Mississippi Urban League hosts 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness Fair

The Mississippi Urban League hosted community members and local organizations at the Jackson Medical Mall on August 22nd for its 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness Fair. 

Dr. Portia Espy, President and CEO of the Mississippi Urban League, emphasized why such events are important. “This is an event to help save lives in our community, save property, inform people, and help to create a more resilient community,” she said.

Held during the peak of hurricane season, the Fair brought together dozens of organizations to equip families with the tools and resources needed to navigate emergencies. 

One of the most impactful features of the Fair was the distribution of emergency “go bags.” Attendees walked through tables of participating organizations, collecting items to build their own kits. The bags included waterproof pouches for critical documents like birth certificates and driver’s licenses, portable weather radios, and vital information about where to turn for food, shelter, and assistance in the aftermath of a disaster. “We want to make sure that people have kits that they can take with them that are full of valuable information and resources they would need before and after a severe weather event,” Espy explained. For many families, having these tools on hand could mean the difference between life and death when disaster strikes unexpectedly.

The Fair featured a wide range of partners, each offering resources to address different aspects of disaster recovery. The Mississippi Food Network provided guidance on managing food insecurity during emergencies. The American Red Cross introduced its mobile app, which functions as a weather radio and delivers alerts about shelter locations, meal availability, and other resources. 

Legal and financial preparedness was also addressed. Representatives from the Mississippi Center for Justice educated attendees on property issues, highlighting the importance of having legal documentation for homes and land. 
Dr. Espy explained, without a name on a property deed, families could lose access to critical recovery assistance after a disaster. “If your name is not on the deed, you can’t prove that this is your home and entitled to whatever monetary support may be available to help you recover,” she said.

The Disaster Preparedness Fair highlighted the importance of proactive planning. While many families focus on immediate safety during storms, long term preparedness ensures those affected can bounce back more quickly. 

Espy noted  the Mississippi Urban League plans to expand these efforts, with a similar event scheduled in the Delta this fall. “We want to make sure that we can have communities that are resilient, not reactive, but proactive, and this is how we can best do that,” she said.