Preparing your Family

Before a hurricane threatens Mississippi, you and your family need to be prepared and know what you are going to do and where you are going to go.

You can build a plan online here.

Having a Family Disaster Plan will help keep your family safe during a stressful situation.

• First you need to discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Are you in a flood plane? Can your house sustain high winds? Will you need to evacuate?

• Next, locate the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard

• If you do evacuation, make plans to stay with a nearby friend or relative in a safe area

• If you cannot stay with a friend/relative, ask your local emergency management agency for shelter locations.

• Know the evacuation route from your home.

• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact.

• Make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

• Stock up on non-perishable food, medicine and emergency supplies.

• Take first-aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

You need to make sure your home is prepared as well. have a Home Preparedness Checklist.

A good way to stay safe during a hurricane is with a Disaster Supply Kit.

If you do have to evacuation, many shelters will NOT take animals. Make sure you have a safe place to leave your pet. Here are some helpful ideas for pet owners

• Make sure the pet is current on vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines

• Keep a collar with identification on your pet

• Have a properly-sized pet carrier

• Plan a refuge – specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends out of harm’s

• Make sure to have plenty of extra food and water for your pet in your disaster kit.

Disaster Supply Kit

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items

Home Preparedness Checklist

Hurricane-proof structural elements most prone to wind damage: garage doors, windows, doors and roofs

Check insurance policy – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.

Make sure your house number is clearly marked on your home.

Locate and label all main shut-off valves including the incoming water valve, main breaker or fuse box and incoming natural gas valve.

Check that shelves are fastened securely.

Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.

Loss of Power

Have flashlights and fresh batteries on hand.

Turn off and unplug stereos, televisions, computers and other appliances when the storm becomes imminent.

Keep refrigerators or freezers closed during a power outage unless absolutely necessary. Repeatedly opening these appliances causes the cold air to escape and food to thaw more quickly.

Stay away from downed power lines. Assume that any downed power lines are energized. Contact your local electrical company immediately if you discover downed lines.

Do not touch tree limbs or other objects touching a power line. Never try to remove a tree limb or any object that is in contact with a power line. Contact your local electrical company for assistance.