Wes Holsapple speaks on emergency preparedness

Wes Holsapple from the Mississippi State Department of Health, spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson during its May 10, 2022 meeting. Holsapple spoke on emergency/disaster preparedness. According to Holsapple, citizens need to be prepared to be self-sufficiant for 3-7 days after a disaster. Why should we be prepared? Remember waiting in lines to buy fuel after Katrina? You need to be prepared for an emergency/disaster while traveling as well according to Holsapple. You never know when you will be stuck on the road. You need to have a family plan on how to get in touch with each other after a disaster. Natural hazards that are frequent in Mississippi are; rain & flooding, tornadoes, thunderstorms & lightning, extreme heat and power outages. There is a 44% risk of these happening. Why be prepared? Having what you need, when you need it according to Holsapple. According to Holsapple, being prepared reduces the emotional impact of feeling helpless during a disaster.  Here is a list of Community disaster preparedness info and resources.
STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

Building you disaster plan and supply kit: https://www.msema.org/preparedness-2/

MS READY phone app: MS Ready on the App Store (apple.com)

Emergency Mgrs. in all 83 counties:  County EMA – MEMA (msema.org)

Hinds co: JOEY PERKIN / 601-960-1476

mADISON CO: ALBERTJONES, III / 601-859-4188

RANKIN CO: mIKE WORD / 601-825-1499
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) https://my.msema.org/ 

Public Assistance Grants and Hazard Mitigation Grants when property is damaged

Mississippi shelters activated during emergencies: https://www.msema.org/?s=shelters

WEATHER RESOURCES

National Weather Service Jackson: www.weather.gov/jan

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov
Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed: www.ready.gov
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov

OTHER RESOURCES 
Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) www.gomdot.com 
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality: www.deq.state.ms.us
Mississippi Department of Public Safety: www.dps.state.ms.us
Mississippi Department of Health: www.msdh.state.ms.us 

Mississippi Department of Public Safety: www.dps.state.ms.us 

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
The Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org