Lampasas City/County Emergency Management System is on alert due to Hurricane Ike, and Saturday at 7 a.m. the emergency management system will be activated.

"The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Hurricane Ike will make landfall early Saturday morning on the Texas coast," said Lampasas Fire Marshal Reece Oestreich.

"After making landfall, it is forecasted the hurricane will take a north/northeast direction, bringing the storm over Central Texas," he said. "With this storm, we are expecting strong winds and heavy rains."

It is no secret that Lampasas has a history of flooding, said the fire official. That is why the emergency management system is taking full precautions.

"If you have to evacuate, the following are locations you will report to for assistance. And, remember never cross a low-water crossing."

• In the city limits: Evacuees need to report to the Bozarth-Fowler Gym at the high school. Those who are unable to drive will need to phone the Lampasas Police Department at 556-3644. Use 911 only in the case of emergency.

The Lampasas Independent School District will have two school buses on standby and ready to go, Oestreich said.

• In the county: Evacuees should report to local fire department facilities. The county emergency management system will be notified of arrivals.

Fire Department officials ask residents to have the following items on hand: • bottled water • flashlights • extra food • prescription medications • battery-operated radio (local stations will be given updates by the emergency management center)

"Be ready," said Oestreich. He encouraged residents to keep up to date with weather notices at www.kwtx.com or www.nhc.noaa.- gov.