OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi, May 11, 2021 — In support of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the Gulf of Mexico Alliance encourages all Gulf Coast residents to get ready for the upcoming hurricane season. Individuals, families, and communities all have a role to play in reducing their risk from hurricanes and other natural disasters. Emergency preparedness resources provide valuable information on easy and cost-effective ways to reduce risk, be prepared, and increase resilience.

The “Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters” is a resource for homeowners and other Gulf Coast residents created by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, Gulf Sea Grant Programs, and state partners from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Information in the handbook comes from leading organizations in preparedness and recovery and the handbook is customized for each of the five Gulf states.

Content includes essential information on:

• risks from hurricanes and other natural hazards
• planning and preparing for a hurricane
• protecting and strengthening your property
• response and recovery
• insurance

The handbook also includes emergency contact information and a disaster supplies checklist.

“Hurricanes are a part of life for residents along the Gulf Coast. Everyone can take easy steps to be more prepared for hurricane season,” said Laura Bowie, executive director for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. “Knowing the risks, having a plan, and preparing a disaster kit are things we can all do to protect our family and homes.”

Handbooks for each Gulf state are available as a free digital download on the Gulf of Mexico Alliance website. More than 13,000 printed copies of the Homeowners Handbook have been distributed over the last year; they are available at many community locations in each of the Gulf states.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through November 30.