Hurricane Season is Approaching: The Time to Prepare is Now

The week of May 25-31, 2014 has been declared "National Hurricane Preparedness Week" by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC). While a majority of hurricanes that typically impact Hancock County appear later in the hurricane season, which runs from June 1-November 30, early preparations can improve outcomes should you be affected by a storm. The Hancock County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the Hancock Resource Center (HRC) and the American Red Cross, along with county and municipal offices, would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that now is the time to prepare for the season.

“Of utmost importance is making sure that every resident is registered for First Call, Hancock County’s emergency notification system,” said Brian “Hooty” Adam, EMA Director.  First Call is a web-based notification service that keeps residents informed about weather-related emergencies and any evacuation orders in a timely fashion, directly to their phones.  To register, call Jennifer Lacoste at the EMA at 255-0942 or visit https://alertregistration.com/hancockcoms/ and follow the simple online registration process.  Residents of Bay St. Louis may also register for Blackboard, the city’s own emergency notification system, by visiting the City of Bay St. Louis website http://baystlouis-ms.gov/ and clicking Emergency Alert Network.

Those with smartphones may want to consider looking into the free apps created by the American Red Cross. In addition to the popular hurricane app, Red Cross also offers tornado and first aid apps that puts help right in your hand. Call **REDCROSS from your mobile phone and you will be sent a link to download the apps, or search the iTunes app store or Google Play for American Red Cross.

Signing up for these alerts and notifications are a good first step in becoming prepared for the upcoming hurricane season. Knowing your evacuation plan and what to take to a shelter, if needed, is equally important. American Red Cross hurricane safety checklists and guides for what to take to shelters, as well as Hancock County-specific preparedness information, will be sent home with Hancock County children enrolled in early education programs next week as part of South MS VOAD’s Week of Awareness projects. An additional event at the Bay St. Louis Splash Pad is tentatively set from 10-1 on Saturday, June 28th when hurricane season will be underway and plans are even more crucial. The City of Waveland’s flood simulator is planned to be on site, as well as the Red Cross ERV, with representation from Hancock County VOAD agencies and C-HOST. Look for more information about this upcoming event in coming weeks.

For additional information, refer to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Ready.gov/hurricanes for comprehensive information on hurricane preparedness at home and in your community. Like their Facebook page, Ready, at https://www.facebook.com/readygov.

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