Hurricane Irma will bring winds of up to 58-75 mph with gusts of up to 95 mph in the Bainbridge region, according to the Decatur County Emergency Management Agency.

Residents should expect high winds and power outages that could last up to a week. The storm is expected to reach Decatur County by Sunday evening and progress through Monday night.

Decatur County EMA gave tips on how to prepare for the oncoming weather:

• Make sure you secure outdoor furniture, trashcans, trampolines, or any other loose articles that could be blown away.
• Citizens with medical conditions that require power: Contact Decatur EMS at (229) 246-2867 to add your name to a list of patients that may require oxygen. You must make preparations for extra oxygen as soon as possible. If you have an emergency in the middle of the worst winds, it may be difficult to reach you so please make preparations NOW. Remember that power outages could last for several days or more.
• Shelters: There will be a Temporary Emergency Shelter opening Sunday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. for local citizens at the Bainbridge Coliseum on Wheat Ave. Local citizens should bring pillows, blankets, toiletries, chargers, books for children and snacks. Citizens should plan to be at the shelter early before hazardous winds begin. Pets are not allowed at the shelter.
• Make preparations for your family now. Do not wait until the last minute. Emergency crews may not be able to reach you due to high winds and debris in roadways.
• As winds increase through the evening hours, if possible, stay off the roads and inside a reinforced building.
• Do not call 911 for weather updates. Listen to your local news or visit weather.gov for the latest weather information.
• Stay alert and be prepared.