PEARL — The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency wants to remind residents that they should have emergency supplies in their homes as a winter storm bears down on the state. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for most of Mississippi through Friday afternoon. Forecasts call for as much as 8 inches of snow from the Interstate 20 corridor and points to the south beginning Thursday night continuing Friday morning.

“The forecast of heavy wet snow has us concerned with trees taking down power lines causing electrical outages,” MEMA Director Mike Womack said. “Our residents need to be prepared for that possibility.”

MEMA suggests that the following six basic items be stored in an emergency supply kit:

Water – Store at least one gallon of water per person per day.

Food – Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.

First Aid Kit – Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Be sure to include prescription drugs and insulin.

Tools and Emergency Supplies – Include a battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a manual can opener, sanitation items, feminine supplies, garbage bags, paper plates and cups and plastic utensils.

Clothing and Bedding – Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person and blankets.

Special Items – Remember family members with special needs such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Also keep a copy of important family documents, such as insurance policies, social security cards, an inventory of valuable household goods, family records and bank account information in a waterproof container.

MEMA will provide emergency information as soon as it becomes necessary. Follow updates on our website, www.msema.org, and on Facebook and Twitter using MSEMA.

Media with questions can contact MEMA External Affairs at 866-920-MEMA (6362).