The Vicksburg Fire Department is preparing for any uptick in activity as a result of Tropical Storm Francine.

Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps said the department is adding extra manpower, as well as two extra vehicles to aid in handling a possible increase in fire or medical calls over the next several days.

“As Tropical Storm Francine approaches, the Vicksburg Fire Department has enacted proactive measures to ensure preparedness,” Stamps said. “We have strategically deployed an additional ambulance, which will remain in service for a 24-hour period, to bolster our emergency response capabilities. In addition, we have augmented our response team by integrating three more highly trained members. This reinforcement is specifically aimed at addressing the anticipated impacts of the storm, such as flash-flooding, the potential for fallen trees obstructing roads and the increased risk of fires due to adverse weather conditions.”

Stamps said the three extra bodies on call during this increased period of preparedness will man a dually truck augmented to add additional assistance in emergency situations.

“Our overarching objective is to be fully geared to swiftly and effectively respond to a wide range of potential emergencies that may materialize as a result of the storm,” Stamps said.

Francine is expected to bring heavy rain and flash-flooding along the Gulf Coast and areas of southern Mississippi from Wednesday into Friday. Warren County residents should prepare now for severe weather and potential power outages, Warren County Emergency Management Agency Director John Elfer said.

“I think it could be a rain event for us, but I think that people just need to be prepared and pay attention to changing forecasts,” Elfer said after a noon briefing Tuesday. “In the event this thing shifts, you need supplies to last you 72 hours.”

Elfer said it is important that residents maintain ways to receive updates in the event of a loss of power and ensure they have common-sense items like a manual can-opener.

“We could have some pretty strong winds and a bunch of rain, but it’s not like we haven’t been through it before,” he said. “People just need to use common sense and pay attention to the weather. Have more than one way to get an alert. You can’t go wrong with a weather radio. Make sure you have a way to charge your smartphone, or whatever device you have. Make sure you can function without electricity.”

Elfer said he advises residents to visit the MEMA website at https://www.msema.org/ for additional tips and up-to-date information on Francine.