The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds residents, businesses and community organizations across south Mississippi to have a preparedness plan in place before a storm threatens the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“When preparing for a hurricane, the first step is to have a plan of action. The time to get your plan in place is now, not when a storm threatens,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “MDOT offers different resources to help you get started, and we urge all Mississippians to take advantage of them.”
The 2020 MDOT Hurricane Evacuation Guide is an essential resource and just a click away. Order a free copy today at GoMDOT.com/maps. Guides are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Also available are children’s hurricane activity book, state maps and more.
The Hurricane Evacuation Guide features information to assist in developing a preparedness plan such as evacuation routes, contraflow information, radio coverage areas through Mississippi Public Broadcasting and important contact information from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and bordering state DOTs and highway patrols. Individuals and families will find vital resources on shelters, pet care, lodging and travel resources.
If a hurricane forces an evacuation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it’s important for residents to have a plan already in place. Evacuation routes will likely see a sudden increase in traffic volume. Motorists will want to be on the road with enough time to get to their destination safely.
“An above average hurricane season is predicted for this year, and people may be forced to evacuate,” said King. “The tools are there to keep your family safe, but it is your job to utilize them.”
For more hurricane safety tips, visit GoMDOT.com/hurricanes.
During the storm, the public can stay updated on live travel and weather information 24/7 with MDOT’s free travel resources. Visit MDOTtraffic.com or download the MDOT Traffic mobile app.
Follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter along with the hashtag #HurricaneStrong this hurricane season.
Press Release
6/1/2020
Magnolia Tribune
