Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2017

COASTNOTES HURRICANE
PREPAREDNESS 101
story by Lisa Kröger
Hurricane season, which stretches from July to November, is upon us. A little
planning now can ensure your family stays safe in the next storm event.
Brain Adam, the emergency management director for Hancock County, says that families should, “first and foremost, have a plan.”
This plan can include considering where you should evacuate (whether to a family member’s home, a hotel, or a local shelter) and how you will travel. If you will be leaving the area, it’s always a good idea to let friends and family know your plans so that no one will be missing. People who live in surge zones (not just flood zones) need to pay special attention to evacuation notices and leave when they are told. To find out if you live in a surge zone or to locate a shelter near you, contact your county’s emergency management office.
Families also need to stock up on a three-day supply kit. A good kit will include:
• Dry food that does not need to be cooked • Water
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Radios
• Medications
• Pet supplies
• Insurance documents
• Personal identification
• Cash (ATMs may not work)
While flashlights and water seem common sense, some items are easily forgotten. For example, if you plan to evacuate, will the new location house your pets too? Do you have elderly family members who may need help? Consider how you may get them to safety too.
Donald Langham, the emergency management coordinator for Jackson County, stresses how important it is for people to be informed. While we live in the information age thanks to the Internet, Langham
says that we need to be aware of where we find our information. Langham advises “the National Hurricane
Center (NHC) website is the number one information source.”
The NHC also has several social media accounts. The local television and radio stations are good too. Be careful of information from other sources, especially online. Rumors and bad information spread quickly.
Both Adam and Langham agree that hurricane preparedness is something that should be on everyone’s minds. “Every storm is different,” says Langham. “Know your risks, be prepared, and everyone will be able to stay safe.”
Jackson County
www.co.jackson.ms.us
228.769.3111 www.nhc.noaa.gov
Harrison County
www.co.harrison.ms.us 228.865.4002
Hancock County
www.hancockcounty.ms.gov 228.255.0942
24 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2017
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National Hurricane Center