The County Emergency Management is a multi-functional agency whose primary duty is to prepare, respond and recover from several types of natural, man-made and technological disasters that may occur in Stone County. These disasters include severe weather emergencies such as large thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, large fires and hazardous materials incidents.

stone county ms emaMike WIlliams, EMA Director
533 First Street South
PO Drawer 7
Wiggins MS 39577
Phone: 601-928-3077
Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Email: mwilliams@stonecountyms.gov

 

Department Personnel:
Dottie Daniels, 911 Director
Stone County Communication Center 911
533 First Street South
Wiggins MS 39577
Phone: 601-928-2800
Hours: 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Email: ddaniels911@stonecountyms.gov

Helpful Information:

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. Be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind that while tornadoes are more common in the Southeast and Southwest, they can occur in any state and at any time of the year, making advance preparation important.

Prepare for a Tornado

  • Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard. 
  • A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor local radio and television news outlets for the latest developments. 
  • A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter immediately.
  • Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning. 
  • Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. 
  • If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. 
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. 
  • Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris. 
  • A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible. 
  • If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. 
  • Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed. 
  • Get a kit of emergency supplies. Store it in your shelter location.

Plan to Take Shelter

  • If local authorities issue a tornado warning or if you see a funnel cloud. Take shelter immediately. 
  • Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available. 
  • Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

Stay Informed

  • After a tornado be sure to remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines.
  • Help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.
  • Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Hurricane

Pre-Storm Preparedness

Planning ahead helps to safeguard lives and property. It can also relieve anxiety as a storm approaches. The best time to plan how you will secure your property, assemble your disaster kit and where you will ride out the storm is before hurricane seasons begins.

Home and Family

  • Develop your disaster plan and ensure that each family member knows it.
  • Make sure your children know how and when to call 9-1-1.
  • Make sure your shutters are adequate to secure all vulnerable areas of your home, and that all necessary hardware is close by.
  • Locate a "safe room" in your home and stock it with at least three days worth of emergency supplies
  • Put valuables, photos and important papers in waterproof bags and store in a safe place.
  • Check if you need flood and windstorm coverage. Take photos of your home.
  • Post emergency contact numbers by your phones including in-and out-of-state contacts.
  • Prune your trees and dispose of all tree-cuttings, or schedule a curbside bulky waste pickup.
  • Dispose of small items with twice-weekly garbage collection service.

Food, Water and Supplies

  • Stock at least a two-week supply of food, water and medication for yourself and your pet.
  • Bottle your own water with reusable waters containers. Some are even collapsible for easy storage. Fill when a hurricane warning has been issued. Figure about one gallon per person, per day.
  • Make sure your weather radio has fresh batteries and some to spare.
  • Replenish your first-aid kit.

Evacuation Planning

  • If you live in an evacuation zone or mobile home, you'll need to go to a shelter, a friend's home or hotel. Only use an emergency shelter as a last resort.
  • The Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) is available for residents who require specialized shelter and transportation for medical reasons.
  • Due to space limitations, qualified residents should register well in advance of hurricane season.

Pet Prep

  • Secure a proper pet carrier, leash, cages, etc.
  • Keep a two-week supply of their medications and food in waterproof containers.
  • Get a laminated card with proof of current vaccinations from your veterinarian.
  • Ask your vet about microchip implants for your pet.
  • Keep current photos of your pet in the event you become separated.

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