In preparing for Hurricane Gustav, Meridian's city department heads met with homeland security, emergency responders and utility companies Friday morning.

Officials said planning has actually been ongoing for the past week.

Chief administrative officer Ken Storms said the city wanted to make sure it knows what assets are available and where they will be deployed.

"What I really expect is we're going to be emergency evacuation providers for those that are going to get out of the way of this thing," said Storms. "But if it happens to turn and come towards us, we're going to be able to provide that welcome home to evacuees and still be able to defend this city."

A joint city-county Emergency Operations Center will be manned, beginning Monday at 10 a.m.