MDOT encourages people to have survival kits prepared

|This is a press release from the Mississippi Department of Transportation

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The 2016 Hurricane Season is officially underway and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) would like to urge residents to get prepared now, instead of waiting until a storm is on the way. Remember, it only takes one storm to change a life and community.

To help prepare Mississippians for Hurricane Season, MDOT offers several free resources including the free 2016 Hurricane Evacuation Guide. The guide features information to assist in developing a preparedness plan such as evacuation routes, contraflow information, radio coverage areas through Mississippi Public Broadcasting and important contact information from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and bordering state DOTs and highway patrols. Individuals and families will find vital resources on shelters, pet care, 211 MS, lodging and travel resources. To order the guide, visit www.GoMDOT.com/maps or call 601-359-7045.

In addition to obtaining a copy of the free 2016 Hurricane Evacuation Guide, MDOT recommends residents make plans, take action and gather the materials needed to secure homes for Hurricane Season. Be sure to have a survival kit ready and stored in a safe place until needed. MDOT recommends the following essential items to include in a survival kit:

WATER:

• Drinking water (one gallon per person per day for 14 days)

• Water for cooking and hygiene (one gallon per day per person)

• Water for pets

FOOD:

• Non-perishable packed or canned food to last 14 days

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, soup, fruits and vegetables

• Canned/ boxed milk or juice

• Bread, crackers, cookies and cereal

• Granola bars and trail mix

• Special food for babies and the elderly

• Non-perishable food for pets

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:

• Cooler for ice and food storage

• Flashlight with extra batteries or hand-crank

• Grill with extra propane, charcoal or Sterno

• Car charger for cell phones

• Waterproof matches

• Water purification tablets

• Napkins, paper towels and toilet paper

• Paper plates, cups and plastic eating utensils

• Outdoor extension cords

• Blankets and towels

• Basic tool kit, work gloves and duct tape

• Waterproof tarp, plastic sheeting and rope

• Pet carriers and pet documentation\licenses

• Extra cash

HEALTH ESSENTIALS:

• Two week supply of prescription drugs and vitamins

• Over the counter pain reliever

• Toiletries and hygiene items

• First Aid Kit

• Sunscreen

• Mosquito repellant

• Antibacterial hand soap

• Plastic garbage bags

• Medications for pets

If a hurricane is on the way, always remember to shut off utilities and propane tanks, turn all refrigerators and freezers to the coldest setting and leave the doors closed, fill a tub with water and unplug all appliances and electronics.

In addition to preparing a survival kit for hurricane season, MDOT also offers home readiness checklists along with tips and instructional videos on how to get prepared at www.GoMDOT.com/hurricanes. Stay updated during the storm by following @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Google+ along with #HurricaneStrong and #ItOnlyTakesOne.