We changed things in 2018

In June 2018, the City of Biloxi launched a monthly newsletter "Bnews Monthly," which is distributed at the first of each month to all residents of Biloxi.

Instead of publishing the annual citywide "Storm & Flood Preparedness" newsletter the city incorporates storm and flood preparedness news in its monthly newsletter. The city ensures that the newsletter meets the requirements of the Community Rating System, which helps keep flood insurance rates low for Biloxi residents.

Attached are excerpts of the premiere issue of 2018 Bnews Monthly, which was mailed to all residents of Biloxi on June 1, coinciding with the beginning of the 2018 hurricane season. Accordingly, the issue focused on storm and flood preparedness.

This page will be updated throughout the year, to include storm and flood preparedness stories that were included in other issues of Bnews monthly.

(To see the complete Bnews Monthly archive, visit biloxi.ms.us/bnews/

JUNE 2018

A compendium of what’s happening in Biloxi

Storm season may see above-average number of storms The early predictions are in: A total of 14 remember that hurricane forecasting is not named storms, seven hurricanes with three Inside: How to prepare, Pages 9-11 an exact science,” said Gilich who was born major hurricanes expected for the 2018 Online: Storm & Flood info at biloxi.ms.us a month after the Hurricane of ‘47. “We are hurricane season, but Mayor Andrew “FoFo” asking our residents to prepare not only for Gilich reminds Biloxians of an important fact: actually struck Biloxi and the storms but for the everyday risk they face It only takes one. Gulf Coast. from flooding. The 2018 predictions, made annually Hurricane season begins June 1 and “There are plans that you can make now and by Colorado State University Tropical runs through Nov. 30. Historically, August steps that you can take now so that you protect Meteorology Project, are slightly above the has been the prime month for hurricanes, your family, your business and your home.” 30-year average of 12 named storms, and including Katrina in 2005 and Camille in 1969. Among the most important steps: Have a follow up on last year’s disastrous hurricane “For all of the predictions that we see every hurricane kit with emergency supplies and season that included storms such as Harvey, year, and for all of the real-time information have a plan for what you or your family will do Irma and Maria. One storm, Hurricane Nate, supplied by the Hurricane Hunters, we must if a storm threatens.

