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The Emergency Management Agency is charged with the development and maintenance of a Comprehensive Emergency Management Program in coordination and planning with local, state, federal and private agencies in order to protect life and property from natural and manmade hazardous events. The program seeks to mitigate the effects of an occurrence, respond during emergencies and provide necessary assistance, and to establish a recovery system in order to return the community to its normal state of affairs as soon as possible. This agency is also charged with establishing, maintaining, and operating in Emergency Operations Center from which officials can conduct operations during emergency/disaster conditions. WARNING SYSTEMS NOAA Weather RadioAll Hazards NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stationsbroadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest NationalWeather Service Office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings,watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NOAA Weather Radio includes signals which trigger alertfeatures on specially equipped receivers when warnings are posted on dangerousstorms. In some cases, the receiver is automatically turned on, in others thereceiver sounds a loud tone to alert listeners to the special weather bulletinbeing aired. Weather Information for DeSotoCounty is broadcast on 162.475 MHzfrom Memphis, TNand 162.400 MHz from Oxford, MS. Newer modern NOAA Radio include a feature called SpecificArea Message Encoder (S.A.M.E.). This system uses digital technology to allowlisteners to select the specific weather threat and specific area for whichthey want to be alerted. The six digitS.A.M.E. Code for DeSoto County is 028033. ALERT FM Alert FM is an FM radio based system used for massnotification. Emergency information is delivered via the data subcarrier ofexisting FM radio stations, SMS (text) and email. This personal alert andmessaging system allows emergency management officials to create and senddigital alerts and messages to recipients such as first responders, schoolofficials, businesses, and citizens based on geographic or organizationalgroupings. Such alerts and messages might include NOAA weather warnings,evacuation instructions, homeland security notices, Amber Alerts, or schoolclosings. Alert FM receivers have been placed in DeSoto CountySchools, Office buildings and other Public access areas to provide emergencyinformation. For more information on theAlert FM System visit www.alertfm.com Outdoor Warning System:
Emergency Warning Signals Tornado Warning: A three (3) to five (5) minute wavering sound is used towarn persons that a TORNADO WARNING has been issued. Selected sirens with voicecapability will make a verbal announcement that a TORNADO WARNING has beenissued followed by a three (3) minute wavering tone. If severe weather is occurring, take cover at once. Again, listen to alocal radio or television station for information. Remain in shelter orprotected area until danger is over. When the sirens sound: Do not use telephones! Do not dial911! Turn on your radio or your television to a local station to receiveinformation or instruction. Follow instructions issued by the media from the Emergency Operations Center. Hazard Warning:
A steady blast of three (3) to five (5) minutes means anemergency exists requiring immediate notification. Turn on your radio or yourtelevision to a local station for information regarding the emergency. (Thismay involve such things as evacuation of an area, or taking immediateprotective shelter or cover.) Selected sirens with voice capability will make averbal announcement regarding the type of emergency. If evacuation is necessary due to hazardous materialsincidents, floods, etc., evacuation directions and other necessary informationwill be broadcast over local radio and television stations. NOTE: Siren test are conducted weekly. DeSoto County, The City of Hernando and the Town of Walls are tested at noonon Thursday. The City of Horn Lake, City of Olive Branch and the City of Southavenconduct test at Noon on Saturday. The sirens will not be tested during periods of inclementweather. If they should sound at any other time, a possible emergency existsand the above instructions should be followed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has multiplepublications available online for use in educating the public aboutemergencies. Suggested Publications andEmergency Preparedness Courses - Pamphlets on construction of fallout shelters, giving directions on construction of home fallout shelters, with materials lists, etc.
- Pamphlets covering many different types of emergencies such as nuclear preparedness, earthquake, flash flood, hurricane, thunderstorm, winter storm, heat wave, home chemical safety.
- Tornado Spotter Course
A one and one-half hour course conducted by a member of the U.S. Weather Service using films, slides, and lecture. This course teaches how to recognize tornadoes, and other severe weather conditions, how to disseminate warnings, and what protective measures can be taken by individuals, as well as the tornado "look-alikes" and how to recognize them. There is no charge for this class, but each class must be arranged well in advance by phoning 662-429-1359, Training Officer, DeSoto County EMA or the National Weather Service Office Warning Coordination Officer in Memphis at 901-544-0399.
- Are You Ready? (IS-22)
The "Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness" has been designed to help the citizens of this nation learn how to protect themselves and their families against all types of hazards. It can be used as a reference source or as a step-by-step manual.
*Natural disaster, technological dangers, and threat of nuclear war. *The phases of emergency management. *The development of emergency plans to insure the safety of yourself and your family.
To enroll in the IS-2, Visit the FEMA web site at WWW.FEMA.GOV
- Community Emergency Response Team
The course contains 24 hours of training in areas of disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology and team organization.
