Hurricane preparedness week is upon us and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is offering tips to have residents of the Magnolia State ready in the event of a disaster.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1. Mississippi is no stranger to the impacts of hurricanes. From Camille to Katrina, and all in between, the state has seen its fair share of damage as a result of the impacts of the strong storms.
MEMA executive director Stephen McCraney says a portion of the state is still recovering from Hurricane Ida, which struck in 2021 — resulting in $30 million worth of damages — and is encouraging those in storm-prone areas to take early action in being prepared for a potential emergency.
“We’re trying to ring that bell hard now so you’ll be in a much better place when this comes because we know it’s coming,” McCraney said on MidDays with Gerard Gibert. “If one of the other states gets hit, we get the aftermath of it, and then we also get people that are escaping to the state of Mississippi.”
If a hurricane strikes, MEMA urges folks to observe the following recommendations:
- Protect your home – cover windows, secure doors, and loose items.
- Determine sheltering options and consider your pets.
- Ready your go-bag, medications, and supplies, charge your phone, and fill up/charge your vehicle.
- Help your neighbors, especially the elderly and other vulnerable people.
- Follow evacuation orders if given.
In 2022, there were 14 named storms, eight of which formed into hurricanes and two of which became major hurricanes.
Watch the full interview with McCraney below.
