Civic Center can be shelter if necessary: City officials prepare for floods, fallen trees

By AMY SATTERWHITE Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

City officials said yesterday they are taking some precautions in light of heavy rains expected in the area as the remnants of Hurricane Ivan pass through Middle and East Tennessee.

Yesterday, forecasters with the National Weather Service predicted heavy rain in the area, with reports varying on exactly how much and where.

City leaders said they were preparing to aid city residents in any case.

“Usually, the Public Works Department goes out and checks their drains before heavy rains if we know its coming,” Mayor Royce Davenport said. “We’re doing that and we’re making sure the Civic Center is getting prepared if we have to use it for a shelter.

“Parks and Recreation is picking up their stuff in the flooding area – anything they can move and get out of the way – and Urban Forestry is getting chainsaws and their trucks and trailers ready in case we have to do tree removal.”

Davenport said officials are not panicking or trying to scare anyone, but think it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“We don’t want to sit here when we’ve been told it’s coming and act like we don’t know it’s happening,” he added.