Social media weather watchers are tracking a tropical depression known now as Invest 99L.

Some are predicting it could turn into a tropical storm and head across the southern tip of Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico.

John Elfer, director of emergency management for Warren County, said it’s way to early to make that call.

“If it gets to the point that it’s named, it will be Hermine,” Elfer said.

While Hurricane Season began June 1 and continues to Nov. 30, Elfer said, statistically speaking, the last week of August and the first week of September is when we have historically had the most storms here.

“The first thing people need is an emergency plan,” he said. “The first part of that plan is having enough supplies to survive unassisted for 72 hours. That’s known as a disaster kit.”

Elfer said the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s website — msema.org — has a complete list of what a disaster kit should include, “like flashlights, extra batteries, portable radios, non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day. Have cash on hand. Make sure to get your prescriptions filled, have a hand-operated can opener. Things like that.”

And don’t forget pet supplies like food, water, a leash, pet carrier, pet medications and your pet’s vaccination records.

“Make sure to have enough fuel in your car, and have a way to charge your cell phone,” Elfer said.

Communicating an evacuation plan with family members is key, as well as having a family communication plan.

“You need to know where to go if you need to evacuate. You need a safe, familiar place. And, you need to designated someone who is not affected to be the contact person for your family, someone who can relay information to others,” he said.

Some of the most important advice, Elfer said, is to be aware and set up emergency alerts.

“If you go to Warren County or to the City of Vicksburg website, you can register for Code Red alerts. You will be notified automatically, and it’s free. “People need to pay attention. Don’t be complacent. Monitor changing conditions. If given guidance from emergency personnel or law enforcement, listen to those. Heed our advice. We hope we can save lives and mitigate damage.”