To obtain more information regarding the CERT program contact the CERT coordinator, DeSoto County EMA at 662-429-1359. Family Disaster Kit
Always have a family disaster kit and plan ready. Disasters can strike at any time, and response could be delayed as much as 72 hours after the disaster, depending on the type. Plan beforehand what your family should do and be sure each family member knows. Be prepared for any disaster before it strikes: you won't have time afterwards. - Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation). Water should be stored in plastic containers. Never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow.
- Food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking and preparation. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following:
* Ready-to-eat meats, fruits and vegetables.
* Milk (powdered or canned).
* Smoked or dried meats like beef jerky.
* High-energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, health foods, trail mix).
* Juices (canned, powdered or crystallized).
* Stress foods (sugar cookies, hard candy, and sweetened cereals).
* Soups (bouillon cubes or dried "soup in a cup").
* Staples (sugar, pepper, salt). - First Aid Kit: You should have two first aid kits - one for your home and one for your car. Check with the American Red Cross or your pharmacist about what to include in your kits. Be sure to include nonprescription drugs like aspirin, laxative, emetic, antacid, hydrogen peroxide, etc.
- Clothing and Bedding: Include at least one complete changing of clothes and footwear for everyone. Include rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, sunglasses, cold weather gear, sturdy shoes or work boots.
- Tools and Supplies: Miscellaneous items are needed in your disaster kit also. These would include but are not limited to: mess kits or paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, radio and fresh batteries, flashlights and fresh batteries, cash, can-opener, fire extinguisher (ABC type), tent, pliers and a shut off wrench, matches (in waterproof container), garbage bags, compass, aluminum foil, sanitation items, soap, household chlorine bleach, small shovel.
- Special Items: Family members with special needs - such as infants, disabled individuals, or the elderly - will need certain items that you might not normally consider. Be sure that medications, glasses, diapers, formula and bottles are included. Have some type of entertainment for children and adults. Keep important family documents or copies of such in waterproof, portable containers, such as wills, insurance papers, passports, immunization records, household inventories, birth\death certificates, bank\credit bard information.
Earthquakes An earthquake is defined as a sudden, rapid shaking of the Earth caused by the release of energy stored in rocks. An earthquake is a natural occurrence, like rain, and earthquakes can affect almost every part of the Earth, like rain. While predictions about earthquakes in the Central United States area have been going around for years, there is a good probability for a major earthquake on the New Madrid Fault in the future. A major earthquake on that fault would affect the DeSoto County area. Should an earthquake occur in the area that you are in, do the following: - DON'T PANIC! When a rolling, shaking, or quivering motion is felt in the earth or in buildings, get under a desk, tables, or in the door frames and brace yourself against movement. If outside when an earthquake occurs try to get to a large open space as far away from trees, power lines, or buildings as you can.
- Be prepared for aftershocks that can occur within minutes to hours after an earthquake. These are natural and will be, at times, just about as strong as the main earthquake.
- Be prepared to cut off gas, water, and electricity to your home or business if necessary. Know beforehand what to do and when to cut these off.
- Have a family disaster kit on hand with enough supplies to last at lest 72 hours after the earthquake. Depending upon the type damage and the type response needed, not all areas will be able to have immediate response.
- Have a battery-powered radio on hand to be able to get news of what is going on in your area.
- Have a point of contact in another city or state that you and family members can contact and leave messages if you are not together at the time of the earthquake. Many times local phone lines will not work, whereas long distance lines will.
- If you have to leave your home, leave a note on a door so that anyone coming to your home to check on you will be able to locate you. In the note state where you are going, when you left, medical conditions of family members, and whether all family members are accounted for.
After the Emergency - Use extreme caution in re-entering homes or damaged buildings.
- Stay away from damaged or fallen utility lines.
- Be aware of possible gas leaks and do not strike matches or turn on fires if you suspect gas is leaking.
- If you detect leaking gas, turn off gas valve at meter and notify gas company, fire or police as soon as possible.
- Do not re-enter house until you have been told it is safe to do so, if it has been damaged.
- Turn off main electric power switch if fuses blow when power is restored after being off; have wiring inspected for short circuits by reputable contractor.
- Do not eat foods, which have been damaged by water or other mediums.
- Be sure to follow advice of local authorities concerning food in freezers and refrigerators after an emergency (if your home has been damaged or power has been off for any period of time).
- Let your family know you are safe after a disaster, if possible, but do not tie up telephones with long conversation.
- DO NOT REPEAT RUMORS AFTER A DISASTER.
- STAY AWAY FROM DISASTER AREAS.
- Don't drive unless necessary. If you have to drive, use extreme caution and avoid areas where there has been damage, or where water is still over streets or in underpasses.
