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Disaster Preparedness
Issues: Congressional Issues
Hurricane Preparedness
Preparing for a Disaster
The most important thing that you can do is to be informed and prepared.
Disaster Prevention should include developing a family and pet plan based on your vulnerability to the Hurricane Hazards. You should keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family. Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
Additionally, every family should have a disaster preparedness kit. Your disaster preparedness kit should include water, food, blankets, pillows, clothing, flashlights, batteries, a radio, cash, important documents, pet care items, and any other special items that you might need. Make sure that your emergency supplies are non-perishable and that you have a first-aid kit. You might also want to take First Aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness classes.
Disaster prevention includes modifying your home to strengthen it against storms so that you can be as safe as possible. There are things that you can do to make your home more secure and able to withstand stronger storms. The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it is important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing your roof, straps, shutters, doors, and garage doors. Remember: building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past catastrophes. Contact the local building code official to find out what requirements are necessary for your home improvement projects.
One of the most important decisions you will have to make is whether or not to evacuate. If you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay. But unless you live in a coastal or low-lying area, an area that floods frequently, or in manufactured housing, it is unlikely that emergency managers will ask you to evacuate.
Be prepared to be without electricity, gas, water and telephones for up to three days. Have Supplies On-hand Including -
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
Protect your Pets
- General information on protecting your pets during a disaster.
Important Numbers:
MS Emergency Management Agency 1-866-519-MEMA(6362)
MPB 24-Hour Newsroom 601-432-6136
Congressman Palazzo’s Toll Free Number 1-855-255-8740
Emergency Operations Centers:
Hancock County 228-466-8320
Harrison County 228-865-4002
Jackson County 228-769-3111
MDOT Traffic Hotline 1-866-521-MDOT(6368)
Louisiana DOT Traffic Hotline 1-877-4LA-DOTD(3683)
Alabama DOT Traffic Hotline 1-334-242-6358
National Weather Service:
Jackson 601-965-4638
On The Radio
Listen to the Mississippi Public Broadcasting FM Radio for information
Biloxi: 90.3
Jackson: 91.3
On the Internet:
Mississippi Public Broadcasting www.mpbonline.org
FEMA www.fema.gov
MEMA www.msema.org
MDOT www.gomdot.com
National Weather Service: www.srh.noaa.gov
Be Informed
Know evacuation routes, and listen to local authorities when asked to evacuate. Everyone should know their risks. Whether you live in a coastal community or inland, speak with your insurance agent now about flood insurance and review your homeowner’s policy. Every state is at risk for flooding and homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a cost-effective way to prepare financially for floods. To learn more about your risk and flood insurance, visit the website of the National Flood Insurance Program.
To stay informed during a storm keep a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information should you experience a power outage and have extra batteries on hand.
Contact your local Citizen Corps Council to learn what efforts your community is taking to prepare for hurricane season, and learn how you can help. To find a nearby Citizen Corps Council or to learn more about Citizen Corps' Partner Programs, visit www.citizencorps.gov.
