DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Lafayette County is not immune to natural disasters. Severe thunderstorms that produce lightning and hail are common in the late spring and early summer months. Winter storms, including ice storms, are possible, as well as flash flooding and even earthquakes. The Lafayette County and Oxford emergency management agencies encourage each and every new family who moves into Lafayette County to purchase a Specific Area Message Encoding NOAA All-Hazards Radio for weather and disaster warnings and information. Both agencies will help in the selection and programming of these radios if you have any questions on what to purchase or on the use of the radio. In Oxford, tune into 1630 AM for emergency information.
COMMUNITY STORM SHELTERS Lafayette County and the City of Oxford have installed community storm shelters at most county fire stations and city buildings. The shelters are to remain empty, open and unlocked. Not meant for long-term sheltering, they’re a place to take cover in the event of severe wind storms, severe lightning or tornadoes. Each set of shelters holds 38 people, but as many as 60 can squeeze in if need be. Shelters are for humans and guide dogs only.
WARNING SIRENS Tornado warning sirens are located throughout the Oxford city limits and on the University of Mississippi campus. These sirens are tested every Wednesday at noon, weather permitting. Lafayette County currently has 27 sirens placed around areas like Taylor, Abbeville and Harmontown. A link to a map of the locations of the county sirens and shelters can be found on the EMA page of the Lafayette County website: LafayetteCOMS.com. If you have any questions or need more information on specific emergencies or volunteer opportunities, call Oxford Emergency Management Coordinator Jimmy Allgood at 662816-7649 or Lafayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Quarles at 662-234-5667. 16
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INSIDE OXFORD
