Governor Tate Reeves has declared Feb. 14-19, 2022, as Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi.

In 2021, 76 tornadoes were confirmed in Mississippi, 50 of those occurring during the spring. May was the most active month last year, with a total of 27 tornadoes, breaking that month’s record of tornadoes since 1950.

“Knowing the precautions to take in advance of severe weather saves lives,” said Reeves. “I encourage all Mississippians to review their existing severe whether preparedness plan or create one if you haven’t already done so. The best way to stay safe is to have a plan in place before disaster strikes.”

“It’s important to remember that severe weather extends far beyond just tornadoes. Damaging wind, hail, flooding and lightning are also dangerous hazards associated with severe weather and Mississippi experiences it all,” said MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney.

MEMA has partnered with the National Weather Service to highlight different types of severe weather and ways to prepare. All Mississippians are urged to have a disaster supply kit stocked with food and water year-round. Residents should also know a safe place to seek shelter when severe weather is in the area.

Each day of Preparedness Week, MEMA will post short videos and trivia questions on the day’s topic on its Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as MEMA’s YouTube page.

MEMA’s 2022 Disaster Guide also has additional severe weather preparedness tips.

The week’s topics are: Monday, severe thunderstorms; Tuesday, flash flooding; Wednesday, tornadoes, with a statewide tornado drill at 9:15 a.m.; Thursday, lightning; Friday, alerts and warnings; and Saturday, mobile home safety.