As you know, the 2009 hurricane season officially began June 1. College administration has been making preparations for any impending storms this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters say a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year, with the likelihood of six hurricanes and two becoming major hurricanes. Since there is always a possibility of a storm striking the Mississippi Gulf Coast, preparation is vital. All college employees should take a moment to review their department’s severe-weather policies and plans. Additionally, please review the college’s Hurricane Communication Plan on-line at http://www.mgccc.edu/Documents/hurricane_plan_booklet.pdf.
Remember that communications will play a key role during any emergency. We will endeavor to keep you informed through the Connect-ED system, the Web site and the college’s toll-free number. To ensure notification through Connect-ED, visit Web Services by logging in through the college Web site. Once you have logged in to the secure area, update your emergency contact information at the bottom of the page.
In the event that the main Web site becomes unavailable, check our back-up site, http://mgccc.blogspot.com. Students and employees can also call the college’s toll-free phone number at 1-866-735-1122 for periodic college updates during severe-weather situations.
If evacuation becomes necessary, students and employees who evacuate will find important updates through the local television, radio and newspapers as well as the Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s state-wide network of radio and television affiliates. MPB’s radio frequencies are listed on all state evacuation signs.
The college administration will continue to monitor evolving conditions in the tropics and will issue updates throughout the summer and fall.
Please be aware of the following important hurricane preparedness sites:
Periodic updates will be posted on this special section of the Web site throughout the 2009 hurricane season.
