KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss -- KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss – Although hurricane season is between June and November 30, the peak months are August through October.
If a storm is projected to do severe damage to the area the wing commander will issue an evacuation order, but waiting until these orders are issued is not the time to pick a route.
That’s why it is important to establish an evacuation route before a natural disaster hits the local area.
In a less severe storm individuals may be able to shelter locally, however, if living in a building susceptible to flooding, please evacuate instead of sheltering.
Regardless of the projected path of the storm, it is strongly encouraged to travel northbound. Evacuation routes have been identified by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. To avoid traffic congestion on highway 49, over 20 alternate routes have also been established. All evacuation routes can be found at the Mississippi Department of Transportation website.
Before evacuation, individuals should make sure their vehicle is ready by checking the brakes, tires, battery, windshield wipers and fluid levels of their vehicle as well as making sure the gas tank is at least three-quarters full.
The state may also implement contraflow lane reversal for both I-59 and I-55 when requested by the state of Louisiana and the Governor of Mississippi approves. This will have all highway lanes going north.
For more information please visit:
-http://mdot.ms.gov/hurricanes/
-http://www.msema.org/preparedness/hurricanes/
-https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes