Vicksburg’s four — and sometimes five — casinos are an ever-present reminder that this city is a gambling town.

With no hurricanes through the first six weeks of the season, the time is now for residents to prepare for the inevitable. Hurricane Emilia is churning in the Pacific Ocean and reached Category 4 status on Tuesday. Emilia is no threat to Mississippi — and thank God for that. Destructive hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico have been minimal since the double-punch in 2005 of Katrina and Rita. The odds of hurricanes staying at bay are lousy. So don’t roll the dice on this one. Get prepared now, before the race to beat the storm occurs.

In addition to creating a family plan of action, construct a supply list that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• One gallon of bottled water per person per day for at least three days. One can go long periods without food, but such cannot be said for water, the lifeblood of human existence.

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Scour the sales circulars in The Vicksburg Post, and when an essential item goes on sale, stock up and pack it away for a rainy (to say the least) event.

• Buy an emergency radio, either powered by batteries or a hand-crank, and several flashlights. Make sure there are plenty of fresh batteries easily accessible.

• Put together a first-aid kit that includes bandages, cleansing agents, a thermometer and all prescription medications.

• Make sure all cell phones are charged and ready for use.

• Buy extra gasoline. Long lines at local gas stations formed for days following Katrina as gas supplies were limited. Minimize driving to save gasoline, but an extra can or two is wise to have.

• Look out for neighbors and the neighborhood. Unscrupulous people will use any excuse for wrongdoing, and it’s no different in times of disasters.

So please, diligently prepare for the remaining 4 1/2 months of hurricane season. So far the Gulf Coast has been spared any storm threats. But as those who remember Katrina know, that will change. Don’t bet the house that it won’t.