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

  • Find Information on Meeting Immediate Needs

  • Acknowledge the Situation to Move Forward to Improve Your Financial Outlook

  • Getting Financial and Housing Assistance

  • Cash Flow after a Disaster

  • Financial Counseling and Education

  • Avoid Disaster Fraud

  • Document Your Losses

  • Replacing Lost Documents

  • File Insurance Claims

  • Financial Decisions after the Death of a Loved One

  • Giving Financially

Crops

• Cotton questions after a hurricane
• What are some management tips for hurricane-damaged corn fields?

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

• Does my lawn need special care after an hurricane?

Pets

• Will emergency first aid used for injured humans also work for animals?

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

• Wildlife Flooding Information FAQ

 

Audio Files

Flooding

• Flood Damaged Electrical Appliances

Food & Water

• Cleaning Canned Goods
• Discarding Unsafe Foods
• Food Safety

Health & Family Needs

• Children and Stress

Lawn & Garden

• Hurricane Cleanup Advice - Southern Gardening Radio Show files:
  • Monday, September 19, 2005: MP3
  • Tuesday, September 20, 2005: MP3
  • Wednesday, September 21, 2005: MP3
  • Thursday, September 22, 2005: MP3

Money & Finances

• Don't Get Taken By Unethical Repair People I
• Don't Get Taken By Unethical Repair People II

Power, Generators, Electricity & Appliances

• Flood Damaged Electrical Appliances
• Generator Safety

Safety

• Chain Saw Safety
• Generator Safety

Timber, Trees and Forestry

• Chain Saw Safety

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