Hurricane Isaac is expected to dump.
"It's a 300 acre lake, and we turned our emergency spillway on this morning (Tuesday) to allow some of the water to be leaving out of the lake in case we do have a lot of rain in a short period of time," said Eupora Mayor Tommy Lott.
Leaders said they are ready if disaster strikes. They have extra volunteers on stand by to help if need be. They said their greatest concern right now is flooding.
"Be prepared for flooding on the streets and roads. Do not walk in water that you do not know where you are going, and don't drive your vehicles in that water," added Forrester.
Officials said they will open emergency shelters if they are needed.
