Hurricane and emergency preparedness event in Gulfport

Coast residents are encouraged to have emergency kits prepared for the hurricane season.

Molina Cares has teamed up with American Red Cross and Gulfport police and fire departments to help South Mississippians prepare their disaster kits.

Two hundred free kits with essentials such as flashlights and band aids were distributed at Cypress Lanes in Gulfport.

Additionally, the fire department is providing tips and information on how to plan for emergencies and GPD is providing child identification packets in case a disaster separates parents from their children.

Community Engagement Specialist Jordan Hartshorn said, “Each person in a family unit should know the emergency plan. If the parents are at work and a tornado hits, the kids should know what do. That’s why we are doing this today to make sure the community knows the proper way to prepare for a hurricane.”

Hartshorn also recommends families use the free kits to keep important documents as birth certificates. So, they’re ready to go if need be. Resources are available on a first come, first serve basis.