Projects

Community Hurricane Preparedness Fair

Abstract

The intent is to establish this event as an annual occurrence to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in order to save lives and property in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. Additionally, the meeting will serve as a regional forum for emergency management officials and residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to exchange information and recommend practices to improve hurricane preparedness.

Objectives

The intent is to establish this event as an annual occurrence to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation in order to save lives and property in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region.  Additionally, the Meeting will serve as a regional forum for emergency management officials and residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to exchange information and recommend practices to improve hurricane preparedness.

Methodology

Partners from each phase of emergency management including planning, response, recovery, and mitigation will be included to provide information to citizens.  These partners are expected to include but are not limited to the following:  City of Ocean Springs, Gulf Coast Research Lab, Jackson County, Coastal Hazards Outreach Strategy Team (CHOST), and Lamar Advertising.  Activities will include presentations, speeches, demonstrations, informational handouts, and potentially hands-on activities.  In order to accomplish the goal of increased awareness and preparedness, the following points of interest will be emphasized:

  • Lessons learned from hurricane strikes
  • Hurricane hazards such as high winds and tornadoes, flooding, and storm surge
  • Forecasting process
  • Preparation steps
  • The ABC’s of hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation – in recognition of the fact that there is a continual population fluctuation
  • Information about new or ongoing assistance programs
  • What to expect from MEMA and FEMA
  • How volunteer groups fit into emergency response
  • How to create your family plan or business plan

Rationale

Citizens do not generally seek information related to being prepared for an emergency, especially hurricanes.  Many long-term residents have developed a complacent attitude and do not look far enough to address potential problems.  By actively reaching out to the public and providing them concise, detailed information on steps to take prior to an event, we hope to address this situation and help raise awareness of resources that are available and strategies to take to protect their families.