Recent stormy weather reminds us that Mississippi springtime weather is unpredictable and can often be dangerous.

Whether its thunderstorms with straight line winds or spin off tornadoes, having a weather preparedness plan is a necessity in Mississippi.

Because of our abundance of trees and vegetation, storms typically mean fallen trees. And fallen trees often mean downed power lines and a loss of power at our homes and offices.

Entergy reminds us to be prepared for the inevitable.

Create a plan and a kit. Make certain you are connected to several ways of getting severe weather warnings, Entergy officials urge. Make sure you have either a smartphone app or a weather radio with an alarm or alert loud enough to wake you when severe weather threatens at night when many people are sleeping. The January 2017 storms and tornadoes in Hattiesburg struck in the early morning hours, killing four. It’s essential your weather app or radio be set loud enough to wake you with word of an approaching storm.

Entergy offers a downloadable Operation Storm Ready guide on its entergystormcenter.com website. That guide helps you make a family emergency plan and tells you the basic supplies you need in a kit in the event you are without power at your home.

Those supplies include:

4 At least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation.

4 A battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both, as well as a cell phone with charger, inverter or solar charger.

4 A flashlight and extra batteries.

4 A first aid kit with emergency reference material, like a first aid book.

4 A complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

4 A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

You will also need medications you take and personal hygiene items. And the guide recommends ways to store and protect important family documents.

The Entergy information is important. If you haven’t discussed with your family emergency plans or checked your basic supplies, now is a good time to do so.

Visit entergystormcenter.com for more information.