Mayor Johnny L. DuPree, Ph.D.

Council-Ward 1 Council-Ward 2 Council-Ward 3 Council Ward 4 Council-Ward 5 Kim Bradley Deborah Denard Delgado Carter Carroll Mary Dryden Henry Naylor Public Service Announcement

For Immediate Release: 4-27-15 FEMA TO DISTRIBUTE EMRGENCY FINANCIAL FIRST AID KITS

In the wake of a disaster there are many unpredictable variables that occur. From no electricity, to limited food resources these storms affect lives in ways that many dare to think about.

Everyone who lived in the Hub City and surrounding areas in 2005 and 2013 should remember the devastation that Hurricane Katrina and our most recent tornado caused. Ripping through the masses, neither storm took mercy on the paths they rumbled down. People were killed, homes were destroyed, and many were forced to abandon the lives they once knew, and cherished.

Since these storms, Mississippi residents are taking a second look into the actions they take when preparing for future disasters. They do not want to be caught by surprise again.

The path of Katrina was not projected to come to the Deep South. Neither was the recent tornado that ripped through Hardy Street, and its surrounding neighborhoods in Hattiesburg, MS. It did however, and the residents affected were left devastated. Taking these things into consideration, Mayor Johnny L. DuPree and the City of Hattiesburg, FEMA, Operation of Hope, and The Weather Channel are partnering by issuing preparation guidelines to better assist residents, should another natural disaster be encountered. Included in these guidelines is everything that one might need in the wake of such a situation, including a checklist that will help citizens remember all important items, such as batteries, toiletries, financial statements, and other items that can be easily forgotten.

Mayor, Johnny DuPree said, “To help you take those important steps in financial preparedness for disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Operation HOPE are pleased to provide the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK). The EFFAK is a

flexible tool designed to help individuals and families at all income levels collect and secure the documentation they would need to get on the road to recovery without unnecessary delays, should disaster strike. The EFFAK also includes helpful tips and suggestions regarding how to safeguard important information, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to work with others to strengthen community preparedness.”

There is no known way to prevent natural disasters. There are however, ways to prevent them from destroying everything that is held close to the hearts of each citizen. We hope that you will take these guidelines into serious consideration. Storms can turn on a dime. Please take all precaution to be prepared should another natural disaster decide to stop in your neighborhood.

-30-