Brace yourselves. Hurricane Katrina is coming, and we don’t know what it could bring the Miss-Lou: an influx of visitors, a torrent of rain, a possibility of wind damage.

We do know Natchez will be as prepared as possible, thanks to local volunteers and emergency responders.

When Ivan hit the coast last year, Natchez was a haven for hundreds of evacuees.

Although state officials are encouraging people fleeing from Katrina to head as far north as possible, we expect many people will want to return to a community where they found tremendous hospitality last year.

And the Adams County Red Cross chapter still needs volunteers to help man shelters in the Natchez area.

Training began Saturday night, and another session will be held at 1 p.m. today. The primary shelter at the Steckler Multipurpose Center will open at 9 a.m., and

Nurses and nursing students are especially valuable to the shelters, Red Cross officials said.

If you can’t volunteer, you are welcome to bring supplies.

Although evacuees have been urged to bring personal supplies such as bedding, toiletries and air mattresses, those items can be donated to the shelters as well.

We hope Natchez won’t need its shelters for local people, but we don’t know how hard Katrina might hit the Miss-Lou.

Volunteers and donors can call (601) 442-3656 for more information about the Red Cross and storm efforts.