Hurricane Season Has Ended But We Should Always Be Prepared 

Release Date: December 10, 2008
Release Number: 1604-691

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina

BILOXI, Miss. -- Even though the 2008 hurricane season is officially over, disaster preparedness is important for all Mississippians year-round, said officials of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Mississippi Transitional Recovery Office (TRO).

"Hurricane season may have ended on November 30," said Acting TRO Director Alec Watson. "But individuals and families throughout Mississippi should always be prepared."

While south Mississippians are familiar with the annual threat of hurricanes, there are numerous types of disaster that can strike at any time. Being prepared not only can reduce the impact of a disaster on families, it can alleviate the fear and anxiety that often accompany a tragic event.

"Being prepared can and does save lives and properties during disaster," said MEMA Director Mike Womack.  "It is important for everyone to have a disaster supply kit ready and family communications and evacuation plans."

When preparing a supply kit, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival:  fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes so, plan in advance. Decide on an evacuation route. Have a communications plan, including an out of town point-of-contact. Know what you will do in certain situations.

Knowing when an emergency may be occurring and what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. So, it’s also important to stay informed.

Visit www.ready.gov to learn more about preparedness. The site offers a wealth of information for families and businesses. It even includes games and activities geared toward teaching children about preparedness.

For further information on the Katrina recovery mission in Mississippi, visit www.msema.org.

Go to www.fema.gov to learn more tips on how best to prepare your household for a disaster.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 10-Dec-2008 16:17:16