Gov. Bryant Declares June 2-6 as Hurricane Preparedness Week

PEARL, Miss. (Press Release) — Gov. Phil Bryant has declared the first week of June as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Mississippi to ensure residents are prepared for the upcoming tropical weather season, which officially begins Sunday.

“As our state has seen many times over the years, hurricanes can cause unparalleled destruction and loss of life,” Gov. Bryant said. “Hurricane season is upon us once again. As always, pray for the best, and make sure your family is prepared for what could come.”

NOAA is forecasting an average to below average season of eight to 13 named storms, with three to six of them becoming hurricanes. They also say that a couple could become major hurricanes.

“Our citizens shouldn’t take the forecast of a mild season as necessarily good news,” said MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham. “It only takes one to cause death and destruction. Everyone has to be prepared and ready to take action, including evacuate if asked to do so by local officials.”

Every day next week, MEMA will distribute public messaging about different aspects of preparedness for the hurricane season.

As a preview, the number one thing families should have all year round is an emergency supply kit. Here are some items you should have:

• Flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries,
• Non-perishable food for at least three days,
• One gallon of water, per person, per day for at least three days,
• Toiletry items,
• Pet food and pet supplies,
• Medicine and prescription medication,
• Copies of important family papers and documents, and
• Cash and travelers checks, enough to fill up your vehicle with fuel.

For more information about how to prepare for hurricane season, go to MEMA’s website at www.msema.org or download the MEMA mobile app on your iOS or Android device. The best way to get up-to-date information is to “Like” MEMA on Facebook, or “Follow” us on twitter.