From: Jackson County EOC  Ken Flannigan   Filed 8/29/08  GCN

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors declared a “Proclamation of Local Emergency” today (Aug. 29) in advance of possible effects from Tropical Storm Gustav. This proclamation allows the County to take several steps in preparation of severe weather.

The Board is closing the Ocean Springs Harbor to all “transient vessels and boats” until the threat of Gustav subsides. All current boat owners with valid “Slip Lease Agreements” can continue to dock their boats at the Harbor.

The County is now offering free sand bags (self serve) at the following 10 locations:

East Side

Forts Lake Fire Dept. on Forts Lake Rd.
Three Rivers Fire Dept. on Hwy. 63
East Road Dept. on Hwy. 63 in Escatawpa
East Central Community Center on Hwy. 614

Central

St. Andrews Fire Dept. on Elm St.
Fontainebleau Fire Dept. on Hwy. 57 (south)
Central Road Dept. on Hwy. 57 in Vancleave

West Side

West Jaxco Fire Dept. on Big Ridge Rd.
Latimer Community Center on Daisy Vestry Rd.
West Road Dept. on N. Washington Ave. in St. Martin.

All Jackson County offices are open for normal operations today (Aug. 29). As a precaution, the County will staff the Emergency Management Office, Ocean Springs Harbor Office and Public Information Office throughout the weekend. Maintenance crews have begun boarding up windows on 18 County offices south of Interstate 10.  All visitation at the County’s Adult Detention Center will be suspended at 3 p.m. today. 

County department heads should review severe weather policies, discuss work schedules with employees and remain available by phone or by texting throughout the weekend.

Emergency Operations Manager Butch Loper is in steady contact with the National Weather Service (NWS) about this system. Current models have the system moving into the southern Gulf of Mexico by Saturday and making landfall between Houston, TX and Pensacola, FL by next Tuesday.

The County is preparing for the possibility of opening a Red Cross Shelter and providing a vanpool for residents in need of transportation. These measures will be taken if necessary. Officials encourage residents to take this opportunity to review their family’s emergency communication plan, check hurricane supplies and consider what items will be needed in case of an evacuation. Also, don’t forget about your pet’s needs- travel case, food, water.

All official County announcements and news releases will come from the County’s Emergency Management Office and/or Public Information Office. All pre-storm updates will also be posted on the County’s website for verification.