Jackson Free Press

[Verbatim from Office of Governor] (JACKSON, Mississippi)--Today Governor Haley Barbour issued a State of Emergency for the State of Mississippi due to the threat posed by Hurricane Gustav, which has demonstrated potential to severely impact the entire state according to current predictions by the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center.

"I urge all Mississippians to please take this storm seriously. One of the most important lessons we learned after Hurricane Katrina was that there is no substitute for awareness and self-help, especially in the days before a hurricane is predicted to hit," Governor Barbour said. "Now is the time to prepare yourself, your family and your friends."

Residents should take preparation steps by developing a family communications and evacuation plan and ensuring that key items like bottled water, canned food, and flashlights are readily available, the Governor said.

Below is the full text of Governor Barbour's State of Emergency:

WHEREAS, the current predictions of the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center demonstrate the potential for the entire State of Mississippi to be severely impacted by Hurricane Gustav, beginning on August 31, 2008, which may include sheltering of evacuees from other states, hurricane and tropical storm force winds, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and possible tornadoes; and

WHEREAS, this storm system is expected to cause personal injuries, damage to homes, businesses, public property, and threaten the safety of the citizens and property throughout the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in consideration of the health and safety of the residents and the protection of their property within the affected areas, and in the public interest, all steps should be taken to protect people and property:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, Governor of the State of Mississippi, pursuant to the authority vested in me under the Constitution of the State of Mississippi and Sections 33-15-11(b)(17) and (18), Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, and in the public interest and for the general welfare, do hereby proclaim a State of Emergency to exist in the areas of the State of Mississippi impacted by this tropical severe weather system; and, do hereby designate all areas south of the I-20 East/West corridor and located in the State of Mississippi as the emergency impact area as defined and contemplated by Sections 33-15-1 through 33-15-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended. The provisions of this proclamation shall exist and remain in effect until such time as this threat to public safety shall cease to exist as prescribed in Sections 33-15-11(b)(17) and (18), Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.

FURTHER, all agencies of the State of Mississippi shall discharge their emergency responsibilities as deemed necessary and as set forth in the State of Mississippi Emergency Operations Plan and Executive Order No. 653, dated November 16, 1990.