JACKSON, Miss.- Governor Phil Bryant was joined by Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Lee Smithson and other state agency heads on Wednesday for a press conference at MEMA headquarters.
They discussed what the state will be doing to prepare for the upcoming height in hurricane season.
“Always being prepared and hoping that we do not have to respond, but believe me if we do, we will be prepared to respond to those people particularly on the Gulf Coast,” said Gov. Bryant. “Unfortunately in the past August is the most historic time for hurricanes in Mississippi.”
Hurricanes like Katrina, Camille, Issac, and Gustav all occurred in August.
Agencies joined for a table top training exercise at MEMA following the press conference.
“Know your evacuation route, know where you’re going to go. Know what you are going to do with your pets,” said Agency Director Lee Smithson.”Keep copies of your individual records, and put together a preparedness kit.”
Smithson said that the first 72 hours may be on you, because it is not possible for MEMA to get to everyone effected by a hurricane immediately and reminded Mississippians to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
“23% of our Mississippians suffer from disabilities, ensure that those with disabilities have a plan. Help them out, check on your neighbors and understand they may have special needs that need to be attended to,” said Smithson.
