Mississippi Governor Barbour Declares May 25-29 Hurricane Preparedness Week

May 22, 2009 -- Jackson, Mississippi - With another hurricane season fast approaching, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Mississippi Emergency Management Director Mike Womack want to remind Mississippians to have emergency evacuation and communication plans and disaster supply kits ready.

Governor Barbour signed a proclamation declaring May 25 to May 29 as Mississippi’s Hurricane Preparedness Week. The awareness week is held in conjunction with the National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

“We have come a long way since Hurricane Katrina, but Mississippians need to remember that while catastrophic hurricanes don’t happen every year, we still have to be prepared for the worst and pray for the best,” Governor Barbour said.

Womack asks that residents pay attention to weather forecasts and heed the advice of their local officials if asked to voluntarily evacuate.

“If a major storm impacts Mississippi this summer, it could take three days or more for assistance to reach impacted areas,” Womack said. “We need people to have supplies and plans in place so they can be self sufficient for at least 72 hours after landfall.”

“Our coastal residents need to know where they can go in case they are asked to evacuate and make plans for their pets since many shelters do not allow animals,” Womack said.

MEMA provides hurricane and disaster tips in the preparedness section of its Web site, www.msema.org.

Here are some items you and your family should have in a disaster kit before tropical weather threatens:

● Flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries.
● Canned and non-perishable food.
● Bottled water.
● Toiletry items.
● Pet food and pet supplies.
● Medicine and prescription medication.
● Copies of important family papers and documents.

For more information on National Hurricane Preparedness Week go to The National Hurricane Center’s Web site at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

MEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, other state agencies and non-profit organizations will provide information and preparedness tips all week to help residents prepare for the upcoming season. For more information, go to www.msema.org.

Source: Mississippi Governor