Preparations being made in Alabama for Helene

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WHNT ) — Helene is on the move, and so are Alabama’s response teams. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency said it is working to ensure Alabamians stay safe.

The tropical storm is expected to affect the state this week .

“It’s a good chance that the first person you see when the winds stop blowing will probably be one of your neighbors,” said Greg Robinson, director of external affairs and government relations for the Alabama EMA. “So that means if your neighbor’s prepared, they can help you out, and if you’re prepared, you can help your neighbor out.”

Robinson said having a plan and a “go-kit” for you and your family is key.

“You can have some important things like some non-perishable food, water, prescription medicine — glasses, if you wear glasses — hygiene material and other type material,” Robinson said. “You want to have that go-kit in a place where you can pick it up.”

Christi Scruggs, vice president of communications for Pioneer Electric Cooperative, said that’s not the only thing you need in a go-kit.

“If you have a portable generator, we always encourage people to use those safely,” Scruggs said. “Do not ever bring them inside the home. Use them in a well-ventilated area. Be sure that they’re connected to your appliances with an extension cord and not directly to your meter box.”

Scruggs said with the tropical system, they are already making sure their crews are ready to go.

“Our warehouse is equipped to handle the equipment that might need to go out into the field. Our guys are on standby,” Scruggs said. “They know what they have to do and when they have to do it. We have crews available to respond 24/7 to outages.”

Scruggs said if you see something, say something, whether it’s power lines that are down or trees on power lines.

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