The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Department of Transportation, urges Mississippians to plan for winter weather on Winter Weather Preparedness Day, Dec. 6. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a “wetter than average” winter for the state.

Mississippians should be prepared for cold temperatures, the potential for flash flooding, and prolonged power outages this season.

“While we may not experience lots of snow in Mississippi, we are prone to ice during these cold months. All citizens should have a disaster go-kit that can get them through at least 72 hours without power,” says MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “Check on your neighbors and elderly, too.” More preparedness tips can be found on MEMA’s website, msema.org.

“As winter approaches in Mississippi, it’s crucial to prepare for cold temperatures and the potential snowy and icy conditions. Stay informed, have emergency supplies like blankets and non-perishable food on hand, and ensure your home is adequately insulated. Preparedness is key to navigating winter weather effectively in Mississippi. Now is the time to prepare,” says Michael Hill, National Weather Service Jackson Warning Coordination Meteorologist.

As we enter the winter season, roads and bridges can become treacherous for drivers. “As we’ve seen in recent years, winter weather and extreme cold events capable of impacting Mississippi highways can strike quickly this time of the year,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “With that in mind, MDOT offers the public preparedness resources for the winter months, including safe driving tips, a car kit checklist, and car care information at GoMDOT.com/winter.

Below are ways to prepare your family, home, and vehicle for the winter months ahead: 

Winterize your home:

• Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Insulate walls and attics; use caulk and weather-stripping around doors and windows.  Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed, or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.
• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and ensure everyone in your house knows how to use them.
• Learn how to shut off water valves in the case of a pipe bursting.
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors, or employees.

Your disaster go-kit for your family should include the following:

• Non-perishable food for family and pets
• Water (1 gallon/family member/a day)
• Extra blankets
• Additional medications
• Phone charger
• Flashlights
• First Aid Kit
• Extra batteries
• Hygiene items
• Dry firewood

Car go-kits should include the following:

• Windshield scraper
• Jumper cables
• Blankets
• Water/non-perishable snacks
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Cell phone charger
• Emergency flares or reflectors