HURRICANE

in their workplaces.

Campanella shares three main steps residents can take to plan for the event of a storm: collect, share, and practice. First, residents should collect important documents — including emergency contacts, identification, and insurance policies — in a safe place. Second, residents should share copies of those documents with family members. And third, residents should establish a set of plans in the event of prospective emergencies, then practice each plan every few months.

Planning for an emergency also involves knowing emergency utility shutoff procedures and being able to identify the alarms of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

One advantage that Oktibbeha residents have in the event of severe weather is CodeRED, a free notification service provided by Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors and the City of Starkville. Campanella says CodeRED serves as a backbone for Emergency Management’s emergency planning and communication’s outreach.

Once an Oktibbeha resident signs up for the service, CodeRED sends notifications of severe weather based on the address the resident provides.

“If you’re receiving an alert, you should take action,” Campanella explains.

Notifications can be sent by text, call, or email, and residents can tailor the service to particular weather conditions. You can access this free service from the CodeRED link on the Oktibbeha County website. If anyone needs help setting up CodeRED, the resident can call the office of Oktibbeha County Emergency Management for help: 662-338-1076.

Campanella encourages Oktibbeha residents to sign up for CodeRED, but she also warns against solely depending on the service. Residents should have several ways to receive weather information.