Gustav Alert Biloxi-Gulfport

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Gustav vs. Katrin- Biloxi-Gulfport- Locals Better Prepared

Well, it looks like it is that time of year again. LSU is creaming their opponent, everyone is cleaning their grills in preparation for the big labor day weekend. Except here on the Gulf Coast of  Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama we are busy making last second preparations for a steadily approaching hurricane. Gustav.

Gustav Now a Category 4-Soon to be a Category 5

Gustav a large and dangerous category four, soon to be category five, hurricane is plowing  its way into the Gulf of Mexico. Anytime a storm makes its way into the gulf we here on the Mississippi gulf coast know that it is time to start preparing.

Though Gustav is presently forecast to make landfall well to the east Gulfport , these storms are often unpredictable and waiting until the last minute to make sure you are ready, in case of a sudden turn, is ill advised and sometimes deadly.

That’s why I spent today going over my hurricane checklist and making sure that, if worst comes to worst, I am prepared.

Click for National Hurricane Center here

Hurricane Preparedness: 90% Preparation….and  10%Execution.

Hurricane preparedness starts at the beginning of the season. As summer approaches and the days start getting longer all coastal residents should make sure to start keeping an eye on tropical weather forecasts and to reacquaint themselves with their local evacuation routes. It is a good idea to check first aid kits and make sure that they are well stocked and up to date. Next….

Battery Powered Weather Radio

It is also important to make sure you have a weather radio that is in good working order, fresh supplies of batteries and bottled water, a bright flashlight and are well stocked with non-perishable food items. And don’t forget to check those storm shutters or plywood supplies so you aren’t running to the lumber yard at the last minute only to find empty shelves.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Hurricane Evacuation:

Of course hurricane preparedness doesn’t stop with the home. When a storm the size of Gustav approaches it is often the best decision to evacuate coastal areas, and before doing so, it is important to make sure that the car is prepared to take you where you need to go. As a car guy I always make sure to give the same attention to preparing the car as I do to preparing the house.

Hurricane Supplies for your Auto

It is always important to keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance on any car, but it is even more crucial when you might need the car to escape from an approaching hurricane. I’m sure to always check fluid levels and tire pressures before setting out on the interstates.

There are also a number of items that you should carry in your car if, or when, evacuation time comes. First, you should make sure you have proof of insurance and registration. You should also check the spare tire for proper inflation and make sure the jack is in good working order. Make sure you have a good set of jumper cables as well, and basic tools such as screwdrivers, a hammer, and perhaps a socket set or some wrenches.

You will also want to stock your car with some of the same items you stocked for your home preparedness kit. Bottled water, a good flashlight and a first aid kit can often come in handy during evacuations. I also make sure I have working road flares and rain gear just in case the unexpected does occur.

Last Stop the ATM: Cash is King…You will always need Cash for an emergency.

h these few simple steps taken, I’m am now prepared.  This morning I simply went over my checklist, making sure that I still had sufficient supplies of batteries and water, went and topped of my gas tank, got some money from the ATM. When Katrina hit all the electricity was cut off. With no electricity your credit card was worthless because no transactions could be run. You better have a two or three day supply cash.

With hese few simple steps taken, I’m am now prepared.  This morning I simply went over my checklist, making sure that I still had sufficient supplies of batteries and water, went and topped of my gas tank, got some money from the ATM. When Katrina hit all the electricity was cut off. With no electricity your credit card was worthless because no transactions could be run. You better have a two or three day supply cash.

I am keeping an ear to the forecasts in case of a change in the anticipated storm track. Storms like Gustav are always dangerous, but if you are prepared and stay calm you can minimize that danger substantially. What ever happens, make sure you are among the Biloxi-Gulfport locals who are better prepared for Hurricane Gustav

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147