JACKSON, Miss.- Governor Tate Reeves today announced that the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Mississippi National Guard, Mississippi State Department of Health, Mississippi Forestry Commission, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture, Andy Gipson, in conjunction with Hinds County and the City of Jackson are opening water distribution supersites throughout the area impacted by the water crisis.
“Getting these water distribution sites up and running quickly was a top priority,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Local, state, and federal officials are working together in tandem to ensure that everyone in Jackson has the supplies they need to weather this crisis. As the state works to repair Jackson’s water system, we’ll ensure these sites are well stocked and able to meet the needs of the people.”
“Within 48 hours of the Emergency Measures Declaration, seven state distribution sites will offer bottled water, bulk non-potable water, and hand sanitizer to those impacted by the recent water crisis,” says MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “Water is a basic human need, and life safety remains our priority,” adds McCraney.
These sites will open at noon on Thursday, September 1, 2022, until 6:30 p.m.
Each POD will be open for water pick-up daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. until further notice.
The seven points-of-distribution (POD) sites are:
State Fairgrounds
1207 Mississippi Street
Jackson, MS
Metro Center Mall
3645 Highway 80
Jackson, MS
Smith Wills Stadium
1200 Lakeland Dr
Jackson, MS
Thomas Cardozo Middle School
3180 McDowell RD Ext
Jackson, MS
Northwest Jackson Middle School
7020 Highway 49
Jackson, MS
Affected residents are asked to bring sealable containers to collect non-potable water for sanitation needs such as washing clothes, flushing toilets, personal hygiene, etc.
The Mississippi National Guard has deployed approximately 600 MSNG service members to work these distribution sites. Maj. General Janson D. Boyles, The Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard, says, “The Mississippi National Guard is dedicated to providing expedient support to our neighbors, family, and friends impacted by the ongoing water crisis. In coordination with the Governor’s Office, our interagency partners, and civil authorities, we are allocating personnel and vital resources to ensure the critical needs of our citizens are met. We are here to serve.”
One of the seven points of distribution sites is the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, operated by Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. Gipson says, “We are proud to be able to assist the people of Jackson during this time of crisis, and we appreciate the efforts of Gov. Reeves, MEMA, the National Guard, and so many other agencies who are all pulling the same direction to help get water to those in need. For decades, the Mississippi State Fairgrounds has served as an emergency response center. We are ready to continue our efforts as we support the State’s emergency response team.”
The state of Mississippi is working diligently to resolve the water issues and provide safe drinking water for the citizens of Jackson.
___________________________________________________
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s Call Center is OPEN for residents affected by the Jackson Water Crisis. This call center will be a place for residents to turn to get information on resources available. The Call Center will be open for business starting today, September 1, 2022.
The call center number is: 1-833-591-6362
Hours of Operation: Sunday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
###
