The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is encouraging citizens to prepare for potential winter weather and extreme cold that is predicted to impact a large portion of Mississippi. The National Weather Service is forecasting significant amounts of ice accumulation, snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Travel conditions will be dangerous with some roads impassable. Trees and branches could come down because of the ice, causing power outages. In addition to the winter storm, temperatures are expected to fall below freezing throughout the state with wind chills reaching single digits in some areas.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is asking everyone in the anticipated impacted areas to use extreme caution. MEMA recommends the following safety tips during winter storms:
- Have a fully stocked emergency supply kit that includes water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, medications, a flashlight and extra batteries, and extra blankets.
- Stay home and do not drive on snowy or icy roads.
- Stay clear of downed power lines. Even if the electricity appears to be off, leave the lines alone. Do not try to move them yourself.
- Only operate generators outdoors. Do not operate a generator inside your home or garage.
- Be cautious when using alternative heat sources.
- Letting water drip from a faucet during extremely cold weather can help prevent pipes of your home from bursting.
- If you suspect your pipes are frozen and may have burst, turn off your water at the main shut-off valve and call a plumber.
The original announcement can be found here.