Jackson Free Press

[Verbatim from the Governor's office] (JACKSON, Mississippi)—Today Governor Haley Barbour issued a State of Emergency for the entire State of Mississippi due to the potential threat posed by Hurricane Ike, which has demonstrated capability to impact parts of the state according to current predictions by the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center.

"I am issuing this State of Emergency as a necessary precaution to ensure Mississippi is as prepared as possible to withstand any impact from Hurricane Ike," Governor Barbour said. "Although we don't know whether Ike will even affect Mississippi, it's important that we take this storm seriously. As I've said before, Mississippians should pray for the best but prepare for the worst."

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 Ike, 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 designate the entire 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 as set forth in the State of Mississippi Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.