Jackson Free Press

June 24, 2012 [Verbatim statement] PEARL – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency continues to track and prepare for Tropical Storm Debby as it slowly moves north. The latest forecast cone from the National Hurricane Center includes much of the eastern part of our state.

“Even though the forecast continues to change we have been working behind the scenes for several days preparing for this storm,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “We have been coordinating with our southern counties, state agencies and our federal partners in order to be ready for any of the potential impacts from this storm. I hope our residents are doing the same and are prepared for Tropical Storm Debby.”

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say Debby could bring strong winds, heavy rainfall and above normal tides to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Tides 3 to 5 feet above normal can be expected with flooding of some low-lying areas possible.

Earlier today MEMA Director Robert Latham participated in a teleconference with FEMA officials to discuss state preparedness activities and potential federal support should it be needed. MEMA has provided sand bags to the coast in order to protect some of those flood-prone areas. Liaisons have been deployed to each of the three coast counties to ensure they have quick access to state resources while members of the State Emergency Response Team are on standby to deploy if needed.

“I want the public to understand that regardless of the changes in the forecast, the state is in position to respond swiftly,” said Gov. Phil Bryant. “I have been communicating with emergency personnel in the coastal counties, and with MEMA Director Robert Latham, and we are prepared to support the local jurisdictions and ensure they have the resources to assist and protect the public.”

The forecast for this storm has changed with each update and that means all residents should treat this event as if it is going to make a direct hit on our coast. Know where you would go if you had to evacuate and make sure your disaster supply kit is fully stocked.

Residents should stay tuned to local media for forecast updates and important information from their local governments.

For preparedness information visit MEMA’s website at www.msema.org, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

June 23, 2012 [Verbatim statement] PEARL – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is closely monitoring the developing tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico and working with Mississippi’s coastal counties to assist with any needs they may have. MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham is asking residents and visitors along the coast to be prepared.

“There is so much uncertainty among the experts about the path of this potential storm that I want everyone to be prepared as we head into the weekend,” said Latham. “With the system already in the Gulf citizens in harm’s way may not have a lot of time should it rapidly intensify and head our way.”

Members of the State Emergency Response team are on standby to deploy to the coast if needed. MEMA has also notified the Emergency Coordinating Officers from state agencies about the threat of tropical weather in the Gulf.

Now is the time for residents to talk about their family emergency or evacuation plans, family communication plan and make sure emergency supply kits are stocked and ready to go.

An emergency supply kit should include items like:

Flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries.

Canned and non-perishable food.

Bottled water.

Toiletry items.

Pet food and pet supplies.

Medicine and prescription medication.

Copies of important family papers and documents in watertight holder or stored electronically.

Residents and visitors should stay tuned to local media stations for the latest storm predictions.

MEMA is being briefed by the National Weather Service and in contact with counties in southern Mississippi to coordinate actions. MEMA will continue to release updated information about this developing system and preparations in the state.

For more preparedness information, visit MEMA's Web site at www.msema.org, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Tracking updates at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/