Newton and Jasper Counties are proactively working to protect our power grids

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With the recent concerns regarding the power grid, hurricanes, brown-outs and EMP type situations, Jasper and Newton County Officials are making sure our areas are well taken care of.

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said that while he does not anticipate anything happening, they do have plans in place.

Allen explained, "We try to be prepared for anything and are always looking to the future to scope out any potential issues before they happen. We also have ongoing collaborations with surrounding entities to stay on-top of any situation. As far as potential terrorist activities, I would just tell people to keep an eye on their surroundings and what they may receive in the mail."

Allen said that he spoke with the Co-op and they do not have any projected outages, but will be monitoring it.

Newton County Commissioner Pct. 4 Bubba Powell said, "At this time the Precinct County Barn and the Annex Building (sub-courthouse) are both prepared to operate through any power grid interruption. Additionally both buildings are prepared to sustain staff members for infrastructure support and to accommodate emergency services personnel. We will continue to work daily on the roads and infrastructure within our Precinct, but again please know that we are prepared to assist our VFD's and emergency services if needed."

Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard said, "There is no known threat or grid failure possibility that we are aware of, but we are taking pro-active measures in the event something were to happen. We are continuing to monitor intelligence, but again ,there is no known threat at this time."

Lastly, Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard said, "We are monitoring intelligence and sharing information amongst our local state and federal partners."

In short, local officials are ready and are monitoring all possible scenarios. And as Judge Allen said, "Keep an eye on your surroundings."