Now is the time to prepare for hurricane season

The 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds residents, businesses and community organizations across south Mississippi to have a preparedness plan in place before a storm threatens the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“The time to prepare is now, not when a storm is being tracked,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “The first step in preparing for a hurricane is to have a plan of action. MDOT offers a variety of free resources to get started. We’re urging the public to take advantage of these resources and get a jump start on the preparation process.”

The 2019 Hurricane Evacuation Guide is an essential resource and just a click away. Order a free copy today atGoMDOT.com/maps. Guides are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Also available are children’s hurricane activity book, state maps, and more.

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, lodging and travel resources. 

“MDOT urges the public to take action and gather the essential items they may need to safely evacuate before a hurricane,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “It’s important to have both supplies and important documents available for when the time comes.”

If a hurricane forces an evacuation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it’s important for residents to have a plan already in place. Evacuation routes will likely see a sudden increase in traffic volume. Motorists will want to be on the road with enough time to get to their destination safely.

“A majority of hurricanes that have hit land struck the Gulf Coast,” said Commissioner King. “MDOT is ready to provide support in the event of a hurricane and our workers are often the earliest first responders cutting the path for emergency and medical personnel to respond.”

For more hurricane safety tips, visit GoMDOT.com/hurricanes.

During the storm, the public can stay updated on live travel and weather information 24/7 with MDOT’s free travel resources. Visit MDOTtraffic.com or download the MDOT Traffic mobile app.

Follow @MississippiDOT on social media along with the hashtag #HurricaneStrong this hurricane season.