Pearl River County — With another storm possibly on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, preparation is key to having supplies or avoiding the inconvenience of contraflow if evacuating.
Pearl River County Emergency Operations Director Danny Manley is asking county residents and business owners to not only prepare for the possibility of another storm affecting the area, but to prepare for the effects of contraflow.
This county is a gateway into Mississippi for the neighboring state of Louisiana, and a evacuation route for Mississippi Gulf Coast residents. That fact obligates county businesses and services to offer help to keep contraflow evacuees moving. Not only should businesses be prepared for the needs of people heading to safety through this county, preparations should be made to help those same people when they return to their homes.
Manley said he will request additional help and work to provide bathroom facilities for contraflow evacuees. Businesses can help with the increased demands of fuel and resources by using some of the increased profits they accumulated during the last contraflow. He estimates many business owners have collected about six months worth of profits in a week’s time. Those extra profits can be used to prepare for the next wave of contraflow associated with another storm making land fall.
Such preparations could include purchasing increased supplies of fuel, food and water. Generators also would be a wise investment if the county is without power for an extended period of time. If businesses have generators and are able to operate, it will help the county recover faster. Retailers should take into consideration where their fuel comes from and what will happen if the storm affects those areas, Manley said.
Preparing for a storm also involves considering the possibility of evacuation. When considering whether to evacuate or not, residents should assess the strength of their home with high winds and if there are trees that could endanger the home. In instances of power outages, expect food and fuel to be temporarily unavailable so residents should be able to care for themselves.
“These are things that are just out of our control on the county level,” Manley said.
Mobile homes are not safe to ride out major storms. Hurricane Katrina was a prime example of that, Manley said. People who live in mobile homes, or have economic problems evacuating, should contact family members who live in strong structures.
Even though Pearl River County is not affected by storm surge as coastal counties are, there is the possibility of fresh water flooding and flash flooding, especially in low lying areas. Manley said that fresh water flooding is typically the leading cause of death in a storm. Wind, rain and tornadoes also are a major concern.
If evacuation is the only option, residents should consider the effects of contraflow. Alternate routes should be considered. There will be needs of those travelingfor snacks, restroom breaks and other supplies. If a shelter is a consideration, it should be known that shelters are commonly not the most comfortable options and are just as susceptible to storm damage. Shelter availability will be based on available staff and if they are able to open. Information on shelters will be available by calling the EOC at 601-795-3058, Manley said.
Local News
Busy storm season calls for preparation
- Local News
-
-
MRI INSTALLED
This $1.2 million Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment was installed at the new location of Highland Community Hospital.
-
Hall suspected of robbery after escaping
A man who escaped from jail after attending his father’s wake is suspected of having carried out an armed robbery on the Texas-Arkansas state line. Johnny Hall escaped from Mississippi Department of Corrections custody on Friday while attending his father’s wake in Picayune.
-
City Hall expansion groundbreaking held
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday at the construction site for the expansion of the historic Picayune City Hall. “You can see our future when you look down Goodyear Boulevard. You see Chimney Square, our high school, The Link at First Baptist Church, Jack Read Park and then our historic City Hall.
-
PRC athletic director says he’ll recommend random drug testing
Pearl River Central athletic director Andy Kivlan told the school board at its Monday night meeting that he will most likely recommend that students participating in extracurricular activities, including band and ROTC, be subject to random drug screening.
-
Supervisors adopt resolution encouraging more economic development in South Miss.
Following a short presentation by State Sen. Tony Smith (R-Picayune), the board of supervisors adopted on Monday a resolution encouraging state officials and agencies to exercise “fairness and parity” regarding location of new industries in Mississippi.
-
MDEQ wants comprehensive waste disposal plan from county
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has told Pearl River County it wants a comprehensive waste disposal plan for the county. Supervisors indicated at their Monday meeting that they are not happy with the request.
-
Police: Powell planned deadly fire for some time
Josh Powell planned the deadly house fire that killed him and his young sons for some time, dropping toys at charities and sending final emails to multiple acquaintances before the blaze, authorities said Monday.
-
Bar fight ends in man being run over
A bar fight Friday morning resulted in one man being run over by the other with a pickup truck.
The fight was reported to Picayune Police officers Friday morning at about 1:44 at the American Legion Hall on Union School Road, said Capt. Chad Dorn. -
Arson suspected at possible murder site
Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department investigators suspect arson was involved in a structure fire that occurred at a home where James Raine was killed last year.
The home at 24 Emma Lane was the scene of what investigators believe was the murder of the 37-year-old Raine in October, 2011. -
Inmate escapes leaving father’s wake
Johnny Hall Jr., 30, escaped from Mississippi Department of Corrections custody Friday afternoon while attending his father’s wake in Picayune.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