Oscar Renda: Dry weather has meant good progress Oscar Renda Contracting, the firm overseeing the 55 miles of infrastructure work in east Biloxi north of the CSX railway, is aiming to have Division Street paved from one end to the other in October. Superintendent John Cowart made the announcement after noting weather and additional workers have helped the project move forward. With newly planted seed in “This time last year, east Biloxi endured the background, Hemphill construction workers replace a record-setting amounts of rainfall, which concrete driveway that had been causes two- and three-days of catch up,” in the path of the new waterline. Cowart said. “We have more than 20 crews out there – more than 185 workers – on this job every day and we’re Hemphill: The challenging part is yet to come See video updates at working as quickly Motorists along U.S. 90 can see progress being installed on north-south streets on the biloxi.ms.us as we can.” being made on installing a 16-inch water eastern end of the project, with pipes already Work on parts line along the north side of the highway, pre-positioned along Irish Hill Drive, signaling of Division Street, which have been delayed between downtown at Seashore Methodist, work along that major east-west corridor. by nine months until a gas line could be but Hemphill Construction says the most “Am I pleased with the progress?” declared relocated, is now moving forward. In fact, challenging portions of the work are yet Hemphill Superintendent Tim Murrah. “I’m Cowart said that by the end of June new to come. never pleased. You always want more, but sewer lines, as deep as 30 feet in some The work is part of an 800-day, $23 million we’re doing this job in a different way. We’re areas, will be installed and operational. project to see new water, sewer and drainage finishing as we go, which makes it better for Also by the end of June, Cowart said, new installed in an area from downtown Biloxi the residents and businesses. water should be active across the entire to Seashore Methodist, south of the CSX “We’re trying to do the most work with the project. Pressure testing and chlorinating is Railway. least interruption.” currently underway in the Circle Park area. Workers are currently installing the water However, that’s going to be difficult, Murrah Initial coats of asphalt also are expected to line along the north side of U.S. 90, with admits, as the project progresses. be applied on Couevas between Percy and limited lane closures, and water and sewer “On Howard Avenue and Benachi, we’re Division; on Anglada, Fayard and Reynoir lines will be installed on north and south going to be laying pipe that’s 20-feet deep in south of Division, Hill Street and Lee Street streets connecting U.S. 90 and Irish Hill Drive. a limited amount of right away,” Murrah said, from Suarez to Back Bay. In fact, water and sewer lines are already “We’re asking residents to just bear with us.” biloxi.ms.us Bnews Monthly – June 2018 – 1 June 2018 • Storm & Flood Preparedness Think ahead on evacuations, Heed the call storm shelters Network of sirens sounds the One of the toughest decisions that alarm when danger threatens residents may have to make when a storm approaches is whether they should Biloxi has a system of 10 siren towers to evacuate their property and possessions help alert residents to impending danger, such for either a local shelter or out-of-town as a tornado and hurricanes. accommodations. On the first ednesdayW of every month, the City of Biloxi Depending on the severity of the storm, will conduct a test of the tornado sirens and on the first and that decision can be made for those in low- lying areas: Local authorities may order a last day of hurricane season, the city will test the hurricane mandatory evacuation. sirens. The minute-long, citywide tests will be at noon. In Harrison County, as many as 10 hurricane shelters can be activated in times of peril. A shelter should be refuge of last resort, but residents need to be aware OK, here’s the lineup of 2018 storm names of several factors if they are considering seeking refuge in a shelter. Who’s to say there’s not another Camille, If all names are exhausted before the end The decision to open a shelter is usually Katrina or even Nate in the group? Which of the season, Greek alphabet is used. based on the intensity of a storm and name will gain notoriety this year, or merely By the way, don’t expect to see the names where it is expected to make landfall. Local be lost to the ages? Katrina, Camille, Isidore, Gustav, Nate or a Emergency Management leaders make the There’s no telling at this point, which is why host of others used in the future. decision to open shelters in coordination with preparation is the key. While the World Meteorological the American Red Cross, and the public is Those points notwithstanding, here’s the Organization, which compiles the list of storm notified through the media. lineup of storm names for the 2018 Hurricane names, has been known to repeat a name The shelter sites can vary from year to year Season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30: after seven years, those storms that have and storm to storm. Alberto Helen Oscar been deemed so deadly or costly are retired “The type of weather event, the direction of Beryl Isaac Patty to avoid confusion or insensitivity. a storm and rising tides are just a couple of Chris Joyce Rafael And the common denominator among the factors that go into activating a shelter,” Debby Kirk Sara Katrina, Camille, Isidore, Gustav and Nate? says Biloxi Emergency Manager Michelle Ernesto Leslie Tony They all caused damage in Biloxi. Crowley, a battalion chief in the Biloxi Fire Florence Michael Valerie Department. “The number and location of Gordon Nadine William shelters that are needed to be activated during an event, also have to be considered.” If you think you may seek refuge in a What you can expect to see when a storm threatens shelter, some points to consider: • Bring enough food and water for at least Residents of Biloxi can plan on seeing a constant flow of information regarding weather the first day. bulletins and advice this hurricane season, as well as early warnings about storms. Here are • Bring your own blankets and other key timelines to remember, but remember that these timelines could be revised, based on the personal needs. Cots cannot be size and scope of the storm: guaranteed. • 72 hours before landfall • No pets at typical shelters; no firearms, If Biloxi is in the probability cone, expect to see a recommended evacuation announcement. alcohol or tobacco products are allowed. • 48 hours before landfall • Public transit systems – buses and taxis – If Biloxi is in the probability cone, expect to see a mandatory evacuation order for Category 1 to will stop operating when sustained winds 3 Evacuation Zones, which includes all areas south of the CSX railway, the Biloxi peninsula east reach 35 mph. of I-110, and all flood prone areas along Back Bay of Biloxi, low-lying areas, and area rivers and • If you have an infant, bring an adequate tributaries. (See map on Page 10.) At this point, casino resorts are expected to close. supply of diapers and formula. • 36 hours before landfall • If you or a member of your family is on a If Biloxi is in the probability cone, expect to see a mandatory evacuation order for Category 4 special diet, bring the necessary food. to 5 Evacuation Zones, to include all areas south of I-10 and all flood-prone areas along Back • If you are on prescription medication, try to Bay of Biloxi, low-lying areas, and area rivers and tributaries. (See map on Page 10.) have a two-week supply of medication. If you’re thinking about evacuating, be What you can do now familiar with evacuation routes. Traffic may be Don’t wait until a tropical depression or hurricane is in the Gulf to begin preparing. There are delayed by bridges opening to marine traffic. steps you can take now. See the list on Page 6. Bridges, by the way, will not open for marine traffic when sustained winds reach 35 mph. More info And, finally, if you encounter a flooded • Sign up for B-Alert by texting BILOXI to 888777. You’ll get advisories via text messages. roadway - in times of peril or on a typical • To see evacuation zones and evacuation routes, see map on Page 10. day, remember the oft-repeated advice: • Information also will be available via city Bmail (sign up at biloxi.ms.us), and through a “Turn around, don’t drown.” recorded message on the City of Biloxi Storm Info Line: 228-435-6300. biloxi.ms.us Bnews Monthly – June 2018 – 9 June 2018 • Storm & Flood Preparedness It’s illegal to sweep lawn clippings into the street Chances are, you’ve seen it done or even city is making citywide to drainage systems. dump any material into storm drains, ditches, done it yourself: You cut your lawn, rake up Piling leaves at the curb or sweeping culverts, streams or waterways. (Sec. 9-1-15, the trimmings and pile them near the curb trimmings into the street means that they will Code of Ordinances, 1992). in front of your home. Or, you’ll sweep the eventually find their way into the city’s storm If you see anyone dumping debris into trimmings into the street, where you hope drains. Either bag the leaves for pickup or storm drains, ditches, culverts or streams, they’ll be carried away by the wind. compost them. A stopped-up storm drain please contact the Public Works Department These two scenarios result in one of the or ditch cannot carry run-off water as it is at 435-6271, or online at publicworks@ biggest causes of flooding in the city – intended to do. When it rains, that water can biloxi.ms.us, or the Code Enforcement staff in blocked storm drains. flood streets, your property or your neighbor’s the Community Development Department at These careless or unthinking actions negate property. 435-6270 or online at [email protected]. the millions of dollars in improvements that the It’s actually a violation of city ordinance to

