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Being prepared for
possible disasters is the best way to ensure that you and
your family members are protected. Each citizen is part of
an emergency management system that is all about protection
- protecting people and property from all types of hazards.
If you think of emergency management as a pyramid, the citizens
form the base of the structure. Each citizen has a responsibility
to protect themselves and their family by knowing what to
do before, during and after an emergency.
MEMA urges each citizen
to develop a family disaster plan that includes having a Disaster
Supply Kit, a Family Communications Plan and a Family Evacuation
Plan.
Maintain a Disaster
Supply Kit that includes:
- Nonperishable food & water for at least three to five
days.
- A first-aid kit with any prescription medications your
family or pets need.
- Battery-powered flashlight and radio and extra batteries.
- Specialty items for your family such as baby formula,
prescriptions or pet-care items.
- Copies of important documents including driver's license,
Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies,
wills, deeds, birth & marriage certificates, tax records,
medical records, etc.
- Cash & travelers' checks in case banks and ATMs are
not available.
- Bedding and clothing for each family member.
Develop a Family
Communications Plan:
- Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as a family
contact. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long
distance than locally.
- Make sure all family and close friends know who the family
contact person is, and how to get in contact with them.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas
and water in case authorities advise you to do so.
Develop a Family
Evacuation Plan:
- Contact your county emergency management director to learn
of your community's emergency plan, location of shelters
and evacuation routes.
- Identify ahead of time where you would go if ordered to
evacuate.
- Keep a state road map or evacuation map inside your vehicle
at all times.
- Listen to Mississippi Public Broadcasting's radio stations,
a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio and television stations
for evacuation instructions once an evacuation is ordered.
- If you go to a shelter, take items with you that
your family will need, such as games or toys for children,
bedding items, clothing or any personal care items you will
need.
- If you own pets, many hotels will waive a no-animal policy
during disasters. Make a list of possible hotels and call
ahead of time for their policy. Shelters usually do not
allow pets. If you take your pet to a pet shelter, the pet
must have a current vaccination record, a pet carrier and
their own supply of pet food.
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