The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges Mississippians to prepare for potential winter weather and extreme cold next week. Residents should be prepared for potential ice, cold temperatures, and possible prolonged power outages. As an arctic blast is predicted to move across the state, it is important to stay informed, have emergency supplies like blankets and non-perishable food on hand, and ensure your home is adequately insulated. Preparedness is key to staying safe in winter weather.

Below are ways to prepare your family, home, and vehicle for the winter weather.

For the home:

• Store dry, seasoned wood for fireplaces or wood-burning stoves.
• Insulate walls and attics; use caulk and weather-stripping around doors and windows.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
• Winterize houses, barns, sheds or other structures that may provide shelter for people, animals or equipment.
• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away branches that could fall onto a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic, and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and ensure everyone in the home knows how to use them.
• Know how to shut off water valves in the case of a burst pipe. Unhook outdoor water hoses and wrap outdoor faucets.
• Know ahead of time what to do to help elderly or disabled friends and neighbors.

 

Disaster go-kit:

• Non-perishable food for family members and pets
• Water (1 gallon per family member per day)
• Extra blankets
• Dry firewood
• Additional medication
• First aid kit
• Phone charger
• Hygiene items
• Flashlights and extra batteries

 

Car kit:

• Windshield scraper
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• First aid kit
• Cell phone charger
• Water and snacks
• Emergency flares or reflectors

 

MEMA has many resources to help residents prepare for a storm, including the new free MEMA app. On the app, users can find checklists, shelter information, and customizable weather alerts tailored to each user.

The Disaster Guide demonstrates what to do before, during, and after a storm, including making an evacuation plan and building a disaster kit. The guide can be downloaded in English, Spanish and Vietnamese at MSEMA.org.