Be sure to get a building permit before construction A ride out of harm’s way When you or a licensed contractor make Coast Transit ready to assist needy repairs or alterations to your property, residents when an evacuation order those repairs should be in compliance with is issued. If you need evacuation established building codes. This ensures that transportation, known as “Demand work is up to code and Response,” it’s free, but you must will be able to withstand register to get a ride to a local shelter. Contractors most weather conditions. Call CTA at 228-896-8080. Registration must have To make sure that your is easy: Your name, address, phone plans are within code, a number and any special needs. You’ll city license building permit must be obtained from the City of get all of the info you need. Property owners Biloxi Building Division are warned to before you build, alter, beware of transient re-grade or fill on your Federal agencies encourage residents to use direct deposit contractors who property. New buildings typically set up in the floodplain must In those critical days after , the Gulf Coast to switch to direct deposit. shop in the wake of be protected from flood the U.S. Treasury Department worked with the The recommendation, offered in light of disasters such as a damage. Biloxi’s building Social Security Administration to get displaced devastating hurricanes, is aimed at ensuring major hurricane or code requires that Social Security and other federal benefit citizens receive their federal benefits without tornado. new buildings must be checks to recipients, as quickly as possible. disruption. Ask to see the elevated to the base flood But those who already were using direct Go Direct makes it easy to sign up for person’s City of Biloxi elevation, plus 1 foot. deposit had immediate access to their funds direct deposit. People can sign up by calling license card, which The code also from virtually anywhere, thanks to ATMs and the toll-free Go Direct helpline at (800) 333- is required to do requires all additions financial institution networks. 1795 or by visiting www.GoDirect.org to sign business in this city. and ‘substantial’ That’s why the Treasury and the Federal up online. To learn more about Go Direct, visit Do not pay any improvements or Reserve Banks – through Go Direct – are urging www.GoDirect.org. money in advance. repairs from damage Social Security check recipients who live along Do not sign any to a building be treated contracts. And do as new construction. not pay any money A substantial Stay tuned for more storm information until the work has improvement or repair The National Weather Service monitors hurricane and Television WXRG 105.9 been inspected and is one in which the storm activity, and issues official bulletins to local and WLOX-TV 13 WXYK 107.1 approved by a city value of an addition, regional TV and radio stations. Since television coverage WXXV-TV 25 WZKX 107.9 alteration, repair or inspector. may be interrupted by power outages, you should also The Weather reconstruction project If you have have a battery-operated radio to follow emergency Channel Radio-AM exceeds 50 percent of any questions advisories. It is vital that you monitor these weather WQFX 1130 the total value of the or concerns, call broadcasts, especially as a storm approaches. Radio-FM WBSL 1190 existing building. the Community Additionally, the City of Biloxi relays vital information on WQYZ 92.5 WGCM 1240 Before you begin Development a regular basis. The current temperature, conditions and WMJY 93.7 WROA 1390 a project, contact the Department at forecast are displayed 24/7 at the top corner of the city’s WJZD 94.5 WXBD 1490 Building Division at 435-6280. website at biloxi.ms.us. WZNF 95.3 WTNI 1640 435-6270 or online at Sign up to receive timely text alerts by texting BILOXI WUJM 96.7 [email protected]. to 888777. Sign up for the Bmail by visiting biloxi.ms.us/ WCPR 97.9 Online Qualified staff can help make sure that your register. WKNN 99.1 Facebook.com/ project complies with building codes. Biloxi Look right for a list of local outlets where you can WGCM 102.3 cobiloxi is currently under the 2012 International obtain information. WBUV 104.9 Building Code, and the 2014 National Electrical Code.