Checklist for Severe Weather Conditions
Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms
- When a TORNADO WATCH is issued by Weather Service, be alert and listen to radio or TV for further information.
- When a TORNADO WARNING is issued or emergency sirens sound during severe weather, take immediate protective actions.
- You should treat a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING just as you would a TORNADO WARNING.
- If you see a revolving, funnel shaped cloud, take cover in the safest place nearest to where you are. If time permits, report sighting to the local EOC by dialing 911.
- Stay away from windows: glass can shatter and fly into people.
- At home, go to inside hallway, closet, or bathroom, away from windows, or get under heavy piece of furniture. If you have a basement, go there and get under a workbench or other heavy furniture. Protect your head.
- Downtown - get off street. Go into buildings away from windows or exterior areas. In shopping malls, go to designated areas in stores.
- If in a car, get out and go inside a building if possible. If not, get in a ditch or other low area, being cautious of possible flash flooding, or crouch down near a strong building. Cover head with hands. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car.
- In schools, follow directions issued by authorities. Go to inside halls and crouch down against wall, covering head with hands. Keep away from room with windows or outside doors and big rooms like gyms and auditoriums.
- If you live in mobile home, get out and get to a building or lie in a ditch and cover your head with your hands.
Winter Storms - Ice and Snow
- Be sure you have battery-operated radio and fresh batteries and flashlights or battery operated lanterns.
- Do not travel streets in icing conditions unless absolutely necessary.
- If you must go out, wear several layers of clothing; mittens are warmer than gloves; wear hat and cover ears and mouth.
Hurricanes
- When a hurricane watch is issued for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, be alert. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can be spawned by the remnants of tropical storm systems as they move through this area.
- Listen to weather service broadcasts on radio or TV for latest advisories.
- If severe thunderstorms develop, follow directions for actions to take and listen for current information on radio and TV.
- If you plan to visit the Gulf Coast, and a hurricane watch has been posted for that area, delay your visit until the all clear has been issued.
- REMEMBER: If the emergency warning sirens sound during severe weather conditions, it could mean that a tornado is on the ground or traveling in the air over this area and confirmed by the Weather Service. TAKE COVER AT ONCE and listen to radio or TV for additional instructions.
Hazardous Materials Accidents/Incidents
- Transportation Accidents
- If you are in an area when a hazardous material incident occurs, be alert for possible spills, vapor clouds, fires or possible explosion.
- Follow instructions of police or other emergency personnel in the area.
- STAY AWAY from any area where there is an accident involving hazardous materials.
- If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.
Fixed Facility Accidents
- Gasoline spills occur frequently at service stations. If you are present when this occurs, leave the premises as soon as possible. Do not start a car or light a cigarette.
- If told to evacuate, move rapidly away from the area.
- Do not try to drive on barricaded streets.
Important Notice - In the event of a major emergency or disaster, please turn on your local radio or TV station for important announcements and emergency information.
- If evacuation is necessary for any or all areas of DeSoto County, this information will be broadcast over the local radio and TV station from the Emergency Management Agency.
- Should an enemy attack be imminent or actually occur, the Emergency Alert System would go into effect, and all information and instructions to the public would be issued over local Emergency Alert AM/FM radio station in this area.
Emergency Operations Center Staffing Members of the local emergency services are assigned to the Emergency Operations Center during any major emergency or disaster to exercise direction and control for emergency and recovery operation.
The local emergency services include: - Elected officials of DeSoto County and its municipalities.
- City and County Department Heads or their appointees.
- DeSoto County Health and Human Services Department Heads or their appointees.
- Support organizations such as telephone, power and gas company representatives; emergency broadcast system radio operators; city and county school's representatives.
- Volunteer organizations such as American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
- The Emergency Management Agency staff has the responsibility to coordinate planning for emergencies; assist in organizing training programs, drills, and tests of emergency plans; and warning the public in case of emergency or a pending emergency situation.
Examples of Emergencies Some emergencies which require public warning include but are not limited to: - Severe Weather, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, winter storms, floods and flash floods.
- Railway accidents involving hazardous materials such as toxic gases explosives, corrosives, flammables, etc.
- Airplane crashes.
- Gas main explosions; dangerous gas escaping from well-drilling operations.
- Massive fires involving possible evacuation of citizens.
- Chemical spills or other dangerous materials on the ground or in the atmosphere.
- Highway transportation accidents involving hazardous materials.
In case of emergency elsewhere, DeSoto County has mutual aid agreements with other counties and with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to assist with manpower and equipment when needed. In turn other counties and the State Office would assist in their area when needed. The Emergency Management Agency works closely with radio and TV media to inform the public, warn of impending or actual disasters, and advise citizens of action to take should emergencies occur. Links: Tier II Submission Tier II Instructions Tier II Form
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