Now is the Time to Prepare for Hurricane Season
The Gulf Coast has been enjoying marvelous weather, but emergency management agencies are not being fooled by the sunny skies. EMA leaders gathered today to discuss the importance of having a game plan to keep the Coast cities and residents safe. News 25’s Kendra Turley reports.
Summer is just around the corner which means hurricane season is quickly approaching. Knowing what to expect and what to do in case of a severe storm is the top priority for various emergency management teams throughout Mississippi. MEMA Executive Director Lee Smithson said, “It’s been over a decade since we’ve seen anything very significant and the law of average says we can expect something this year.”
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. This season is expected to be more active than previous years. Harrison County Emergency Management Director Rupert Lacy said, “What we do know out of all of that is all it takes is one storm to create havoc to our residents, to our guests that come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
Officials from across the state joined forces today to remind the public just how important it is to stay informed and be prepared. The press conference served as a part of the year’s Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Hurricane Preparedness Week is just another reminder to Mississippi residents of the steps they can take to ensure they’re prepared before, during and after a severe storm.
Residents can prepare for this year’s hurricane season by putting together an emergency supply kit. The kit should contain enough supplies to sustain a family for 72 hours.
While emergency management teams plan to do what is necessary to keep residents safe, officials tells News 25 the public still has a responsibility of their own. Director of Emergency Services for Jackson County Earl Etheridge said, “The states, the cities, and the counties can’t do everything for everybody, but the public has to be prepared. They have to have a plan. They need to know where they’re going. They need to know.”
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