Simple Steps to Help Your Family Prepare for Hurricane Season

As the school year winds down, hurricane season ramps up, beginning on June 1 and continuing through Nov. 30. However, each of the last seven years, the first storm of the year spun up prior to June 1. Governor Tate Reeves has declared the first week of May as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Mississippi, and encourages residents to review their insurance policies, evacuation routes and to check and restock their disaster supply kit. 

The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, more commonly known as the “Hurricane Hunters” are a component of the 403rd Wing, located at Biloxi’s Keesler Air Force Base. Last year, the Hurricane Hunters were busy tracking the third most-active Atlantic Hurricane Season on record. The 2021 season ended with a total of 21 tropical storms, four of which were major hurricanes, including Hurricane Ida.This is on the heels of the 2020 hurricane season, the most active on record with 30 named storms and six major hurricanes. 

This year is predicted to be another above-average year with 16-20 named storms, 6-8 hurricanes, 3-5 of which are anticipated to be a major strength (Category 3 or above). 

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the state are better prepared than ever to respond to a hurricane, but residents must take an active role in preparing for the survival and recovery from the impacts of hurricanes. Now is the time to develop a family emergency plan, learn evacuation routes and begin assembling a three to five-day disaster supply kit that should contain:

• Flashlight and battery-powered radio with additional batteries.
• Canned and non-perishable food.
• Bottled water.
• Toiletry items.
• Pet food and pet supplies.
• Medicine and prescription medication.
• Copies of important family papers and documents.
• Personal protective equipment.

Your home is your greatest investment, and should be protected as much as possible. Prior to the start of hurricane season, review your insurance policies and ensure that flood insurance, if necessary, is current. To help expedite any insurance claims after a storm, it is helpful to have an updated home inventory list with photos of the home itself, valuable possessions and vehicles.  

If a storm is approaching Mississippi, protect your home ahead of time from strong winds by making sure loose branches on trees surrounding your home have been trimmed, securing all loose outdoor items, covering windows, securing doors and parking vehicles in a safe location.MEMA’s 2022 Disaster Guide offers tips and evacuation maps to best prepare your family and your home for a hurricane. The guide is also available in Spanish. With proper preparedness and information, you can improve your home’s ability to withstand the impact of hurricanes.