Mississippi National Guard troops work in Gulfport after Hurricane Gustav. (AP Photo/Sun Herald, Pat Sullivan)
In the aftermath of a major disaster, a community’s resources will be stretched to—or beyond—their limits. Luckily, there may be outside assistance available from the federal government, the state, or other communities. Each community’s post-disaster plan should do everything it can to incorporate outside help if it is available. Consider creating “mutual aid” regional agreements with nearby communities, especially those out of the coastal zone that may be less likely to be damaged by coastal storms.
Your emergency management coordinator should familiarize him- or herself with Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) resources and procedures (e.g., who to contact with reports of damage or assistance needs as they arise during a storm).
Contact MEMA, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the Coastal Resources Management Office to discuss how they can assist your community after a disaster.