Mississippi
Things to know...
Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!
-
Weather & Natural Disasters
Mississippi’s weather is characterized by hot, humid summers, with temperatures often reaching the low 90s, while winters are mild, averaging between 40°F and 60°F. The state is prone to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and the occasional hurricane along the Gulf Coast.
Tornados
Mississippi’s peak tornado season spans from March to May, with an average of 30 tornadoes occurring annually. If you hear a siren, it's crucial to immediately head to your designated tornado shelter or safe room. It's also wise to keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for several days and to regularly practice your family's tornado plan, just as you would a fire escape plan.
Hurricanes & Flooding
Hurricane season in Mississippi spans from June to November, with the peak of storms occurring from August to October. Due to the state’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi is at high risk for hurricanes and tropical storms, which bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and coastal flooding. It’s crucial to have an evacuation plan in place, especially if you live near the coast. If a hurricane warning is issued, follow local evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to protect your home.
Flooding can occur year-round, especially after hurricanes or heavy rainfall. Mississippi has many river systems, and flash flooding is a risk during intense storms. Never drive through floodwaters, as just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and two feet can carry away most vehicles.
Prepare
Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.
For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
-
Neighbourhoods
Ocean Springs
Located on Singing River Island in the Mississippi Sound, Naval Station Pascagoula was a U.S. Navy installation that played a vital role in supporting naval units. It is now Ingalls Shipbuilding, a shipyard located in Pascagoula and the largest military shipbuilding company in the United States. CAF families can search in the surrounding communities of Ocean Springs for housing options. Ocean Springs is a charming coastal town with a strong community atmosphere, historic downtown, and access to outdoor recreation along the Gulf of Mexico. Commuting from Ocean Springs to Pascagoula typically takes about 30 minutes hours by car depending on traffic conditions.
Neighborhood Navigator: A tool from Military One Source that helps you explore and learn more about a community, including information on schools, amenities, demographics, and more.
-
Naval Station Pascagoula
For members posted to Pascagoula their military installation will be Keesler AFB which is located in Biloxi. For more detailed information about the base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source or the Keesler AFB 81st FSS website.
Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards should have access to Keesler AFB, which offers a variety of amenities, including a commissary, exchange, and numerous Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. These include bowling, arts and crafts, a library, golf course, gym, fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pool, and outdoor activities like fishing and camping.
-
Getting Around
Getting around Pascagoula and Biloxi is primarily car-dependent.
-
On-Base Medical Treatment Facility
CAF members posted to Pascagoula and dependants need to seek services through Keesler AFB in Biloxi.
The 81st Medical Group at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, provides comprehensive medical services to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.
Unsure about your healthcare coverage? Visit our Healthcare in the U.S. webpage, where you'll find tailored pathways for personalized coverage details.
-
Critters & Wildlife
Mississippi is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake and the cottonmouth, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in wooded areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, fire ants, and occasional encounters with alligators in more rural or coastal regions. Compared to Canada, Mississippi’s warmer climate supports a greater number of reptiles and insects, making routine pest control recommended to manage mosquitoes, termites, and other pests that thrive in the humid environment.
-
Children's Education
There are several public schools within a 25-mile radius of Ocean Springs.
It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters.
-
Child Care
Child Development Centers
Child Development Centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care, and respite care. Child Development Centers vary in size, and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
For a full list of military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps, visit MilitaryChildCare.com. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.
Additional Child and Developement Resources
Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.
-
Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
The Mississippi Department of Revenue provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.
