PEARL, Miss. (MEMA) – Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is working with local Emergency Managers to access and validate the damage caused by the ongoing Flash Flooding that began on August 22, 2022.
Mississippi experienced record rainfall, some areas received 14 inches of rain within a 72-hour timeframe endangering lives and property. Currently, one injury (Wilkinson County) has been reported to the state due to the severe weather.
At this time, the counties listed have reported damage to MEMA:
Adams
Claiborne
Forrest
Hinds
Humphreys
Leake
Madison
Newton
Neshoba
Rankin
Simpson
Smith
Warren
Wilkinson
Yazoo
At this time, those counties are reporting 42 homes; 9 businesses; 5 farms; and 43 public roads with damage. These numbers will change during the damage assessment process.
This flooding event is not over. As rain continues to fall, rivers are rising. The Pearl River at Jackson is a major concern, projected to crest at 36 feet on Tuesday, August 30th.
In preparation for this flooding event, MEMA has sent out 214,000 sandbags to requesting counties.
To see if your community is at risk residents can use this interactive map from the National Weather Service by clicking here.
Residents that could be impacted by the impending flood need to prepare their families, home, and other property. Your priority should be the physical safety of you, your loved ones, and your pets.
Before the Flood
- Take photos and videos of all major household items and valuables. Retain these documents in a safe place because they are important when filing insurance claims.
- Take photos of the serial numbers for large appliances, such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
- Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.
- Elevate and anchor your critical utilities, including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.
- Make sure that you clear any debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid an accumulation of water.
- When flooding is predicted or imminent, move furniture and valuables to a safe place, such as an attic or the highest floor of your home.
During the Flood
- Stay informed. Listen to your local officials and keep up to date with the latest news and forecast for your area
- Heed any evacuation orders from local officials
- Monitor the road conditions by using the Mississippi Department of Transportation website or app.
After the Flood
- Take photos and videos of the damage, including structural and personal property damage on the inside and outside of your home, before discarding items. Remember to take photos of the insides of closets and cabinets. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to prepare your claim.
- If possible, provide receipts to your adjuster to document damaged property for your flood claim.
- Keep samples of carpeting, wallpaper, furniture upholstery, window treatments, and other items for your adjuster. The type and quality of the material may impact the amount of your claim.
- If the building’s electrical, water, or HVAC systems are damaged you should initiate repairs. Consult your insurance adjuster or insurance company before you sign any cleaning, remediation, or maintenance agreement.
- Report damage to your local officials and MEMA by using the “Self-Report Tool” on MSEMA.org.
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