MEMA provides resources to prepare for hurricane season

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The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency wants all Mississippians to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season that begins June 1.

This week, May 3-9, is National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

“Preparation is critical, especially since we are expecting an above-average season this year,” MEMA Executive Director Greg Michel said in a release. “With water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico at record highs, we could potentially experience dangerous hurricanes in the 2020 hurricane season. With the added challenges of COVID-19, MEMA is addressing necessary considerations for response operations, sheltering and evacuation plans,”

There were 18 named storms during last year’s Atlantic hurricane season and five of those storms formed in the Gulf of Mexico. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November 30.

MEMA has provided valuable preparedness information for Mississippians throughout the week. This information can be found on the MEMA website as well as the MEMA Facebook and Twitter pages.

Information on the following topics is available:

Determining Your Risk

Developing an Evacuation Plan

Disaster Supplies

Insurance Check-Ups

Strengthening Your Home

Helping Your Neighbor

Completing a Written Plan

Due to COVID-19, remember to add additional supplies to your disaster kit such as face masks and sanitation products to help protect yourself from the virus.

MEMA’s 2020 Hurricane Preparedness Guide can be found here: https://www.msema.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/39779_MEMA-Hurrican-Preparedness.pdf