Cochran, Wicker Encourage Severe Weather Preparedness

FEMA, NOAA Offer Families, Businesses & Educators Tools to Prepare for Severe Weather

April 24, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today encouraged Mississippians to take advantage of the “Be a Force of Nature” campaign initiated this week to better prepare the public for severe weather.

“Be a Force of Nature” was launched as the public outreach focal point of the first-ever National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which extends through April 28. The preparedness campaign is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  

Cochran and Wicker urged families, businesses, schools and other organizations to review the actions recommended by FEMA and NOAA to better prepare for weather-related disasters.

“Most Mississippians are aware of the dangers posed by severe weather in our state, but a refresher course on how to protect ourselves and our loved ones from tornadoes, floods and the like can be useful,” Cochran said.  “I think we can use the anniversary of last year’s Smithville tornadoes and the historic Mississippi River flooding to pledge to take action to be better prepared.”

“Last year, our state witnessed the devastation that storms and flooding can bring to communities,” said Wicker.  “We know that better preparedness can save lives, even when dangerous weather events occur with little warning.  This is a good week for Mississippians to develop their own preparedness plans.”

The on-line “Be a Force of Nature” toolkit offers the public information to identify potential severe weather threats in specific areas, as well as recommendations on developing emergency kits and communications plans.  It makes suggestions for actions that can be taken, such as safekeeping important documents and valuables, to aid in recovery efforts.

For more information about the “Be a Force of Nature” campaign and server weather preparedness, visit these websites:


###