Disaster Response
Extension publications, news articles, and videos are online to provide Mississippians with the information they need to stay safe before, during, and after any disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleanup & Repairs
- Are dishes, eating utensils, pots, pans, or other food utensils that have come in contact with flood water safe?
- How do I dry the walls of my house after flooding?
- How can I clean my rugs and carpets?
- How do I clean flood-soiled clothing?
- How do I clean my dishes and utensils after they have been flooded?
- My furniture got damp and has white spots and a cloudy film on it.
- My mattress is damp. Can I save it?
- My wood furniture was soaked. Is it ruined?
- Are there tips for cleanup safety?
Coping with Disasters
- Coping with Stress after a Tornado
- Coping with Grief after a Disaster
- Nurturing Resilience and Healing in Children and Teens Affected by a Tornado
- Children Need Help Coping with Disaster
- 988 aims to expand mental health crisis response
Finances
- Coping Financially with Disasters
Crops
Flooding
- Are dishes, eating utensils, pots, pans, or other food utensils that have come in contact with flood water safe?
- Floodwater got into my refrigerator and freezer. Is the food safe?
- How can I clean my rugs and carpets?
- How do I clean flood-soiled clothing?
- How do I clean my dishes and utensils after they have been flooded?
- How do I dry the walls of my house after flooding?
- My furniture got damp and has white spots and a cloudy film on it
- My mattress is damp. Can I save it?
Food and Water
- Floodwater got into my refrigerator and freezer. Is the food safe?
- How can I cook if the power is off?
- How do I purify water?
- How long will food last in the refrigerator after the power has gone off?
- How long will food stay safe in the freezer if the power is off?
- If food has thawed, must I throw it out?
- Is it safe to drink the water?
- Is canned food safe to eat after a flood or storm?
Lawn and Garden
Pets
Power, Generators, Electricity & Appliances
- How can I cook if the power is off?
- Is it safe to turn on electrical appliances in my flood-damaged home?
Timber, Trees and Forestry
- Casualty losses shade trees and landscape elements
- Frequently asked questions about timber casualty losses
- Income tax deduction for timber casualty loss
- Repairing storm-damaged shade ornamental and fruit trees
Wildlife, Pests & Snakes
Audio Files
Flooding
Food & Water
Health & Family Needs
Lawn & Garden
- Hurricane Cleanup Advice - Southern Gardening Radio Show files:
Money & Finances
Power, Generators, Electricity & Appliances
Safety
Timber, Trees and Forestry
Wildlife
- Snakes (MP3 audio file)
More Information
Websites of Relief Agencies and Organizations
- American Red Cross
- DisasterAssistance.gov
- EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network)
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
- Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund
- Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
- National Hurricane Center at NOA
- Salvation Army National Headquarters
- Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Program
- USDA Emergency Preparedness and Response
Disaster Handbooks and Guides
- Disaster Response: Planning & Rebuilding Toolkit Version 1.1.
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Publications
News
EGYPT, Miss. -- On hot days, Robert Thompson’s beef cows used to retreat to a cluster of trees in the middle of his pasture for shade.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- After natural disasters, food and shelter are prioritized well above mental health, but ignoring emotional distress can lead to serious physical health conditions.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- A Mississippi State University Extension program coordinator will serve as chair of the Extension Disaster Education Network, EDEN, for a two-year term.
Success Stories
In Rolling Fork, the Mississippi town in Sharkey County devastated by a twister on March 24, 2023, despair was not an option.
When Kathryn Reed saw that young people in her community needed more opportunities to participate in activities to help them grow spiritually and personally, she took action.
“We have a lot of activities for adults in our community, but there was nothing for our pre-teens and teenagers,” explains Kathryn. “We are losing them when they get to that age.”
Assessing and Adjusting
In one day, bad weather can change the potential of a farm’s crop. Bad weather for a whole week can kill all the potential.
