Hurricane season begins June 1; get ready now

According to the National Hurricane Center, the 2024 season is expected to be one of the most active on record.

Mississippi is no stranger to the devastating effects of hurricanes, with the state experiencing some of the most intense storms in history, like hurricanes Camille and Katrina.

“While Mississippi is no stranger to disasters, you can never be too prepared,” said Jefferson Davis County Emergency Management Director Jocelyn Ragsdale. “Not only can hurricanes bring wind and rain, but flooding, prolonged power outages and extreme heat tends to follow,” she said.

With the official start of hurricane season approaching, FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency officials urge all Mississippi residents to prepare themselves, their families and their property.

“It’s important that citizens have go-kits with food, water and other needed supplies to survive after a storm,” said Ragsdale.

Every go-kit will look different. If someone has special needs and requires oxygen or medicines that need to stay cold, the time to make a backup plan is now.

“The first 72 hours are on you to be prepared,” said Ragsdale. “Jefferson Davis County, let’s prepare now.”

“Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem,” said Robert Samaan, FEMA Region 4 Administrator, cautioning against complacency from non-coastal communities. “Heavy rain, wind, floodwaters, and even tornadoes happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to know what threats they face and how best to prepare.”

Forecasts predict a very active season, with global weather patterns and historically high ocean temperatures creating enhanced conditions for tropical development.

“While there are a number of predictions for this year’s hurricane season, all it takes is one storm to bring destruction to our state,” said Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “All Mississippians from the Gulf Coast to north Mississippi should be prepared with a go-kit of food, water, and other needed supplies to last your family for at least 72 hours,” he said.

There are other simple steps Mississippians can take now to get prepared:

• Add the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) App to your phone.
• Browse the newly-released Hurricane Guide and Preparedness Guidebook for Older Adults from MEMA.
• Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather emergency alerts for up to five different locations.
• Evacuate if told to do so; Text SHELTER to 43362 to find nearby emergency shelters in case of evacuation

Bottom line: don’t put off your family’s safety – get prepared for hurricane season now! Find more information at Ready.Gov/Hurricanes.

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