Prepare now for hurricane season

Pearl – With another hurricane season fast approaching, Mississippi Emergency Management Director Mike Womack wants to remind people to have a plan and emergency supply kit ready before tropical weather approaches our state.

“Residents need to be ready to take care of themselves for up to 72 hours if a major storm makes landfall,” Womack said.  “It takes time to get assistance to impacted areas, so being prepared is one of the most important things any individual or family can do.”

Governor Haley Barbour signed a proclamation declaring May 24 to May 28, Mississippi’s Hurricane Preparedness Week. The awareness week is held in conjunction with the National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

“Tropical weather of any kind is serious business and we all need to get ready now.  Don’t wait until a storm enters the Gulf to be prepared,” said Governor Barbour.

MEMA provides hurricane and disaster tips in the preparedness section of its Web site, www.msema.org.

Here are some items you and your family should have in a disaster kit before tropical weather threatens:                               

Flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries.

Canned and non-perishable food.

Bottled water.

Toiletry items.

Pet food and pet supplies.

Medicine and prescription medication.

Copies of important family papers and documents.

 

For more information on National Hurricane Preparedness Week go to The National Hurricane Center’s Web site at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

MEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, other state agencies and non-profit organizations will provide information and preparedness tips this week to help residents prepare for the upcoming season. For more information, go to www.msema.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook using the keyword MSEMA.