Hurricane Irene is eying the Eastern coast and if she makes landfall where predicted, it could spell disaster for those along the coast and a heavy soaking for those further inland.
    Based on predictions Monday, “Irene could possibly be a category 3 storm (with winds) of 111-130 miles per hour off to our East between 6-8 a.m.  Saturday morning,” said Bulloch County Public safety Director Ted Wynn.  
    It depends on how far east the hurricane hits and as to how it will affect Bulloch and surrounding counties, he said.
    “The latest projection, or center of all the computer models’ projected paths, has it coming ashore in South Carolina or North Carolina Saturday morning,” he said. “Of course, this could change overnight. If it hugs the coast we could expect the possibility of tropical storm winds at 39-73 miles per hour early Saturday morning.”
    Emergency officials on the Georgia coast are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irene and say residents should make sure they have plans in order if evacuations are necessary, according to Associated Press reports.
    The National Hurricane Center said Monday that Irene could strike the southeast U.S. anywhere from Florida to North Carolina by the end of the week. The storm was churning just northeast of the Dominican Republican on Monday morning.
    “Hopefully we will get the beneficial rains we need, without the damage winds, Wynn said. “If Chatham County evacuates, we are a host county.”
    Kelly Foster, an emergency management spokeswoman for Chatham County, says officials are monitoring the storm closely and notes the forecast could change dramatically in the coming days.
    “Chatham County will evaluate and give the order to evacuate if necessary,” Wynn said. “They try to make us aware of their intentions prior to the order so we can prepare to open shelters.”
    He said he would request that the American Red Cross Bulloch County Chapter “open the shelters they have certified to meet the needs.  The shelters are churches and schools. Bulloch County does not evacuate, however our shelters are available to anyone that may not feel safe in their homes.”
    According to Associated Press reports, Georgia hasn't taken a direct hit from a major hurricane — a Category 3 storm or greater — since 1893. The last hurricane to make landfall along the state's coast was Hurricane David, which caused only minor damage when it struck in 1979.
    The last time Georgia officials ordered hurricane evacuations was in 1999 ahead of Savannah's near-miss with Hurricane Floyd, which made landfall in North Carolina.
    Georgia bore the brunt of the evacuation ahead of Floyd. Motorists from three states clogged Interstate 16 and turned the 115-mile highway between Savannah and Macon into a parking lot.
    The state can attribute that 118-year streak largely to Georgia having just 100 miles of coastline. Tucked between Florida and South Carolina, the coast also forms the westernmost part of the Eastern Seaboard, making it an even tougher target.
    Donna Lee, Emergency Services Program Coordinator for the Bulloch County American Red Cross chapter, said citizens need to prepare for the worst in case the storm does cause major chaos.
    “Hurricanes are strong storms that cause life and property threatening hazards such a flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes,” she said. “The American Red Cross urges everyone to update their family evacuation plan, emergency preparedness kit and get better prepared for the 2011 hurricane season. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane.”
    An emergency preparedness kit would include sturdy water containers with enough water for three days – a gallon per person per day, according to Red Cross officials. Also, nonperishable foods such as peanut butter, tuna, crackers and canned fruit; a battery powered radio, flash lights and plenty of batteries.
    Also, the kit should include first aid supplies and medicines, personal hygiene items, extra cash (not ATM cards or credit cards, which don’t work when power is out), and any special needs for family members.
     One blanket or sleeping bag per family member and supplies for pets should round out the kit.
    The Red Cross also suggests having an emergency plan in case of inclement or dangerous weather.
        Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414. The Associated Press contributed to this report.