Dear Mississippians,

Tropical Storm Gustav is currently far away from Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, but its path is uncertain.  Gustav could potentially hit anywhere from Texas to Florida early next week.  Due to this uncertainty, it is important for you and your family to be prepared and to continuously monitor the storm.

I have included some tips from the federal government that should be helpful in your preparation for this storm or any other tropical storm this year.  If you have questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my Gulfport office at (228) 604-2383 or my Jackson office at (601) 965-4644. 

Additionally, I have set up an automated information line to assist with local evacuation information should it be needed.  This line can be reached at (228) 896-4403.  More information on hurricane preparedness can be found at my website, www.wicker.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Roger F. Wicker
United States Senator

PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION & RESOURCES

With Tropical Storm Gustav’s path uncertain, now is the time to ensure you are prepared should the storm hit Mississippi.  The following are a few basic preparedness strategies promoted by the federal government. 

MAKE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

• Gather information that is vital to you and your family, including personal and family documents, insurance and financial information, and other vital records.
• If you are still working on any Katrina rebuilding projects, have clear documentation of your progress.
• Identify activities that will assist you prior to a disaster, such as mapping evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations, and preparing a disaster kit.
• Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the family’s contact.
• Keep a battery-operated radio and extra batteries on hand and make sure all family members know where the supplies are kept.

COLLECT AND ASSEMBLE DISASTER KITS

• Following a disaster, you may need to temporarily survive on your own without basic services such as electricity, gas, water, and communication systems.
• It is recommended that you have a disaster supply kit available.  These kits should include the following:
  o Essential non-perishable food
  o Water
  o Supplies for at least 3 days
  o First aid kit
  o Flash light and extra batteries
  o Portable, battery-powered radio or television
  o Matches
  o Extra clothing
  o Medicines and other healthcare necessities
  o Copies of any identification or credit information
  o Any other supplies essential to you or your family

TAKE PROTECTIVE MEASURES

• Make plans to secure your property by doing the following: 
  o Board up windows if you do not have permanent storm shutters
  o Be sure trees and shrubs around the home are trimmed
  o Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
  o Turn off utilities if instructed to do so
  o Secure your home and other outdoor objects
  o Fill the bathtub or other large clean containers with water
  o Follow local warnings and evacuations requirements

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR EVACUATION

Should it be needed, these numbers will help provide you and your family information in the event of an evacuation. 

Harrison County
Regular:             CTA – (228) 896-8080 (Coast Transit Authority)
Special Needs:  AMR – (228) 897-6663

Hancock County
All Calls to the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency’s information line (228) 466-8201

Jackson County
Regular:             Jackson County Emergency Management Agency – (228) 769-3111
Special Needs:  American Red Cross – (228) 762-2455

Other Numbers:
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
(866) 519-6362

For more information on how to prepare for an evacuation, visit www.msema.org or www.wicker.senate.gov.