Ahead of Tropical Storm Barry, the American Red Cross offers some preparedness and safety guidance in anticipation of severe rain and flooding that is expected to hit Mississippi over the weekend as planning and preparing can make a big difference in safety and resiliency in the wake of a hurricane or tropical storm.
The 2019 Hurricane Season began June 1 and the Red Cross has steps people should take now to get ready for any storm. Hurricane season runs until November 30.
These storms can cause problems for people in coastal areas and can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland. “These are dangerous storms that can affect people living here in the Mississippi,” said Regional Preparedness Manager for the American Red Cross Mississippi Region, Cheryl Kocurek. “It’s time to get ready now.”
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD DO
• Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
• Talk with household members and create an evacuation plan. Practicing the plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
• Be informed. Learn about the community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets.
If someone already has a disaster kit, now is the time make sure the food and water are still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date. If they already have an emergency plan for their household, they should talk about it again with family members, so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.
