PEARL, Miss. (MEMA) – Hurricane Season officially starts June 1 and runs through November 30. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges residents to be prepared and know the resources available throughout hurricane season. “Forecasters are predicting a “below-average” season, but in Mississippi, citizens know to be prepared,” said MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “Protect your lives, family, and property by having a plan, a disaster kit ready to go, and those important documents stored in a safe place.” During Hurricane Season, citizens should keep at least 72 hours of ..read more

KEY MESSAGES: Ø Be aware of duplication of benefits. Ø Spend your money wisely. Ø Humphreys County Document Assistance Drop-Off Center is closing indefinitely on June 2. PEARL, Miss. – As The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and our federal and state partners continue to respond to the deadly tornadoes that hit our state on March 24-25, 2023, we remind people to be aware of duplication of benefits. By law, federal assistance cannot duplicate the benefits provided by insurance, loans, or other grants. If an applicant spends their FEMA aid on anything other than the intended purpose, they ..read more

KEY MESSAGES: Document Assistance Drop-off Center opening in Sharkey County and Humphreys County Remaining Disaster Recovery Centers close at 5:00 p.m., May 25 The last day to apply for FEMA assistance is May 25 PEARL, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and our federal and state partners continue to respond to the deadly tornadoes that hit our State on March 24-25, 2023. Currently, over 7,500 survivors have applied for FEMA assistance. However, roughly 4,000 applicants are missing the necessary documentation to complete their applications. That is why Document Assistance Dro ..read more

March 24th Severe Weather Update #19 KEY MESSAGES: Two-month assistance update Disaster Recovery Centers Closing The last day for homeowners/renters to apply for FEMA Assistance is May 25, 2023.   PEARL, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and our federal and State partners continue to respond to the deadly tornadoes that hit our State on March 24-25, 2023. Those storms claimed the lives of 22 Mississippians. As of today, survivors have received over $10 million in FEMA grants and over $16 million in Small Business Administration assistance has been approved. The America ..read more

Pearl, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, FEMA, and multiple state and local partners continue to respond to the March 24, 2023, tornadoes (DR-4697-MS). Key Messages: The May 25 deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is one week away. The May 25 deadline to apply for SBA assistance is approaching. Updated Disaster Recovery Center operating hours. FEMA/SBA assistance numbers. How to Appeal a FEMA denial. Additional Housing Information. May 25, 2023, DEADLINE to Apply for FEMA ASSISTANCE APPLY NOW at DisasterAssistance.gov Or Call: 800-621-3362   D ..read more

Fake or unlicensed contractors may try to take advantage of Mississippi residents affected by the March 24-25 tornadoes. Insurance settlements, grants and loans allow homeowners to begin work on their damaged homes. But homeowners need to hire contractors who are authorized to do the work, will complete the work, and will do a good job. Watch Out Scam artists may be in your community after a disaster. Be suspicious if you encounter: High pressure sales or scare tactics. Lack of references. People with no permanent place of business. Those seeking a handshake agreement or resisting giving a ..read more

Why would I need to appeal? Some Mississippians who applied for FEMA disaster assistance have gotten a determination letter they don’t agree with. If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal. Every survivor has the right to appeal. By appealing, you are asking FEMA to review your case. If you think FEMA’s decision on the amount of assistance, or the type of assistance, is wrong, submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support your claim. Does my appeal letter need to be well-written? No. Simply state specifically what you are appealing (refer to your determination letter ..read more

Pearl, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, FEMA and multiple state and local partners continue to respond to the March 24, 2023, tornadoes (DR-4697-MS) The May 25th deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is quickly approaching. The May 25th deadline to apply for SBA assistance is approaching for business owners and homeowners. Updated Disaster Recovery Center operating hours FEMA/SBA assistance numbers May 25, 2023, DEADLINE to Apply for FEMA ASSISTANCE  APPLY NOW at DisasterAssistance.gov  Or Call: 800-621-3362  Disaster Recovery Center ..read more

Central, Miss. — FEMA, in partnership with the State of Mississippi, is hiring state residents to assist with recovery efforts from the March 24-25 tornadoes and severe storms. The agency has more than a dozen openings for a variety of short-term, full-time jobs based at FEMA’s temporary offices in the surrounding areas. The temporary positions are for 120 days, but may be extended based on the needs of the disaster. Hiring locally allows Mississippi residents to help their neighbors with their recovery. Hiring locally is part of FEMA’s commitment to the community. And hiring lo ..read more

Pearl, Miss. –  The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is saddened to learn that one of the Sharkey County citizens hospitalized due to the March 24th tornadoes has passed away. This, unfortunately, brings the death toll in Sharkey County to 14, and statewide is 22 due to the severe weather. Our thoughts are with the families who’ve lost loved ones and are still recovering from the storms.     ### The post March 24, 2023, Severe Weather Update #16 first appeared on MEMA ..read more