Hurricane Preparedness Week April 30 – May 6, 2023

Governor Reeves declared April 30 – May 6, 2023, Hurricane Preparedness Week for the State of Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges citizens to prepare for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Last year, there were fourteen named storms, eight of which formed into hurricanes, two of which became major hurricanes. Mississippi continues to recover from Hurricane Ida, which hit in 2021, resulting in more than $30 million in damage.

“Over the last few years, our state has confronted hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and more,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “It is critical to have a plan before severe weather strikes. It can make the difference in keeping you and your family safe. I hope Hurricane Preparedness Week can help raise awareness about the upcoming hurricane season and encourage Mississippians to take the necessary steps to prepare.”

“Don’t wait for a tropical storm or hurricane to get in the Gulf of Mexico to prepare. Protect your families now by getting ready,” says MEMA’s Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “While the State is prepared to respond to a hurricane, the “First 72 Hours Are On You.” That means you need at least seventy-two hours’ worth of food and water for each family member. Take time today to prepare yourself and your family for a storm.”

Every Mississippi family should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with necessities like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, etc. MEMA encourages homeowners to do an insurance check before hurricane season; homeowners should also purchase flood insurance if a home is in a special flood hazard zone. Download the disaster supply kit at www.msema.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/DisasterSupplyKitChecklist.pdf.

MEMA will highlight key messages, facts, and ways to be prepared on their social media outlets each day of Hurricane Preparedness Week. Here are the key topics for each day:
 

• April 30, 2023 - Know Your Risk: Wind & Water
• May 1, 2023 - Prepare Before Hurricane Season
• May 2, 2023 - Understand Forecast Information
• May 3, 2023 - Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
• May 4, 2023 - Stay Protected During Storms
• May 5, 2023 - Use Caution After Storms
• May 6, 2023 - Take Action Today

The official Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1, 2023 to November 30, 2023.

Each day of the week, MEMA will share special messaging on their Facebook and Twitter.

Mississippians can also view their MEMA Disaster Guide at https://www.msema.org/preparedness-2/hurricanes/. The guide is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.