MEMA: Strong Storms Possible Saturday

PEARL, Miss. (Press Release) — The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is asking everyone to be prepared for possible severe weather on Saturday. The two things everyone should remember are to know how to get alerts and have a plan for what you will do.

The National Weather Service says there is a threat of damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, large hail, and possibly tornadoes. Forecasters believe the strong system could move into the Northwest and Delta region of the state in the morning and slowly push east through the evening hours.

The following are essential reminders:

• Have a family emergency plan and family communication plan. Every member of your family should know where to go, and how to communicate with each other if there is storm damage in your area.
• Check on your family friends and neighbors to ensure they are prepared for severe weather.
• Check and restock your emergency supply kit in case your home is without power for an extended period of time.
• Residents in mobile homes or manufactured housing should consider going to a more substantial structure to wait out the storm.
• If riding in a vehicle, never attempt to outrun a tornado. You should abandon the vehicle and get into a sturdy structure.

There are many ways you can be alerted to severe weather warnings:

• NOAA weather radios: An essential tool that should be in every home or business.
• Wireless Emergency Alert Messages: Make sure these notifications are turned “on” in your phone settings.
• Smartphone Apps.
• Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
• Local radio and TV stations.
• Community tornado sirens.

For detailed preparedness information, contact your county emergency management agency or go to MEMA’s website at www.msema.org. The best way to get up-to-date information is to “Like” MEMA on Facebook, or “Follow” them on twitter.