Storm brewing in Atlantic is perfect reminder to get ourselves prepared

Published 10:22 am Friday, August 26, 2016

It only takes one. It only takes that one moment, when you are not prepared to take a bad situation and make it a disaster.

For those who live in the Southeast, near the Gulf Coast, June 1 through Nov. 1 is a season most hate to see arrive and then love to see leave. That season is hurricane season.

For those of us who live four or so hours from the coast, the threat of a hurricane is not something that causes us concern on a daily basis. But, it is something that we nonetheless must be prepared for.

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In central Mississippi and north Louisiana, we do not have to worry about such things such things as storm surge, but the heavy rains, high wind and spinoff tornadoes associated with the landfall of a hurricane are threats that become far too real.

Now, as a storm looks to make its way into the Gulf of Mexico in the coming days, is the time to either review your safety plan and materials or begin preparing.

A storm preparedness kit is not just something that has value during hurricane season, but throughout the year when weather in south can often be unpredictable.

Things such as flashlights, batteries and water, are important regardless of the weather emergency, whether it be damage as the result of a hurricane or that rare snow/ice storm that knocks out power.

The Department of Homeland Security has put together a number of safety and storm preparedness items, including suggestions on building a supplies kit and developing an emergency communications list.

“You may need to survive on your own after an emergency,” DHS advises on their site. “This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.”

Take the time now, before this possible storm — or any other — comes knocking and puts you and your family in danger.