Hurricane season officially begins today, which means it’s time to prepare for the worst.

“The time to prepare is now, not when a storm is being tracked,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “The first step in preparing for a hurricane is to have a plan of action. MDOT offers a variety of free resources to get started. We’re urging the public to take advantage of these resources and get a jump start on the preparation process.”

Though it has been a while since a devastating hurricane hit Southwest Mississippi, a category 5 storm wrecked Florida last year. Communities there are still recovering, even as they prepare for another season.

MDOT recommends residents have a survival kit ready before a storm tracks toward Mississippi. That kit should include the following items:

• Drinking water

• Water for cooking, hygiene and pets.

• Non-perishable foods

• Cooler

• Flashlights with batteries

• Grill with propane

• Blankets

• Towels

• Cleaning supplies

• Medication

• Sunscreen

• Mosquito repellent

• Garbage bags

• Hand soap

• First aid kit

•  Toiletries

“MDOT urges the public to take action and gather the essential items they may need to safely evacuate before a hurricane,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “It’s important to have both supplies and important documents available for when the time comes.”