Selma Police were prepared when Hurricane Ivan hit Selma early Thursday morning. The officers

hit the streets immediately after the storm and ready to help in any way they could.

Police decided to bring in both evening and morning shifts on the day of the storm.

“We doubled on shifts because of anticipated looting,” said Chief Robert Green. “We still had some looting. It was like playing checkers. We’d move into one location and they would be on to the next.”

Police also initiated a juvenile curfew from 7p.m. to 7 a.m. until Saturday in effort to reduce mischief and keep streets clear during the city-wide blackout.

Though citizens had been warned to stay at home during and after Hurricane Ivan, there were a number of sightseers navigating vehicles down dangerous streets once the worst was over.

“We had crossing guards at all the major intersections to help the flow of traffic,” Green said. “There were too many sightseers getting in the way of the clean-up.”

The crossing guards continued to work throughout the day on Friday and Saturday until most of the traffic lights were in working order.

“At an intersection where the traffic light is out, the rule is to treat it like a four-way stop,” said Sgt. Doug Stewart.

Police headquarters suffered some roof and equipment damage during the storm and was without power for nearly 48 hours.

Each of the Selma Fire stations, on the other hand, had generators to keep all the equipment operational until power was restored.

Selma Fire Chief Henry Allen said he had an extra 12-man team, along with a Hazmat team, at the stations during the hurricane.

“Our guys put in a lot of time, preparation and dedication,” Allen said. “Some of them volunteered to come in and help. They brought their own saws and ATVs from home.”

During the height of the storm, Allen said firefighters and rescue workers were told to stay indoors for their own safety and only respond to emergency calls.

“We had to send one truck out in the high winds to help people trapped in a house,” Allen said. “I was really nervous having that truck on the road, but they made it safely.”

Firefighters and police officers continued to work throughout the weekend controlling traffic problems and emergencies.