Emergency management officials stress year-round hurricane prep

September marks the height of hurricane season, a time when activity across the Gulf Coast typically ramps up.

While no storms are currently a threat to South Mississippi, emergency officials say now is not the time to let your guard down.

Stone County EMA Deputy Director Anita Raborn said, “We have to stay alert just like the public; we need to keep an eye on the weather at all times. Make sure that all our equipment, our emergency equipment, and all of our personnel are ready to respond at any time.”

Stone County emergency management says preparation is a year-round effort. Earlier this year, Tropical Storm Arthur left damage across parts of the region, including Stone County, which damage officials say they’re still working to address.

We’re now in the most active part of hurricane season, a time when conditions become more favorable for tropical storms and hurricanes to develop.

Emergency officials say just because the Gulf Coast currently isn’t in a storm’s path doesn’t mean families should let their guard down. They’re urging residents to take advantage of this quiet period to prepare before the next system forms. “I’m hoping that our citizens have learned that even a small tropical storm can be as powerful or as devastating as a hurricane, and that you have to be prepared for any kind of weather that may happen.”

Officials encourage families to build an emergency kit, review their storm plans, and make sure they’re ready before any tropical system.

They also remind residents to report any damage from a named storm through the Stone County EMA website.