PEARL, Miss. (MEMA) – Governor Reeves declared May 5 – May 11, 2024, Hurricane Preparedness Week for the State of Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges citizens to prepare for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Last year, The Atlantic basin saw 20 named storms, which ranks fourth for the most-named storms in a year since 1950. Of those storms, seven were hurricanes, and three intensified to major hurricanes.
According to the National Weather Service, an average season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
“Over the last few years, our state has confronted many natural disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “It is critical to have a plan before severe weather strikes. It can make a difference in keeping you and your family safe. I hope Hurricane Preparedness Week can help raise awareness about the upcoming hurricane season and encourage Mississippians to take the necessary steps to prepare.”
“Don’t wait for a tropical storm or hurricane to move into the Gulf of Mexico to prepare,” says MEMA’s Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “While the State is prepared to respond to a hurricane, the First 72 Hours Are On You. That means you need at least 72 hours’ worth of food and water for each family member. Take time today to prepare yourself and your family for a storm.”
Every Mississippi family should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with necessities like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, etc. MEMA encourages homeowners to do an insurance check before hurricane season; homeowners should also purchase flood insurance if a home is in a special flood hazard zone.
MEMA will highlight key messages, facts, and ways to be prepared on our social media outlets each day of Hurricane Preparedness Week. Here are the key topics for each day:
- May 5, 2024 – Know Your Risk: Wind & Water
- May 6, 2024 – Prepare Before Hurricane Season
- May 7, 2024 – Understand Forecast Information
- May 8, 2024 – Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
- May 9, 2024 – Stay Protected During Storms
- May 10, 2024 – Use Caution After Storms
- May 11, 2024 – Take Action Today
MEMA has created a new Hurricane Guide to help Mississippians prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. The new MEMA Hurricane Guide can be found here.
The official Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1, 2024- November 30, 2024.
Each day of the week, MEMA will share special messaging on our Facebook and Twitter.
Mississippians can also view our MEMA Disaster Guide here.
MEMA’s Disaster Guide in Spanish is here.
MEMA’s Disaster Guide in Vietnamese is here.
