Pearl, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the National
Weather Service and the Mississippi Department of Transportation urge Mississippians to plan
for winter weather on Winter Weather Preparedness Day, December 6, 2023. NOAA’s Climate
Prediction Center forecasts a “wetter than average” winter for the state. Mississippians should
be prepared for cold temperatures, the potential for flash flooding, and prolonged power
outages this season.
“While we may not experience lots of snow in Mississippi, we are prone to ice during these cold
months. All citizens should have a disaster go-kit that can get them through at least 72 hours
without power,” says MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “Check on your neighbors
and elderly, too.” More preparedness tips can be found on MEMA’s website, msema.org.
“As winter approaches in Mississippi, it’s crucial to prepare for cold temperatures and potential
snowy and icy conditions. Stay informed, have emergency supplies like blankets and nonperishable food on hand, and ensure your home is adequately insulated. Preparedness is key to
navigating winter weather effectively in Mississippi. Now is the time to prepare,” says Michael
Hill, National Weather Service Jackson Warning Coordination Meteorologist.
As we enter the winter season, roads and bridges can become treacherous for drivers. “As
we’ve seen in recent years, that winter weather and extreme cold events are capable of impacting
Mississippi highways can strike quickly this time of the year,” said MDOT Executive Director
Brad White. “With that in mind, MDOT offers the public preparedness resources for the winter
months, including safe driving tips, a car kit checklist, and car care information at
GoMDOT.com/winter.
Below are ways to prepare your family, home, and vehicle for the winter months ahead:
Winterize Your Home:
• Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Insulate walls and attics; use caulk and weather-stripping around doors and windows.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed, or any other structure that may provide shelter for your
family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.
• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house
or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip slightly
during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and ensure everyone in your house knows how to use
them.
• Learn how to shut off water valves in the case of a pipe bursting.
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors, or
employees.
Your disaster go-kit for your family should include:
Non-perishable food for family and pets Water (1 gallon/family member a day)
Extra blankets Dry Firewood
Additional medications First Aid Kit
Phone Charger Hygiene Items
Flashlights Extra Batteries
Car Kit Checklist:
Windshield scraper Flashlight with extra batteries
Jumper cables First aid kit
Blankets Cell phone charger
Water/snacks Emergency flares or reflectors