Making preparations before the season begins June 1 may mean the difference when it comes to an evacuation call
In April, Dr. William Gray and forecasters at Colorado State University said coastal residents should expect an above-average season with 15 named storms, with four of them expected to be major.
The forecast is based on the extended-range early April statistical prediction scheme that uses 58 years of past data.
Forecasters also expect La Nina conditions to continue to weaken by the start of the 2008 season. That is why a more active season is expected.
Last year, the number of storms was above normal, with 14 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes, but was below the 17 storms and 10 hurricanes that were forecast.
Mississippi has avoided any major storms since Hurricane Katrina devastated the state on Aug. 29, 2005. But two years without a major storm should not keep residents from preparing for this season.
Mike Womack, executive director for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, said new Coast residents need to prepare now by checking to see whether their home is in a surge zone and how it will affect their evacuation plans.
"People just don't realize they need to be thinking about it now," Womack said. "They will be much more comfortable if they have a plan and know where they want to go. Otherwise, they may end up in a shelter."
Womack also stressed that it's not just storm surge residents have to worry about. Those who live inland away from the immediate Coast and in the upper three South Mississippi counties also must worry about flooding.
"Katrina was a relatively dry storm. Typically, they have as many deaths inland with flooding as we do with storm surge. People need to think in terms of 'Am I in a flood area like the Pearl River basin? Wolf River? Am I susceptible? Am I going to be cut off?'
"They have to prepare for that."
As South Mississippi moves toward the start the season, residents should be making plans now to prepare. May 25-31 is Hurricane Preparedness Week, which will bring the focus on being ready to weather a tropical storm or hurricane.
"Again, this is the time to check your emergency kits and replenish your supplies," said Rupert Lacy, Harrison County Emergency Management Agency director. "And that's an all-hazard kit for any emergency. Make sure you have updated your insurance policy and have your documentation. It's time to revisit the family disaster plan and know where you want to go."
Lacy said one of the lessons that was learned in past seasons is to have someone out of state know your family plans should you decide to stay in-state.
"Let a loved one out of state know where you are so they can check on your well-being," he said. "We also are encouraging the residents to buy NOAA weather radios. It's a quick way to get information and it's a good investment."
Lacy also noted that as plans and kits are updated, everyone in the family should be informed so they know what to do if the plan has to be put into effect.
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