10 – Bnews Monthly – June 2018 biloxi.ms.us June 2018 • Storm & Flood Preparedness

Legend City of Biloxi Biloxi City Limits Evacuation Zone 1-3 Hurricane Evacuation Zones Evacuation Zone 4-5

JOHN LEE RD

OLD HWY 67

67

WOOLMARKET RD NEW HWY 67 WASH FAYARD RD

HWY 15 605 HWYOLD 15 LORRAINE RD

SHRINERS BLVD ¨¦

I-10 10 10

I-10 ¨ ¦ I-10 B SMART Scan to download

CAMPBELL DR an evacuation map CEDAR LAKE RD

JAM LN BRODIE RD LAMEY ST VEE ST

BRASHER RD WELLS DR

110

Keesler Air Force Base BACK BAY BLVD POPP'S FERRY RD BAYVIEW AVE ATKINSON RD

I-110

HILLER DR PASS RD DIVISION ST

RODEO DR

RICH AVE RICH

BIG LAKE RD PORTER AVE PORTER

IRISH HILL DR OAK ST LEE ST

DEBUYS RD HOWARD AVE MAIN ST 90

WHITEAVE VETERANS AVE

BEAUVOIR RD 90

U.S. 90 / BEACH BLVD What to do and when to do it Before a hurricane approaches or NOW • Fully charged cell phone each window. Remember to mark which board fits • Store important papers in a waterproof container which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for Plan an evacuation route. or resealable plastic bag. Among the important screws. Do this long before the storm. • Review the evacuation route by clicking on the documents: insurance, medical records, bank Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Evacuation Map link in the Storm and Flood account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Check into flood insurance. Preparedness section of the city website. Determine Make arrangements for pets. • You can find out about the National Flood Insurance the safest evacuation route for you. Be ready to • Pets are not allowed in typical emergency shelters Program through your local insurance agent or drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place. for health and space reasons. Contact your local emergency management office. There is normally a Prepare a storm kit that includes the following items: humane society for information on local animal 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes • Flashlight and extra batteries shelters. effective. Homeowners polices do not cover damage • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries Make sure that all family members know how to from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane. • First-aid kit and manual respond after a hurricane. Develop an emergency communication plan. • Duct tape • Teach family members how and when to turn off • In case family members are separated from one • Emergency food and water (at least one gallon of gas, electricity, and water. another during a disaster (a real possibility during water per person per day for three to seven days; • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, the day when adults are at work and children are at non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices; or fire department and which radio station to tune to school), have a plan for getting back together. paper plates and plastic utensils; cooking tools) for emergency information. • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the • Non-electric can opener • Protect your windows. “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to • Essential medicines • Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family • Cash and credit cards cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 knows the name, address, and phone number of the • Sturdy shoes inch plywood – marine plywood is best – cut to fit contact person.

See more Storm & Flood Preparedness info in Bnews Monthly each month of hurricane season. biloxi.ms.us Bnews Monthly – June 2018 – 11