News You Can Use
Getting ready for summer - and, maybe, a hurricane
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Kenneth Billings
June 19, 2009
With the arrival of summer, Mississippians begin planning outdoor activities.
For those living on or near the Gulf Coast, the warmest, sunniest season of the year also should involve planning for hurricanes and other severe, potentially devastating weather systems.
When a big storm is bearing down on the region, it's probably too late to prepare adequately, says State Climatologist Charles Wax, a geosciences professor at Mississippi State University.
That old saying is true, he adds: An ounce of preparation IS worth a pound of cure.
An emergency preparedness kit can make surviving a major weather disaster less stressful-and perhaps mean the difference between life and death, Wax observes.
He says an effective emergency kit should include the following essentials:
- Flashlight, radio, batteries.
- Non-perishable food items for at least three days. (MREs, the military's "Meals, Ready to Eat," may be purchased at many surplus or outdoor supply stores.)
- Several gallons of water for drinking and cleaning, as well as purification tablets to extend supplies.
- First-aid supplies.
- Dry clothes and blankets.
- Matches or lighters and portable canned heating fuel such as Sterno or related products.
- A grill and ample charcoal.
- Extra fuel for generators, chainsaws and vehicles.
- Additional amounts of required medicines or hygienic supplies, as required.